The Stages of Spiritual Growth: Where Are You in Your Faith Journey?

Understanding where you are in your spiritual journey helps you grow stronger in Christ.

Spiritual growth is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Just like physical development, our relationship with God progresses through different stages—from spiritual infancy to full maturity. Whether you're a new believer or have walked with God for decades, it is important to recognise where you are so you can take the next step in your faith.

Let’s explore the four key stages of spiritual growth and how you can move forward with intentionality and grace.

1. Spiritual Infancy – Learning the Basics

"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."— 1 Peter 2:2 (KJV)

At this stage, you’re new to the faith. You’re just beginning to understand who God is, how to pray, and how to read the Bible. Everything is fresh, and you’re hungry to learn. It is ok to start at this level, but it is an error to remain here.

🟣 Signs you’re here:

• You are new to the faith.

• You have a lot of questions.

• You’re eager to know more about Jesus.

• You rely heavily on others for spiritual guidance.

  
  

🟢 How to grow:

• Read the Gospels to learn about Jesus and apply the lessons to your life.

• Join a Bible-believing church or small group of like-minded Christians.

• Start developing a consistent prayer habit and a fasting practice.

2. Spiritual Childhood – Growing in Understanding

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."— 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Now you're growing in faith, but still dependent in many ways. You’re beginning to understand the Bible, pray more, learning to trust God more, but you may struggle with inconsistency or spiritual immaturity.

🟣 Signs you’re here:

• You know basic Bible stories and truths.

• You’re trying to apply God’s Word to daily life.

• You sometimes fall back into old habits and sin.

  
  

🟢 How to grow:

• Start journaling what God is teaching you. Check our shop for digital journals: https://www.sccritnfaith.com/product-page/bible-study-journal.

• Memorise Scripture to strengthen your spiritual foundation.

• Find a mentor or a small group who can help you grow deeper.

3. Spiritual Adolescence – Learning to Serve

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."— James 2:17 (KJV)

At this stage, you're not just learning, you’re serving. You desire to be used by God and are discovering your spiritual gifts. You still face struggles, but are learning to overcome them with faith and discipline.

🟣 Signs you’re here:

• You are involved in ministry or volunteering.

• You have a stronger prayer and word study life.

• You’re beginning to disciple or encourage others in the faith.

  
  

🟢 How to grow:

• Deepen your study of Scripture and apply it intentionally to your life.

• Develop spiritual disciplines such as fasting and solitude.

• Practice humility and accountability.

4. Spiritual Maturity – Living Fully in Christ

"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age..."— Hebrews 5:14 (KJV)

This is a stage of deep surrender and fruitfulness. You’re led by the Holy Spirit and submitted to His government, consistently obedient, and you help others grow in their walk with Christ. Spiritual maturity is not about perfection, but consistently living like Christ.

🟣 Signs you’re here:

• You live a life of service and discipleship consistently.

• You handle trials with peace and trust.

• You hunger for God’s glory more than your own.

🟢 How to grow:

• Remain teachable.

• Continue pouring into others.

• Keep intimacy with God as your highest priority.

5 Scriptures on Spiritual Growth

Here are 5 powerful scriptures on spiritual growth, each paired with a short prayer to help you grow in your relationship with God:

1. 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”

Prayer: Lord, help me grow in Your grace each day. Teach me more about who You are, and let my life bring glory to Your name. Amen.

2. Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.”

Prayer: Father, help me to mature in Christ. May I always speak the truth in love and reflect Jesus in all that I do. Amen.

3. Colossians 1:10 (KJV)

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Prayer: Lord, may my life please You. Help me to be fruitful and to keep increasing in the knowledge of who You are. Let me walk in a way that honours you. Amen.

4. Hebrews 5:14 (KJV)

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

Prayer: God, develop in me spiritual maturity. Train my heart to discern what is good and evil. Strengthen me through Your Word and by practice in righteousness. Amen.

5. Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for starting a good work in me. I trust that you will continue shaping me until I become all you created me to be. Keep growing me in faith and character. Amen.

Final Thought:

Where are you in your spiritual journey today? God doesn’t expect instant maturity, but He does invite you to grow. No matter your stage, He is patient, loving, and ready to walk with you every step of the way.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." — Philippians 1:6 (KJV)