The Necessity of Spiritual Growth for Pastors

The Bible speaks of the necessity of spiritual growth for every Christian, and especially for pastors.

Several central aspects of the Christian life are inseparably connected with spiritual growth. Their presence implies spiritual growth.

I. The new birth

First of all, spiritual growth is a necessary indicator of the presence of the new birth.

Everything that is alive grows and bears fruit. Scripture, in many passages, speaks of the necessity of growth and fruit in the life of true believers.

2 Peter 1:3-5  His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge…

Faith must necessarily have real and visible fruit.

2 Peter 1:8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the life of every pastor, the fruits of his faith must be especially evident.

The strength of his ministry is not in his talent, not in his organizational skills, but in the presence of the real fruit of his faith.

II. Progressive sanctification

In addition to being a necessary manifestation of the new birth, spiritual growth is very closely connected with another important element of the Christian life—progressive sanctification.

Progressive sanctification is the ongoing process of being conformed to the character of Jesus Christ. It is an inseparable component of the spiritual growth of a pastor.

2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being  transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Sanctification, or becoming like Christ, is a very important part of the Christian life in general. This is the sphere in which a true Christian finds his joy and sanctification. Sanctification implies the transformation of the Christian’s character, which is in fact his real spiritual growth.

III. Growth in maturity

Furthermore, spiritual growth is necessary for the pastor because it is the goal of every Christian.

2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Continue supporting the churches working among the people who have suffered from the war in Ukraine:

A request from elders: Dear Church, if you are sick or know of someone who is sick and cannot attend services and be in fellowship with other believers, please let us know so we can visit them.

Psalm 23