January 1st, 2026
by Josh Evans
by Josh Evans
Everyone has the desire to grow! I believe that. The difference in who actually grows and who doesn't is the discipline and intentionality that individuals put into their desire to grow.
Growth doesn't happen by accident. It happens when a person positions themselves in the best environment to grow. Growth takes discipline. Growth takes intentionality.
I believe that the best way to grow is in the context of community. At our church, I often say, "We grow better together." You grow best in the context of relationships. Now, I know you are thinking, "Of course you would say that, because you are a pastor." That is fair, but I want you to know that I have seen this play out time and time again. It is just true. With spiritual growth, sure, but it is also true with physical or emotional growth.
When it comes to spiritual growth, you cannot reach your full potential in Christ without the church. So, I want to share with you a few ways you can grow in 2026:
1. Sit under the Word - This is why church is important. Every believer needs to be under the teaching of God's Word regularly. Make the weekend service a priority in 2026. It should not be optional if you are serious about spiritual growth.
2. Worship with the Church - There is something so special about worshipping with the saints. Go all in with this in 2026. Sing out. Lift a hand of praise. Focus on the lyrics.
3. Use your gifts in the church - This is where you put action to your growth. Identify your spiritual gift and use it in your local church. At our church, we give people a spiritual gifts assessment, and we have identified 3 teams they can serve on that fit each spiritual gift.
4. Live in community - Join a Bible study. Attend a Sunday school class or community group. Step out of a row and into a circle (a smaller group).
5. Seek an accountability partner or a disciple-maker - We all need someone to speak into us. Someone to care for us. Someone to challenge us. Someone to hold us accountable in the areas where we struggle. Seek this out in 2026.
If you do these things, I believe you will position yourself to grow in 2026.
Growth doesn't happen by accident. It happens when a person positions themselves in the best environment to grow. Growth takes discipline. Growth takes intentionality.
I believe that the best way to grow is in the context of community. At our church, I often say, "We grow better together." You grow best in the context of relationships. Now, I know you are thinking, "Of course you would say that, because you are a pastor." That is fair, but I want you to know that I have seen this play out time and time again. It is just true. With spiritual growth, sure, but it is also true with physical or emotional growth.
When it comes to spiritual growth, you cannot reach your full potential in Christ without the church. So, I want to share with you a few ways you can grow in 2026:
1. Sit under the Word - This is why church is important. Every believer needs to be under the teaching of God's Word regularly. Make the weekend service a priority in 2026. It should not be optional if you are serious about spiritual growth.
2. Worship with the Church - There is something so special about worshipping with the saints. Go all in with this in 2026. Sing out. Lift a hand of praise. Focus on the lyrics.
3. Use your gifts in the church - This is where you put action to your growth. Identify your spiritual gift and use it in your local church. At our church, we give people a spiritual gifts assessment, and we have identified 3 teams they can serve on that fit each spiritual gift.
4. Live in community - Join a Bible study. Attend a Sunday school class or community group. Step out of a row and into a circle (a smaller group).
5. Seek an accountability partner or a disciple-maker - We all need someone to speak into us. Someone to care for us. Someone to challenge us. Someone to hold us accountable in the areas where we struggle. Seek this out in 2026.
If you do these things, I believe you will position yourself to grow in 2026.
No Comments