By Minister Sonnie Robinson (November 2025)

Now we’re ready to get into the process of Spiritual growth. We’ll walk through the biblical rhythm of spiritual growth — not as a formula, but as a repeated pattern found throughout Scripture. This rhythm provides leaders with a clear framework for understanding how God matures His people, not only in personal faith but also in their leadership journey.

1. Planted in Christ – Salvation – John 3:3 — “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Every growth journey begins here. Spiritual leadership doesn’t start with skills or strategies, but with regeneration — being made new in Christ. Like a seed planted in fertile soil, salvation marks the beginning of true transformation: a new heart, not just new habits.

2. Nourished by the Word and Prayer – 1 Peter 2:2 — “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk…” Leaders must be nourished daily. Scripture and prayer are our spiritual food — essential, not optional. This means prioritizing intimacy with God over mere productivity in ministry. Spiritual health always precedes spiritual impact.

3. Mind Renewal — Thinking Like Christ – Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Growth requires more than emotional experiences; it calls for a reshaping of how we think. As leaders, maturity takes hold when we let God’s truth rewire old thought patterns, aligning our mindset with the heart of Christ. Scripture isn’t just information — it’s the tool the Spirit uses to renew us.

4. Obedience — Putting Truth into Action – James 1:22 — “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.” Insight without obedience leads to stagnation. True growth happens when what we learn turns into how we live. In leadership, delayed obedience often becomes disobedience. Transformation is forged in action, not just inspiration.

5. Producing the Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22–23 — “Love, joy, peace, patience…” As roots grow deeper, fruit begins to appear — not forced but naturally produced by abiding in Christ. This fruit is the visible evidence of internal transformation. For leaders, this means our character begins to speak louder than our title.

6. Pruned Through Trials and Testing – James 1:2–4 — “The testing of your faith produces perseverance…” Spiritual growth isn’t painless. God allows challenges to refine us, not punish us. Trials develop endurance, deepen trust, and strip away self-reliance. Often, our greatest leadership lessons come in the valleys, not the mountaintops.

7. Lifelong Sanctification — Never Done Growing – Philippians 1:6 — “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” Growth doesn’t stop with maturity — it’s a lifelong journey. Even seasoned leaders are still being shaped. This ongoing process keeps us humble, dependent, and teachable. No one ever “graduates” from spiritual formation.

As we walk in this biblical rhythm, our relationship with God begins to shape every part of our lives — our decisions, our relationships, even our worldview. And here’s the beauty of it: you’re no longer growing just for your own sake. Spiritual leaders grow so they can help others grow as well.

What a wonderful way to END the year of 2025!

Spiritually Strong!

May God Bless and Keep You as We Enter 2026!

Blessings!