After years of observation and research, it is possible to construct a logical line that people take as they walk through a new experience.

One example is the cycle of grief. People generally walk through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance as they move through loss. Other examples of this include addiction and recovery, along with poverty and abuse.

There are often predictable paths that people walk as they move through an issue. The same is true for coming to faith in Jesus and how we grow spiritually. Rick Warren famously created the Purpose Driven Church as a model of discipleship. He built classes 101, 201, 301, and 401 to help in the process, and he pictured it as moving around a baseball diamond. The idea was that people would first commit to Jesus and his Church. Then, they would grow spiritually. Next, they would start serving in a ministry, and finally, they would engage in the worldwide mission of making disciples of everyone.

I loved the idea and began to build classes around the concepts. All until I hired a church consultant for the Church plant I was leading. I told him my plan and the class system I was building, and he leaned in and said, “That sounds great, but how many people do you know whose faith has developed like that?” He looked me in the eyes and continued, “Most people’s journey of faith is all over the field.” 

That one conversation sent me searching for answers. I read books, had deep conversations, conducted surveys, and reflected privately. I think the consultant was right. While there may be a few notable signposts that occur on everyone’s faith journey, most of us walk a non-linear path. No one’s spiritual life looks exactly like anyone else’s.

Suddenly, my goal as a pastor became clear. My job was to help people determine their next step of faith and then help them take it. Ministry became individualistic. It also became more productive. Instead of fitting people into my predetermined path, I would help them take steps on the road God had marked out for them.

If you desire to see others grow in their faith, start helping people find their next step with God and take it. The process may be slow, but in the end, people will get to where God is leading them. Some people’s paths are non-linear as they walk with God. Understanding that fact will enable you to help others thrive in their faith.