Helping you climb the trails of your spiritual growth.

Come, join Bear Valley Church on a spiritual journey. This Growth Plan will help you know what you will need for the journey.

A UCLA study showed that while only 5% of people ever write down their goals, those who did tended to achieve 80% of them. So, come hike with us! No one should ever climb alone.

To be a disciple is to be a learner, and every learner needs a plan.

This "Personal Growth Plan" will help you design your own spiritual map that will give your Christian life direction. Keep this Plan with you as you consider and go through various learning activities. Pray through it regularly, and share it with your hiking partner.

For some, learning is a structured activity. For others, it is spontaneous; but all of us can use a map. Just as hikers use different equipment on different terrain, learners use different methods to develop in their Christian walk.

Our goal is for you to continue hiking up the trail, toward Christ-likeness, as you connect with others, mature in Christ, and are unleashed for service.

I. Portrait of a Climber
How would you rate your spiritual position?
1. Where are you in your walk with Christ?
a. I am pretty new at all this; I really don’t know how to answer this question.
b. I am pretty sure that I have been saved.
c. I know I have a relationship with Christ, but I need instruction in how to walk with Him.
d. I am confident that I am in Christ and He is in me, and I walk in grace with Him daily.


2. Describe your obedience to Christ:
a. I do not understand the concept of obedience to Christ.
b. I listen and respond to God sometimes.
c. I can respond in most situations, but I struggle in other areas.
d. I am relying on God in my climb, and am growing as I put Him first and obey His leading.


3. How comfortable are you reading the Bible?
a. I do not own or read a Bible.
b. I do not find it very easy to read or understand, so I do not read it much.
c. I know it is important, but I am not consistent in my reading.
d. I read from my Bible frequently as part of my devotional life, but do not know how to go deeper.
e. The Holy Spirit is changing my life as I read and study the Bible regularly.


4. Describe your prayer life:
a. I really do not know much about prayer.
b. I am a beginner, but want to know more.
c. I pray alone, quietly, but do not like to pray aloud or in a group.
d. I can pray alone or aloud, but would still like to have a stronger prayer life.
e. I pray consistently and am growing in my prayer life.


5. Describe your thoughts on sharing the Gospel:
a. It would terrify me to talk to a person about their relationship with God.
b. I can share my own salvation story, but that is all.
c. I have had a little training and practice at sharing the Gospel, but I do not think I am good at it.
d. I am experienced and faithful in sharing my faith.


6. Describe your view of Spiritual Gifts:
a. I do not know much about this topic.
b. I understand what spiritual gifts are, but do not know my own gifts.
c. I am working in various areas to determine what my gifts are.
d. I know my spiritual gifts, and seek opportunities to use them.


7. Describe your fellowship with other believers:
a. I believe my faith is personal and have no need to connect with other Christians.
b. My connections are mostly for learning. It is hard to share my deepest thoughts with others.
c. I have Christian friends, but not someone with whom I am accountable and share more deeply.
d. I have an accountability partner — someone I pray with, and who asks me how I am doing.


8. Describe your view of stewardship (the management of time and resources):
a. I do not know what God expects of me; this is a new concept.
b. I would like to know more about how to use my time, talents, and treasures for God.
c. I would love to learn more about financial and time management so that I can do better in this.
d. I have the knowledge about stewardship, but struggle to apply it.
e. I am living cheerfully as the manager of my time, talents, and treasure, knowing that God is the owner.


9. Describe your thoughts on ministry to others:
a. I am not doing much of what would be considered “ministry.”
b. I have volunteered here and there, but I am still looking for my place to serve.
c. I would like some basic training in how to minister to others.
d. I am over-extended and need to reevaluate in order to serve more effectively.
e. I have found my place in ministry, and know that God is using me for His glory.


II. Trail Map
1. Look at the map on the bottom of the page. Where do you want to be at 33, 53, or 83?

2. From your answers, select one area you want to work on during the next year. Write a goal and one or more activities that can help you on your journey.

3. Galatians 5:22,23 lists the Fruit of the Spirit. Which of these would you like to grow in during the coming months? Write a goal and one or more helpful activities.

4. We know that any growth is a gift of the Holy Spirit to us. Write a prayer of submission to God asking Him to bring the growth He desires, in His time and His way.

III. Hiking Partners — Never Hike Alone!
My large group connection is: ___________________________________
 
My small group fellowship is: ___________________________________
 
My close connection (hiking partner) is: ___________________________