“Reveal” is a professional survey (200 US churches and 80,000 Christians) developed by Willow Creek Community Church based near Chicago. It seeks to measure spiritual growth. The aim is to develop disciples and to examine what catalyses movement from ‘where we are’ to ‘where God wants us to be’. Its results identify practices which promote spiritual growth, encouraging people along a continuum defined as:
1) Exploring Christ – I believe in God, but I am not sure about Jesus. My faith is not a significant part of my life.
2) Growing in Christ – I believe in Jesus and am working on what it means to get to know him.
3) Close to Christ – I feel really close to Jesus and depend on him daily for guidance.
4) Christ-Centred – My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in my life. It guides everything I do.
The biggest chasm between these stages is believed to be moving from 3) to 4).
Bishop Mike asked four from the Diocese to attend the above Conference in Chicago and report back. This brief paper highlights some of the findings which I bring to the Cathedral Council for information. Two books “Reveal” and “Follow Me” written following the survey activity give a fuller description of the results.
The Survey is not yet available in the UK and may be by 2010. Notwithstanding, there are discoveries and actions worthy of note from the North American findings.
This summary is necessarily brief and more can be gleaned from www.willowcreek.com and www.revealnow.com from which the books are also available.
The most significant practices for spiritual growth are found to be:
a) Reflecting on scripture
b) Developing core Christian beliefs
c) Developing personal spiritual disciplines e.g. prayer, tithing, solitude, journaling, bible reading and reflection (those things one does alone)
d) Serving – particularly those in need, but also initially serving and activity within the church community
e) Participating in Christian Community in different ways e.g. small groups, meeting together
Overall, engagement with the bible was found to be the most central to development and applicable at all levels. Developing core Christian beliefs is an essential foundation and as movement takes place into the behaviours listed, these are responses which continue to encourage spiritual development and discipleship.
Christ-Centred followers are described as having the greatest Kingdom impact, but they too still have enormous potential to grow. They are most likely to lead, encourage growth and activate others in their own spiritual journeys.
The most successful churches measured in terms of spiritual growth get their people moving along the spiritual continuum, embed the bible in everything they do, create ownership of their church community by those who attend and pastor their local community.
The top 5 things people wanted were:
• Help with understanding the bible better
• Help with developing a personal relationship with Christ
• The provision of strong programmes for children
• Challenge to grow and take the next steps
• The provision of compelling worship services
The Diocese, through Deaneries and in individual churches, is currently working on ways in which these activities and findings can be best integrated by our Christian leaders to develop more effective disciples within growing Christ-Centred communities of faith.
The key theme of the 2010-15 Strategy for the Diocese of Bristol is “Releasing the Energy” – releasing our potential as a Church so that we might more fully and fruitfully participate in the mission of God. We encourage the whole people of God to participate in this, and it is my hope that the whole Diocese will note and support this endeavour.
David Froude – Chairman, Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance Limited
December 2008