Growing in faith: one step at a time // Divergent Church Port Macquarie

Grow with us at Divergent Church Port Macquarie

Faith isn’t a one-time decision. It’s a journey. Every journey requires both movement and intention, as well as a willingness to grow. Both long time followers of Jesus and new explorers of faith must focus on personal growth. The contrast between a lifeless religious routine and a dynamic relationship with God that brings life defines spiritual growth.

What do we observe when someone experiences spiritual growth? How can we use to maintain momentum and prevent ourselves from feeling trapped? None of this is rocket science, but that is what health is always like whether natural or spiritual. So maybe it is just a reminder for you, but nonetheless let's go.

1. Stay Rooted in God’s Word

Growth starts with knowing God. And the best way to know Him? Dive into His Word.

The Bible functions as a dynamic and powerful force beyond its historical origins:

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12).

The practice of daily scripture reading and application transforms life through understanding: "

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Don’t just skim it—engage with it. Take notes. Ask questions. Let it challenge you.

2. Prioritise Prayer

Consider how growth in a friendship would be impossible if you never communicated with your friend. That’s what happens when we neglect prayer. Prayer is more than a request to God—it enables connection with Him through listening and developing trust:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7).

Make prayer a daily habit. Whether they are brief or extended prayers, or murmured supplications amid daily turmoil, they hold significance:

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

3. Lean into Community

Faith requires community. We grow best when we are surrounded by fellow believers who provide encouragement, support, and challenge us to improve:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Get plugged into church. Join a life community. Connect with individuals who will share this spiritual path alongside you.

Authentic community reinforces our faith while keeping us accountable:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

4. Embrace Discipleship

Jesus’ invitation to us goes beyond belief—He also asked us to follow His example. Discipleship requires learning from others while simultaneously helping others develop their faith:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20).

Seek out a mentor who will guide your personal development. As you learn, be sure to invest your knowledge in others. Growing in faith involves both receiving and giving:

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Timothy 2:2).

5. Serve Others

Faith is more than just believing—it’s living out what we believe. Jesus modelled a servant lifestyle and calls us to do the same:

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45).

Active faith develops through serving—whether that’s volunteering at church, helping a neighbour, or supporting local missions:

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13).

This shift in focus—from ourselves to others—reflects Jesus’ example:

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Philippians 2:3-4).

6. Walk Through the Hard Seasons

Growth happens not only in easy times but also through challenges. Some of the most significant spiritual development occurs in life’s most difficult moments. Trials stretch us.

Our faith strengthens when we rely on God through difficulties:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4).

When things feel overwhelming, lean into Him. Even when you cannot see what He’s doing, remain confident because He is always working:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28).

Faith deepens through hardships, not just through celebrations.

7. Live with Obedience

Spiritual growth isn’t just about knowing—it’s about doing. When we hear God speaking, we need to respond. We step out in faith even when it scares us:

"He replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'" (Luke 11:28).

Growth happens when we trust God’s plan over our own:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Obedience isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it:

"If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15).

8. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

True spiritual growth means deepening your relationship with Jesus rather than simply checking off religious tasks. Keeping our focus on Him ensures that everything else falls into place:

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2).

Keep seeking Him. Keep trusting Him. Keep walking forward in faith, knowing that He is with you every step of the way:

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10).

Divergent Church Port Macquarie and other locations provide a place for you to grow in faith alongside other believers.

Come along as we journey together toward our common goal.

Join us, connect, and continue growing in your faith!