By Pastor Rick Duncan
We all need to make changes if we are going to experience more new life in Christ in 2022, stopping some things that limit our life in Christ and starting some things that will enhance the possibility of God making us more vibrant.
We must clearly answer the “who, what, why, when, where, and how” questions when it comes to making changes.
I: Schedule an hour to put your plan together. Make an appointment with yourself to be alone with God.
II: Spend an hour reflecting and praying.
You may want to think in these 5 categories: spiritual, relational, intellectual, emotional, and physical. Do an honest self-assessment using the 6 questions below. Then ask God to reveal the answer to the following question: What changes do I most need to make in order to experience more new life in Christ? Now, get out some paper and pen or pencil and start writing.
7 spiritual growth plan questions for 2022
1. Since our church has set a goal in 2022 of becoming a more unified family of believers who are devoted to the Great Commandment and motivated by the Great Commission, how will I demonstrate greater unity? What relationships need to be repaired? How will I decrease the presence of a critical spirit in me and increase the presence of a collaborative spirit in me?
2. As a Beloved Child, what promises from the Father do I need to claim in prayer this year? What is the most humanly impossible thing I will ask my Father in heaven to do this year?
3. As a Self-Feeder, what will I read and memorize in scripture this year and what books, CDs, and podcasts will I learn from this year?
4. As a Servant, what is the biggest time-waster in my life and how will I minimize that in order to volunteer somewhere significant as a servant-leader?
5. As an Investor, how will I grow in my generosity to my church and other ministries this year? (Think priority giving – Matthew 6:33; percentage giving – Malachi 3:8-10; and progressive giving – II Peter 3:18).
6. As a Discipler, this year how will I deepen my commitment to others, especially the others in my LifeGroup and how will I encourage/mentor a few of my friends?
7. As a Missionary, how will I commit to Missional Living, joining God in His mission to restore the broken so that others will come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord?
III. Write down your plan. Be realistic. Don’t set the bar so high that you end up discouraged if you should fail. Make your goals SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable, and Time-bound. Keep your plan visible and share it with family, your LifeGroup, and an accountability partner.
Jesus makes all things new. Invite Him to help you.
Everyone. Live New. Everyday.
