Opening
Considering opening your group asking if they are more comfortable with the certainty of Christ or the mystery of Christ and why. Most of us fall somewhere on a spectrum and we have probably moved from where we were when we first came to faith. This will help you all understand each other better.
Overview
Dr. M. Scott Peck outlines four stages of spiritual growth that can help us understand ourselves and others.
Stage One: chaotic, antisocial
People in stage one tend to be manipulative and only pretend to love. They revert to childish behavior (or are children) and lack integrity.
Stage Two: formal, institutional
In stage two, people often have a high view of mandates and do things out of obligation. They easily fall prey to legalism and believe they can convince others of the rightness of their beliefs.
Stage Three: skeptic, individual
People in stage three have become disillusioned with rules and institutions. They are actively seeking truth and often become involved with social issues.
Stage Four: mystic, communal
People in stage four are mature Christians who have moved through their cynicism and questions. They are hospitable to people who disagree with them, comfortable with mystery, and have a high view of relational demonstration.
Stage two Christians reduce influence by avoiding the mystery of Christ and Stage four Christians reduce influence by avoiding the certainty of Christ. Recognizing our own journey of faith, even though the description and methods may not be perfect, can help us understand what other people need from us. People in stage one need some guardrails and frameworks. We cannot assume that everyone else is where we are. Transformation in Christ is not mandated but Holy Spirit activated and communally demonstrated. Practice does not make perfect, and that’s fine because people don’t need us to be perfect. But practice with presence makes us powerful.
Discussion Questions
- What stage do you think you are in?
- Think of some people you have been investing in. What stage are they in currently?
Practice
Matthew 23 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; 7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others. 8 “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Prayerfully read the Scripture passage aloud (if you have the time and desire, read the entire chapter). Allow your group to contemplate in silence and then slowly read it again. Where do we tell people to do the right things but we do not do them? What burdens are we tying on others? How could identifying our own stage of faith as well as the probable stage of others help us as we care for others? Lean into what the Spirit is revealing to the people in your group and the practical applications that come up.
Closing
Pray for discernment and wisdom as you all take your different next steps together.
