Growing in your Christian faith is not just a one-time event—it’s a lifelong process. Whether you’re a new Christian, a baby Christian just starting your faith journey, or a mature Christian seeking deeper intimacy with God, understanding the process of spiritual growth is essential.

Unfortunately, many new believers or even those who have attended church for a long time struggle to grow in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps it’s because they were never discipled, or they’re unsure about the next step to take. If that sounds familiar, this guide will walk you through how to grow spiritually using biblical wisdom, personal application, and time-tested disciplines from both the Old Testament and New Testament.

Whether you’ve been walking with Christ for decades or you’re a newborn baby in the faith, these practical steps will help you understand spiritual growth and how to experience it on a regular basis.

Growing as Christian requires: (1) Understanding the spiritual growth process; (2) evaluating the areas in your life needed for spiritual maturity; (3) establish a biblical plan to address those areas, and (4) implement an accountability partnership to keep you moving forward. Below is a detailed explanation of each step and some practical advice to help you get started.

1. Understand the Spiritual Growth Process

Many people attend Sunday morning worship, hear a sermon, and walk away unchanged. They know growth is important, but they don’t understand how the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the body of Christ work together in that process.

New Birth and the Role of the Word

The journey of a growing Christian begins at salvation, when a person trusts in the Savior Jesus Christ. At that moment, they become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), but also a newborn babe in need of nurturing. Like newborn babies, spiritual children need pure spiritual milk and the pure milk of the Word to grow strong (1 Peter 2:2, New International Version).

This spiritual food isn’t optional—it’s the only way to develop strength, wisdom, and maturity. As Peter said, “Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” A person must regularly consume spiritual food—the Bible, prayer, worship, and obedience—to move from milk to solid food (Hebrews 5:12-14).

It is also important to understand that when you become a Christian a whole host of incredible spiritual blessings become yours the moment you put your faith in Jesus Christ.

First, you are declared righteous before God—this is what theologians call justification. Even though you may not always live perfectly, God sees you as righteous because of Jesus’s finished work on the cross. His righteousness is credited to your account.

Second, you are adopted into God’s family. The Bible says that every believer becomes a child of God and a co-heir with Christ (Romans 8:16–17). You are no longer a spiritual outsider—you belong to God’s household.

Third, you are fully forgiven of your sins—past, present, and future. The burden of guilt is lifted, and you can live in the freedom of God’s grace.

Finally, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Spirit would live in every believer, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live in a way that honors God (John 14:15–17).

These truths are not just theological concepts—they are spiritual realities that shape your identity and your journey as a growing Christian.

Co-Laboring with the Holy Spirit

Once you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, it’s essential to understand His role in your life—and how to actively cooperate with Him in order to grow spiritually. This ongoing journey is often referred to as the sanctification process. Simply put, sanctification means becoming more like Jesus in your character, words, and actions as you mature in your faith.

It’s important to realize that sanctification is not a one-time event—it’s a lifelong process. You are called to keep growing in your relationship with Christ until the day you see Him face to face.

Unfortunately, many Christians don’t fully understand how sanctification works. As a result, they miss out on the deeper transformation and abundant life God desires for them. That’s why I want to break it down into simple, practical steps to help you experience all that God intends for your spiritual growth.

Step Two: The Holy Spirit Guides You Into All Truth

One of the primary roles of the Holy Spirit is to guide you into truth. Jesus promised this when He said:

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever—even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
(John 14:16–17, ESV)

He also said:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
(John 14:26, ESV)

The Holy Spirit helps you discern what is true and right. His primary tool for teaching and guiding you is God’s Word—the Scriptures. He illuminates biblical truth so you can understand and apply it to your life.

Sometimes, the Holy Spirit may also use your life circumstances or speak through other believers to confirm and reinforce truth. However, it’s essential to remember this: the Holy Spirit will never lead you in a direction that contradicts the Bible. God’s Spirit always works in perfect harmony with God’s Word.

Step Two: The Holy Spirit Convicts You of Sin

Another key role of the Holy Spirit is to convict you when you live in a way that displeases God or contradicts His Word. Jesus said:

“And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”
(John 16:8, ESV)

This part of the Spirit’s work can be uncomfortable—and many believers struggle with it—because it means you can’t willfully sin and still enjoy true peace. When you step outside of God’s will, the Holy Spirit will lovingly confront you with that truth. His conviction is not to harm you, but to lead you to repentance and restoration.

To experience the fullness of God’s peace, you must be willing to confess your sin and receive His forgiveness. As Scripture promises:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9, ESV)

It’s been said that the Holy Spirit is “the Hound of Heaven”—because if you truly belong to Christ, you can’t run from His loving pursuit. He will continually draw you back into right relationship with God.

Step Three: You Partner With the Holy Spirit to Grow

Growing as a Christian is not something you do alone. It’s a partnership with the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul explains this dynamic in Philippians 2:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”
(Philippians 2:12–13, ESV)

Paul isn’t saying that salvation comes through works. Rather, he’s talking about the ongoing process of sanctification—spiritual growth after salvation. As believers, we are called to take responsibility for our spiritual maturity, but we don’t do it in our own strength.

Verse 13 makes that clear: “It is God who works in you.” Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God gives you both the desire (to will) and the strength (to work) according to His purposes.

In other words, while you must take steps to grow—such as reading Scripture, praying, serving, and resisting sin—it’s the Holy Spirit who enables and empowers you to do those things. It’s a beautiful, grace-filled partnership that leads to lasting transformation.

Step Four: The Holy Spirit Uses Spiritual Disciplines to Help You Grow

Think of the spiritual disciplines like train tracks that guide you toward a destination. The destination isn’t the discipline itself—it’s a deeper love for Jesus and a life that brings Him glory. The goal of spiritual growth is to know Christ more intimately and become more like Him in character and conduct.

Spiritual disciplines are the regular, intentional practices—both daily and seasonal—that help you draw closer to Jesus. They are not an end in themselves, but a means of grace—a delivery system that ushers you into God’s presence.

It’s important to remember: spiritual disciplines are not the goal—they are the means to the goal. Some Christians mistakenly believe that simply having a quiet time every day or reading the Bible in a year makes them spiritually mature. But that can easily turn into performance-based Christianity—a checklist mentality that values external habits more than internal transformation.

When that happens, it’s easy to look spiritually busy while the heart remains distant from God.

The right perspective is this: spiritual disciplines are gifts of God’s grace, designed to help you fall more deeply in love with Jesus. When empowered by the Holy Spirit, these practices become powerful tools for transformation from the inside out.

Here are a few foundational spiritual disciplines to explore:

• Bible Reading & Meditation

• Prayer

• Worship

• Fasting

• Fellowship and Accountability

• Sabbath Rest

• Evangelism and Service

• Journaling

As you engage in these disciplines under the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, your heart, mind, and life will begin to change in ways that reflect Christ more clearly.

Finally, there’s no “secret formula” or “shortcut” to spiritual growth. God has already given us the path in His Word. If you’re serious about growing as a Christian, these disciplines are non-negotiable. With that in mind, let’s consider the areas in your life that need to be addressed.

(2) Evaluate the areas in your life needed for spiritual maturity.

Growing in the Christian faith involves more than checking boxes. It requires a Spirit-led evaluation of every part of your life. Whether you’re a new believer or a seasoned disciple, you must examine where you are spiritually and what may be hindering your growth.

As a baby Christian, you may still be learning the elementary truths of God’s Word, like the Lord’s Prayer, the life of Christ, or the themes of the Gospel of John. These are foundational. But if you’ve been walking with Christ for some time, God may be calling you to grow deeper in Bible knowledge, learn how to navigate spiritual warfare, or reflect the image of Christ in all areas of life.

I firmly believe that the Christian life should impact every part of who you are—not just your Bible study habits or prayer life. True spiritual growth involves your attitude, how you treat others, your work ethic, your physical health, how you manage your time, and more. In short, discipleship touches all of life.

Ask God to show you which areas in your life may need attention. You might be strong in one area, like prayer, but struggling in another, such as how you speak to your spouse or treat your children. Here are some helpful questions to help you evaluate and grow holistically:

Bible Study

How often are you spending time in the Word of God? If your only Bible intake happens at church, it’s time to build a regular habit of personal study. Start with 15 minutes a day. If that feels overwhelming, begin with something more manageable. As you develop the habit, your mind will begin to align more with Scripture—and God will use His Word to transform your life from the inside out.

One of the best ways to begin that journey is with the 12:2 Devotional Journal. Over the years, I have put together a devotional process to help you slow down and engage deeply with smaller portions of Scripture. Each journal guides you through different books of the Bible containing 117 days of structured journaling, a prayer tracking section, and a suggested Scripture reading plan that’s easy to follow. The journal takes the guesswork out of your quiet time—so you can focus on growing in Christ.

Ready to start a devotional habit that actually sticks?
Click here to get your copy of the 12:2 Journal and discover how God’s Word can transform your life—one day at a time.

Prayer

Bible study and prayer go hand in hand. If the only time you pray is before meals or in emergencies, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful parts of the Christian life. Begin your day by thanking God and inviting Him into your plans. End your day by reflecting on His goodness. As your relationship with the Lord deepens, you’ll naturally want to spend more time in prayer.
👉 Need help? Check out these articles on developing a deeper, more powerful prayer life.

Church Involvement

One of the most impactful ways to grow spiritually is by joining a strong, Bible-believing church. The church is your spiritual family—it’s where you find encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to serve. If you’re not currently attending church, make it a priority. Start by attending worship services, then look for a small group Bible study to connect more deeply with others.

Finances

Are your finances causing stress or disorganization in your life? If so, it’s time to make a plan. Scripture contains over 2,000 verses about money and stewardship. Managing your resources well brings peace and helps free your mind to focus on your walk with God.
👉 Helpful resources: Crown Financial Ministries and Dave Ramsey

Relationships

Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35, ESV). The way you relate to others is often a reflection of your heart. If you’re constantly at odds with others or harboring bitterness, it’s a sign something deeper needs attention.

Take time to evaluate your relationships—with your spouse, children, coworkers, and friends. Are you demonstrating the love, patience, and forgiveness that Christ has shown you? If not, ask God to help you heal, forgive, and grow in grace.

Growing in Christ isn’t about checking religious boxes—it’s about letting every part of your life come under His loving lordship. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where to begin, and take that next faithful step forward.

(3) Making a plan for Christian Growth.

The Bible teaches that transformation doesn’t happen by accident. The spiritual journey requires intentionality. Remember, spiritual growth is not about working harder but abiding in the Lord Jesus Christ, who empowers us. That means you cannot grow spiritually through sheer willpower. You need Christ’s power working in you. At the same time, having a plan to help you be more intentional can keep you focused on real Christ-centered change.

Once you’ve identified the areas of your life that need attention, take the next step by developing a biblical plan to grow and become more like Jesus. I emphasize the term biblical plan because spiritual growth is more than just setting goals and checking them off a list—it’s about aligning your life with God’s Word and walking in step with the Holy Spirit.

That said, I firmly believe that being intentional matters. When you take time to prayerfully set goals, create a plan, and actively pursue growth, you’re far more likely to experience lasting transformation than if you live reactively—hoping for change without putting in the effort. Real growth comes through both dependence on God and practical obedience.

Tips for Developing a Growth Plan:

First recognize how biblical change occurs.

The first and most important step in your spiritual growth plan is to recognize that true biblical change only happens through the work of Jesus in you. As Jesus said:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
(John 15:5, ESV)

This means real, lasting transformation doesn’t come from trying harder in your own strength. It comes from abiding in Christ and depending on the power of the Holy Spirit. As mentioned earlier, it is the Holy Spirit who empowers and enables you to change. According to John 15:5, apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal value.

In other words, spiritual growth isn’t about self-effort—it’s about surrender, dependence, and walking in the strength that God supplies.

Second, be realistic in your planning.

Over the years, I’ve seen many well-meaning Christians set overly ambitious goals—like committing to an extended fast without any preparation or deciding to wake up two hours earlier every day for Bible study and prayer when they weren’t ready for such a drastic lifestyle shift.

Now, don’t get me wrong—those are wonderful goals. But when you’ve spent years developing unhealthy or inconsistent habits, it can be difficult to break them overnight. Without a gradual approach, you may set yourself up for frustration. Often, what happens is this: the person falls short of their goal, becomes discouraged, and ends up giving up entirely.

That’s why I encourage starting small. Set manageable, achievable goals that help you build momentum. As you experience success with smaller steps, you’ll gain the confidence and motivation to take on bigger ones. Long-term faithfulness is usually built one faithful step at a time.

Third, Start with the End in Mind

When it comes to your walk with God, it’s helpful to begin with a clear picture of where you’re going. The Apostle Paul captured this mindset when he wrote:

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 3:14, ESV)

In the context of this passage, Paul’s deepest desire wasn’t success or comfort—it was to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. He lived with singular focus, determined to finish well before the Lord. That should be our aim too.

One practical way to pursue that goal is to imagine the kind of person you want to become later in life. For example, if I want to be a godly, humble servant, I picture myself as an older man joyfully helping and blessing others. Sometimes I’ll think of someone in Scripture—or a faithful Christian I admire—and use their example as a benchmark to help keep me on course.

I once heard John Piper say in a preaching class: “It’s good to have some dead heroes—those whose lives have stood the test of time. That way, they can’t fail you.” That stuck with me.

Planning with the end in mind helps in two key ways:

1. It gives you a clear vision for how to apply Scripture to your life. When you can picture what spiritual maturity looks like, it’s easier to pursue it intentionally.

2. It reminds you that the Christian life is a long journey. There will be moments of progress and setbacks. But keeping the end in view gives you the strength and hope to keep going—even when you fall short.

Ultimately, like Paul, we’re not just aiming to grow—we’re striving to finish well before the Lord.

Fourth, seek God where to start first.

Years ago, I read, The 4 Disciplines of Execution. It is a secular book, but it really helped me to be more strategic in determining what should be the most important spiritual goals I start with first. In the book, the authors are mostly addressing organizations, but I applied the principle to my own life and ministry. Start by asking yourself, “If everything else stayed the same in my life, what is the one thing that I could change that would make the greatest impact in my life spiritually?” As you think about this question, take time and pray, seek God’s wisdom to determine where to start.

(4) Implement an accountability partnership.

 

One of the Most Powerful Ways to Grow: Biblical Accountability

For years, I’ve argued that many believers undervalue one of the most powerful ways to grow spiritually—being connected to and supported by the body of Christ. As Christians, we are inseparably united through our shared identity in Jesus, and each of us is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. God has also uniquely gifted every believer with spiritual gifts and talents—not only for personal growth but to help build up and encourage others.

One of the greatest steps you can take in your spiritual journey is to find another believer you respect and ask them to hold you accountable. Accountability, when done well, provides motivation, correction, and encouragement that helps you stay on track in your walk with God.

You can download a list of sample accountability questions by clicking here, or you can create your own. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your accountability relationship:

1. Define the Nature of Your Relationship

Will this be a mentorship, where the other person holds you accountable? Or will it be a mutual relationship, where you both challenge and encourage each other? Clarifying roles from the start sets healthy expectations.

2. Choose an Accountability Partner of the Same Gender

Unless your accountability partner is your spouse, it’s generally best for men to meet with men and women with women. This fosters more open conversations since men and women often face different struggles. It also helps avoid potential temptation that could arise from close relationships with the opposite sex.

3. Use 5 to 10 Specific Questions

Aim for no fewer than five and no more than ten accountability questions. Too few, and you may not go deep enough. Too many, and it can be hard to cover everything meaningfully. You can always revise your list as your needs evolve.

4. Write Questions that Reflect Your Spiritual Goals

Your questions can focus on goals you want to pursue, struggles you want to overcome, or a mix of both. Make each question personal and specific. Take time to pray over them and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your focus. Don’t be afraid to revise your list as you grow.

5. Set a Regular Meeting Schedule and a Timeframe

Decide how often you’ll meet—once a month is a great place to start—and for how long. Whether you meet over coffee, lunch, or in a quiet setting, the goal is intentional connection. Also, set an agreed-upon end date for the accountability relationship. This gives both of you a clear framework and allows space to evaluate whether to continue.

Accountability is not about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s one of the most powerful ways God uses the body of Christ to help us grow more into the likeness of Jesus.

Conclusion: Take the Next Step Toward Spiritual Growth

By implementing these four foundational steps, you’ll be well on your way to growing as a Christian. While there are certainly many other practices that contribute to spiritual maturity, these steps—abiding in Christ, walking in the Spirit, embracing spiritual disciplines, and seeking biblical accountability—are essential parts of the journey.

As a pastor, I want to emphasize that these steps are most effective when lived out in the context of a healthy local church. God designed the church to be a spiritual family where you can be taught, encouraged, corrected, and loved. Under the care of biblical leadership and surrounded by other growing believers, you’ll have the support you need to remain faithful and fruitful over the long haul.

Every Christian needs a church they can call home. It’s not just a place to attend—it’s a community where you belong and grow. If you haven’t yet committed to a local church, prayerfully take that step. You won’t regret it.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
—Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)

So don’t wait. Start small, stay faithful, and trust that God will complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6). Your journey of spiritual growth starts now.