Bill Hybel

Bill has developed an amazing illustration on the spiritual growth as he calls it “The REVEAL spiritual Growth Framework” but before we get into that I want to talk about a few thing that go on in Bill Hybel’s church, to give you a little background first. In his church they are moving and they get people going as soon as they walk through the door, as he puts it from hearing from the pulpit to classes and membership he describes it like being on a spiritual growth moving sidewalk, by creating a discipleship culture.

Hybel says “risk losing people” put the bible in everything, don’t be scared of what might happen he wants the world to know the saving grace that he experienced, he says to start the conversation with what God is doing. He has created a sense of ownership for the members, they have tee shirts that says “I am the church” I thought that was awesome when I heard that, I want one. He has volunteer leaders that are reaching to their communities and why not they are effective and have relationships in their communities, they take on issues in the communities through creative ways, they form partnerships with the community and people in it. The leaders have to lead by example Hybel says “Church leaders when they are cut should bleed Scripture”

Now to the Illistration...

Is composed of four stepping stones (exploring Christ, growing in Christ, Close to Christ, Christ centered) and to move from stone to stone there is a movement that must be taken to get from stone to stone (early, intermediate, and advance spiritual growth)

Stone One: Exploring Christ, come and see- John 1:35-39 look the lamb of God…come and you will see!

Early spiritual growth: accepting core beliefs in critical (salvation by grace, the trinity) church is essential for learning and community (weekend services and small groups, serving)

Stone Two: Growing in Christ, follow me- Matthew 4:19 follow me and I will make you fishers of men

Intermediate spiritual growth: Beliefs are relevant to daily life (belief in a personal God and so does belief in the authority of scripture) spiritual practices deepen personal commitment (reflection on scripture is frequent and Prayer for guidance is daily)

Stone Three: Close to Christ, be with me- Mark 3:13-14 he appointed twelve designated to be with Him.

Advance spiritual growth: Spiritual attitudes intensify (especially love of God and a willingness to risk everything for Christ grows) spiritual behaviors are drivers of growth (tithing, evangelism, and serving at highest levels)

Stone Four: Christ centered, deny yourself for me- Matthew 16:24-25 My disciple must deny himself and take up his cross