Introducing The Stages  -  Foundations

The 6 Stages of Spiritual Development start at Foundations. In this stage, the new believer needs to understand that the essence of Christianity is having a personal relationship with the Lord. Christianity is not about doing the right things, not doing the wrong things, acting a certain way, or any other similar thing. Yes, we need to be transformed into His likeness - but behaviors will come as we develop a relationship with God and renew our minds. Eternal Life is for those who know the Father and His Son, Jesus, who He sent. (John 17:3)

Stage Objective:

Before we begin to educate and train the new believer in how Christians should act, we believe we need to teach them:

1.

The Essence of Christianity being a personal relationship with the Lord.

2.

The Who, What, When, Where, and Why of Christianity.

Mentor Focus:

In this initial stage of spiritual development, mentors need to be absorbing the new believer into their life. Following Paul’s example, we need to share with the new disciple not only the Gospel of God, but our very lives. (1 Thessalonians 2:8)

Mentors need to think of their disciple much like a parent does with an infant or very young toddler. Though the student may be personally very mature, they are very fresh and vulnerable in their faith. Therefore, mentors need to:

1.

Be in contact with and available to their disciple multiple times throughout the week.

2.

Direct their disciples’ initial spiritual activities.

No one would put down a baby and not think about it for 7 days! Whether it’s by email, telephone, or meetings over coffee, mentors need to be watchful, regularly in touch, helping to set their student on a successful course in developing their new relationship with the Lord.