Here was a simple question that helped change my life over the last few years: “What is your growth plan?”

I was asked that in a job interview and I had to be honest, I really didn’t have one. Don’t get me wrong I believe in continued growth. I read, I pray, I listen, I write and do all of the right things to grow, but I had no specific plan to make it happen. I just acted and hoped for the best. Since that time I have slowly developed a plan that is working for me. I thought I would share it with you and maybe it will spark your mind.

1. I read 4 chapters out of the bible (minimum) 5 days a week. I know it doesn’t sound like much but I am almost through the Bible for the second time in 4 years.

2. I have a goal to listen to 120 sermons this year and try to take notes. Let’s break that down – That is 10 sermons a month or 2-3 sermons a week. With Podcasts and iPods this is easier than ever. Honestly, I start a lot of sermons and never finish them and end up deleting them. I know – not all sermons are well done – yes, even mine:-)

3. I have a blog list that I read daily. I used Google Reader to subscribe to blogs and they are eliminating that in July so now I use Feedly. It brings all the blogs I read into one place. Each day I get some great material from a dozen sites or more to read and grow. Here is what I like about blogs – they are current and quick. Books take years to write and publish. Magazines take months to write and publish. I get new blogs everyday from some of the best pastors and leaders in the world.

4. I read at least 6 books a year. That is one every two months. I know that doesn’t sound like much but it works for me. I am getting to where I rarely read anything that is not more than 5 years old. New books are exciting but many are short-lived in their popularity. I like books that have endured and make me think beyond today. They are a nice compliment to the immediacy of a blog.

5. I teach and I preach at least 48 times a year. That is a total of 96 lessons a year. Nothing – and by that I mean nothing – will grow your faith and understanding like teaching. Seriously. If you are only feeding yourself you are missing a huge opportunity to grow.

My plan it simple but it is helping me to grow as a Christian. So now I ask you, “What is your growth plan?”

What can you add to my list that is helpful?