I have two grandsons that are 10 weeks apart in age. These cousins are constantly measuring themselves against each other to see who is taller. They both want to be the tallest one, but of course they don’t have any control over their height. 

Thankfully, spiritual growth is not like physical growth. We do have some control over our spiritual maturity. Although only the Holy Spirit can bring about spiritual transformation in our lives (2 Corinthians 3:18), He won’t do it without our obedient cooperation. 

As this year ends, it’s a good time to look at where we’ve been and evaluate our current condition. Then we can set some goals and plan for spiritual growth to take us purposefully into the new year.

Why We Should Plan for Spiritual Growth

You may think this sounds a bit too analytical to be “spiritual.” But Scripture is full of directives for us to be purposeful in our spiritual growth and discipleship. For instance, Paul told Timothy to “train” himself for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8) and Paul wrote of his own purposeful pursuit of Christ (Philippians 3:12-17). Planning and goal setting doesn’t mean God is not in it. 

Haphazard discipleship will always yield haphazard results. But purposeful discipleship, guided by God, will yield spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God.

I’ve personally done this for several years now. First, I do a spiritual year-end review. I evaluate my progress – or lack of progress – and think about where I wanted to be. Then I set some goals and strategies to get there.

I’ve developed a couple of resources to help with this process. I’d love to share them with you!

Look Back and Evaluate

Before we can plot a course ahead, we need to know where we are. We can start by asking ourselves some general questions about our current spiritual health and the quality of our relationship with God and others. Questions like these:

• What did I learn about God?
• In what ways did my faith grow?
• How did I purposefully cultivate my relationship with God?
• Was I disciplined in Bible study?
• Was I vitally connected to my local church?
• In what ways did I serve and minister to others?
• Do I have relationships that are strained or need to be repaired?

Use this evaluation form to help with this process:

DISCIPLESHIP EVALUATION TOOL

Set Goals for the New Year

After we get a good idea of where we are, we can purposefully plan for spiritual growth in the new year. It is not “unspiritual” to set goals and develop strategies to meet those goals. In fact, it’s being good stewards of God’s calling on our lives. 

Word of Caution: It’s easy to set unrealistic goals or to try to tackle too much in one year. We want to experience some success in our discipleship. So, check our “5 Tips for Setting Spiritual Growth Goals” for some direction.

The “Spiritual Goals Worksheet” is a great planning tool. It includes tips for goal-setting and lists many specific disciplines under broader categories like “Bible intake.”

SPIRITUAL GOALS WORKSHEET

A Glimpse at My Ongoing Discipleship Efforts

These resources are just tools to keep us moving forward. Spiritual growth is not a science. Each year I meet some goals and fall short of others. But, the missed goals give me a good starting place for the new year.

One area where I struggle is Scripture memory. I know it’s important for my spiritual health, but I’d always been very sporadic with the discipline because it takes time, purposeful effort, and determination. However, I plan for this to be an area of focus in the year ahead.  (Why bother with memorizing Scripture when we have such easy access to God’s Word? See “Why I Tackle Scripture Memory & How I Do It.”) 

If you have not yet developed a habit of spending regular time in prayer and Bible study you may find it helpful to read about what my daily time with God looks like. You’ll need to find a rhythm that works for you, but keep in mind that God’s Word should be central.

Help with Getting into the Bible

The intake of God’s Word is VITAL for our spiritual health and growth. First, God reveals Himself, His will, and His ways in the Bible. Second, God uses His Word as His primary tool for spiritual transformation in our lives. That’s why Scripture must be the primary foundation of our discipleship efforts. 

In fact, my passion is helping others get into God’s Word. First, I work to equip them with the tools they need to confidently read, study, and understand God’s Word. I have developed a simple, but solid Inductive method I call the 4 R Bible Study Method that I teach whenever and wherever God gives the opportunity. It’s also the framework for the Deep Rooted Study series and for the daily Bible reading group I lead for women on Facebook.

Second, I provide lots of free and low cost resources that help you stay in Scripture. That includes weekly study helps, tips, and instruction through my blog, Bible reading plans, devotional guides and more. Check out the FREE RESOURCES page to find many of these.

Three Resources to Check Out Now

I want to help you prepare for discipleship success in 2026! Check out the following ways you can dive into God’s Word right away.

1. Five-Day Discipleship Reading Plan – This 5 day plan bridges the gap between the 2025 and 2026 year-long reading plans. But it can be used by anyone, anytime. The five short readings help you think through the meaning of discipleship and what it should look like. You can start it right now to carry you through to the end of 2025.
2. Year-long plan for 2026 – Trying to stay in God’s Word without a plan will be haphazard at best. My year-long plans provide five doable readings a week. It works through one Bible book at a time and alternates between Old and New Testaments. This is the plan I use and the plan we use in the Facebook reading group. The pace we keep will take us through the Bible in 5-6 years.
3. “Reading the Bible Together” Facebook group – This closed Facebook group for women provides encouragement and accountability to stay in Scripture. The daily readings, commentary, and discussion questions post at 5am central, Monday through Friday. (Weekends are our grace period!) Women from all over the world pop into the group and join in the discussion whenever the time works for them. It’s on your schedule. We will be starting the Gospel of Mark on Monday, January 5th. No resources are required or needed. However occasionally I suggest an optional resource. For Mark, you may find “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark” a helpful resource.

What about you? What is the number one area in which you’d like to grow spiritually in the year ahead?