4 Steps to Spiritual Growth

September 3, 2021

Spiritual growth is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Too often, we mistake difficulty for complexity. When growing spiritually feels hard, we assume it must be too complicated to figure out. But that assumption can be a trap—one that keeps us stuck.

Let’s use physical health as a comparison. Staying healthy isn’t easy, but it’s simple: eat right, exercise, sleep well, and stay hydrated. Yet with so many diets and workout routines, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The same is true for spiritual health. With countless pastors, podcasts, books, and theological perspectives, it can feel easier to give up than to choose a direction.

Spiritual growth is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

The Myth: “There’s No Formula for Spiritual Growth”

Many people today believe that spiritual growth can’t be systematized. “There’s no formula for growing in a relationship with God,” they say. But Scripture paints a different picture.

Yes, God gives the desire to grow and ultimately brings the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6), but He has also revealed a clear design for how that growth typically happens. At Mercy Hill, we refer to this as the Acts 2 Flywheel—a simple, reproducible pattern for growth based on the early church.

The Acts 2 Flywheel: A Biblical Model for Spiritual Growth

In Acts 2:46–47, we see the early church living out four simple rhythms:

“And day by day, attending the temple together (gather) and breaking bread in their homes (groups), they received their food with glad and generous hearts (give), praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (go).”

These rhythms—gather, group, give, and go—form the backbone of the Acts 2 Flywheel. They are simple to remember and deeply rooted in Scripture.

Now I am not saying there is nothing else a believer ever needs to learn or do (like personal disciplines, mentorship, spiritual gifts studies, etc.). But I am saying that leaning into these four practical steps will take us a very long way down the path of Christian maturity.

In fact, I will make a bold claim. I am not sure I have ever met anyone who was spiritually stagnant that was truly getting after it in these four areas. If someone is spiritually stuck, a major issue in obedience can normally be detected in about four questions. Here’s what each step means in practice:

Gather: Worship Weekly with the Church

    Spiritual growth through worship begins with consistently meeting together. At Mercy Hill, we make this accessible with multiple weekend services (Hebrews 10:25). Worshiping God and hearing the Word preached weekly fuels our hearts and renews our minds.

    Group: Commit to Biblical Community

    Growth happens in the context of community. Through Community Groups, we apply the sermon, encourage each other, and grow in brotherly love (Romans 12:10). This is where theology becomes transformation.

    Give: Live Generously with Time, Talent, and Treasure

    Giving aligns our hearts with the mission of God. Whether it’s through tithing (Malachi 3:10), volunteering, or using our gifts, generosity is a critical part of spiritual formation.

    Go: Live on Mission Daily

    The Christian life is not meant to be private. Jesus called us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). As we live on mission—sharing the Gospel and inviting others to church—we grow in obedience and purpose.

    Get in the Stream: Spiritual Growth Starts with Obedience

    If you’re stuck spiritually, ask yourself: Am I living out these four steps? We’ve seen over and over that people who actively gather, group, give, and go tend not to remain stagnant in their faith.

    If you want to grow, the best advice is simple: Get in the stream.

    Final Encouragement

    Again—simple doesn’t mean easy, but it does mean clear. The path to spiritual growth is in front of us. Let’s jump in with both feet, knowing that God meets us with grace and power along the way.

    We were made for more. Let’s grow into it.