Imagine coming across a construction site where workers have all the right equipment—hard hats, tool belts, heavy machinery—but they're just standing around talking about buildings they once constructed. When asked why they aren't working, they explain they have no blueprint or direction. This perfectly illustrates many churches today: full of well-equipped Christians with sermons, podcasts, and Bible studies, but not actually building anything.

The purpose of this "Designed to Serve" series is to help us discover our purpose, embrace our calling, and build God's kingdom. God has a plan for His church—including this church. As Mark Clifton often says, "The address of your church is not an accident." It was placed here on purpose for a reason.

What Does Spiritual Maturity Really Look Like?

Spiritual maturity is not just about what we know—it's about what we contribute. In Ephesians 4:11-12, we read: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ."

These leadership roles are gifts to the church. While God distributes different gifts and talents throughout the body, these equipped individuals are charged with helping others grow in faith and service. But here's a critical point: pastors aren't the ministry—they prepare you for ministry.

Why Do Churches Struggle with Spiritual Growth?

Too often, churches allow leaders to do everything. When this happens, the body grows weak because only certain parts are functioning. If everything falls on one person, when that person falls, everyone is affected.

The pastor's job is to equip saints for ministry work, which builds up Christ's body. If we want to grow spiritually, we must be involved in our own discipleship. Like in mentorship programs, the responsibility falls on the mentee to pursue growth and ask questions. Similarly, our spiritual growth depends on our willingness to plug in, study the Bible, pray, and engage with church activities.

How Do We Recognize Spiritual Immaturity?

Ephesians 4:13-14 explains why we should seek to be equipped: "until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood...so that we may no longer be children tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine."

If you're not growing spiritually, you might be acting like a spiritual child. Just as a three-year-old might communicate frustration by yelling louder and longer, spiritually immature believers often respond to challenges with emotional outbursts rather than biblical wisdom.

Spiritual immaturity makes us vulnerable to deception. Not everything you hear or read is true—even in Christian circles. There have been people selling "tickets to heaven" for $10,000 when salvation is free, bought with Christ's precious blood. Mature believers can discern truth from falsehood.

What Happens When the Body Functions Properly?

When we're intentional about spiritual growth and discipleship, the body develops mature faith and doctrinal stability. We stand firm on God's Word as infallible, inerrant, and the absolute authority for our lives.

Many believers remain spiritually immature because they stay uninvolved. If we just attend church to check a box but don't engage in Bible reading, prayer, or service throughout the week, we won't grow. Maturity doesn't happen by accident—it comes through engagement and action.

Ephesians 4:15-16 tells us: "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him...from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

How Does God Prepare Us for Ministry?

Sometimes we don't recognize how God is equipping us in the moment. Looking back, we can see how opportunities to serve were actually preparing us for future ministry. During waiting periods, God continues to pour into us if we remain open to His leading.

Growth isn't measured by how much you know, but by how much you sow. The seeds you plant today determine what you'll harvest tomorrow. If you want to see different results in your life and church, you need to sow different seeds.

The future glory of this church can far exceed anything from its past—not because of any individual, but because of our focus on Christ and His glory. When we lift Him up, He draws people to Himself.

Life Application

The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we waiting to be served, or are we learning to serve others? With so many church options available, you've chosen this one for a reason. While you're here, step into your purpose and help this church grow for God's glory.

What's your next step? Perhaps it's baptism, joining a connect group, or even starting a new ministry. The time is short, and we can't settle for passive faith. We must stop sitting on the sidelines and get into the game.

Consider these questions:

Remember, spiritual maturity isn't just about accumulating knowledge—it's about contributing to the body of Christ so that together, we can fulfill God's purpose for His church.