Ready, Set, Grow

• “We will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Eph 4:15

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I felt like she had won an Olympic gold medal. My granddaughter scored two points in her volleyball match.

Afterwards, I was telling my son how proud I was of her—but admitted it was a little painful at first watching ball after ball hit the ground while middle school girls timidly stood and watched (or sometimes ran the other way).

He reminded me it was a beginner league—their second match ever—and they only practiced once a week.

I said, “That’s okay. I understand. I’ve been to church—it can definitely feel like a perpetual beginners’ league, and most people in churches only practice once a week.”

It may sound like I’m complaining, but I’m actually encouraged by what I see—in middle school volleyball and in the church.

As the game went on, I saw growth.

Timid girls gained confidence.

Misses turned into near-hits, then into volleys.

They began to work as a team, to step up, to try again after failure.

And I found myself deeply grateful for the older girls coaching them—patient, positive, and persistent. They served by urging their team to take some chances, learn from every mistake, put into practice what they’d been taught, and not quit.

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With a worldwide revival underway, God is filling churches with many who are brand new to faith—a beginner’s league of believers.

That’s why, as part of this awakening, He is raising up mature believers—servant coaches who disciple, encourage, and equip the next generation to grow in their personal faith and grow the kingdom.

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I’m doubtful my granddaughter’s team will grow into Olympic athletes with only a once-a-week practice. Likewise, we won’t see mature believers if all they get is a once-a-week church service.

That’s why God is calling every believer to find others they can pour into—through mentorship, friendship, small groups, workplace ministry, and everyday conversations.

Though culture changes and technology multiplies our ability to reach the world, the biblical pattern of discipleship and spiritual growth remains the same.

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• Go into all the world and make disciples.

  
  

We’re not merely called to go to church—we’re called to be the church.

Our mission is to take the message of Jesus beyond the walls, into neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and online spaces.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19–20

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• Remember—each member is a minister.

  
  

The purpose of church leaders isn’t to do all the ministry but to equip the saints for ministry. Every believer is a vital part of the team. It will take all of us to see this generation grow up into maturity.

“He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11–13

And Jesus promised that the work He began would continue through us—and even greater works—by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us:

“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”— John 14:12

It’s the indwelling Spirit who empowers ordinary believers to do extraordinary ministry—transforming spectators into supernatural servants, and attendees into anointed ambassadors of Christ.

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• Grow up into Christ.

  
  

Maturity isn’t measured by attendance but by alignment—how much we reflect Christ in character, word, and deed.

We grow by staying connected to Him and putting truth into practice, not in our own strength, but in the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit, who matures us from the inside out.

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves… Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.” — Ephesians 4:14–15

“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity.” — Hebrews 6:1

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you put them into practice.” — John 13:17

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• Become examples for others.

  
  

In this season of revival, God is calling mature believers to model the way. Growth happens through relationship—by walking with others, not just watching from the sidelines.

As we walk in the Spirit, our lives become living blueprints for those learning how to follow Christ.

The Church grows stronger when seasoned players become Spirit-led coaches—teaching, encouraging, and empowering others to grow into the likeness of Christ.

“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” — Philippians 3:17

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1

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As revival spreads and new believers flood into the Church, they’ll need more than a once-a-week church service—they’ll need spiritual coaches and mentors. God is raising up mature believers who will model the life of Christ and walk beside those just getting in the game.

Let’s step onto the court with conviction, courage, and compassion, leading the next generation to maturity in Christ—as together we get “ready, set, grow.”