A DISCIPLESHIP PATHWAY

It's easy to imagine (or simply hope) that we are growing in discipleship without having a clear idea of what that might look like or what we could do to be more intentional about growth. Recent work by LifeWay Research has shown that there are key marker points for growth as a disciple, which can help us know for sure that we are on the right path.

The diagram below shows the characteristics that "ought to be present, in increasing measure, in the life of someone who is growing towards Christlikeness":

Here are some suggested first steps for each of the signposts:

• Obey God and deny self: try doing a daily examen
  
• Engage with scripture: there are so many great resources to explore, but you could start here
  
• Share Christ: ask God for opportunities to speak to others about faith
  
• Exercise faith: pray some big prayers and stay faithful in asking
  
• Seek God: spend some time each day simply resting in God’s presence
  
• Build relationships: ask God to show you someone with whom you feel a connection and seek to be a good friend to them
  
• Live unashamed: find an accountability partner and be honest with them about any struggles you may be facing
  
• Serve God and others: serve on a team or volunteer in the community, e.g. Breathing Space, Storehouse, etc.