So You Want to Grow Spiritually?

What causes spiritual growth? What are the key experiences that have shaped your life as a Christian? Have you ever wondered if there might be more causes of spiritual growth than those we usually associate with Christian formation and discipleship? Is it possible that there are significant causes of Christian spiritual growth that we are not taking into account in our thinking and strategy?

In a fascinating research project conducted in the Greater Seattle area, two hundred people were interviewed to determine the causes of the spiritual growth they've experienced across various periods of their lives. The interviews provided not only the data for evaluating the importance of factors that contribute to spiritual growth but also a rich tapestry of wisdom and insight about how these causes are woven into the experiences of life.

This book is not written as a report on the project. Rather, it is intended to draw insight from the interviews to provoke thinking and discussion about spiritual growth. You will find it useful in reflecting on your own spiritual growth as well as on the spiritual growth of those who know you and those you lead.

Ted Thwing was born in Seattle and has been a part of church congregations on four continents. He has served on leadership teams in children's ministries, youth ministry, college ministry, post-college singles ministry and pastoral care ministries as well as core leadership teams both for a large church and several smaller ones. He and his wife are currently involved in a young church in a rapidly growing area of Seattle, blocks from the world headquarters of Amazon and a number of significant technology and biomedical organizations.