A speaker at one of the conferences I attended this year made a statement that resonated with my soul. He stated, “Most pastors are poor disciple makers because no one discipled them.” I struggle to make fully devoted followers of Jesus because I, along with many other preachers, had no one take me under their wing and mentor me.

Then why do I feel like I am a spiritually mature person? How did I get here?

First of all, five years of Bible college helped. But there was still something lacking in my training. No one became the Yoda to my Luke Skywalker. I gained knowledge and tools, but learning how to implement them was neglected.

Again, I ask, how did I grow as a believer? My growth was self-directed. 

While I firmly believe this is not the best way to become spiritually mature, I do think it is possible to grow without someone coming up and choosing to teach you as a disciple.

Here are five ways to accomplish self-directed discipleship:

1. Read the Bible. Read it over and over and over and over. Accept nothing less.

2. Read books, articles, magazines, blogs, pamphlets, and anything else you can get your hands on about faith. 

3. Listen and watch every video you can from reliable teachers. I used audio cassettes, but now I have podcasts, sermons online, and YouTube. I go to conferences regularly to help feed my soul, too.

4. Meet with any person who will talk to you. I have never had anyone say, “I want to come tell you about faith and the Bible,” but I have contacted dozens of people through the years and asked if I could come and question them on faith and the Bible. A few people have told me no, but most are flattered, and I buy them lunch in exchange.

5. Connect tightly to a Community of Faith. I have learned so much from listening to older believers in the Church tell their stories. The sacrifice and commitment of the people in the local Church have inspired me. God has often surprised me by sending someone into my life with the message I needed at the right time. Some very uneducated people sure know a lot about faith.

Over the years, I have grown to be a spiritually mature person without any formal help. I do not think it is the easiest way, but I know anyone who comes to Church can do it; my experience confirms it.