Developmental Spirituality

Through a book and several meetings the Holy Spirit has highlighted the need for the revelation of Father's love to become worked into every dimension of life.  There are those who believe that revelation of the Father's Love comes through a Conference, personal prayer ministry, soaking experiences, time in a small group, or a ministry time of the Father's blessing.  Actually all of these can be ways that people come into a revelation of Father's love and I celebrate all of them.

Celebrating all these ways that Father brings people into encountering His love does not mean that He is limited to these ways.  I believe Father is challenging His Body to think more developmentally about our spiritual journey, then focusing on specific events or even individual encounters.  I believe He is adding more revelation, not abolishing how He has been moving.

John Eldredge in his book "The Way of the Wild Heart" talks stages of growth for a man, being Beloved Son, Cowboy, Warrior, Lover, and Sage.  These stages often overlap one another or even can happen at similar times.  Yet there is also a clear progression when a man moves from say living out an identity of a Cowboy (pushing limits, taking risks, and having fun), to being a Warrior to stand for and battle for the hearts of others to be free.

Looking at the growth in our identity throughout our lifetime begins to show us how Father sees our life, He Fathers us in the moments of healing and restoration but also sees our whole development.  Understanding the season or developmental stage people are in help leaders (spiritual moms and dads) to know how to help people grow and what challenges they may need in the next season.

Whether you or a man or a woman, you are on a journey with your Father where He has taken responsibility to oversee every dimension of your growth and development.  He sees the completed New Creation, the brilliant and beaming person you are in Jesus, and also knows how to get you there.

Growing as a son,
Bret