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The Stages of Spiritual Growth
Judy Bryson

Topics:	Children, Growth, Spiritual growth, Transformation, Youth
Filters:	Children's ministry, Children's pastor, Christian education, Family ministry, Sunday school, Youth ministry
References:	None
Date Added:	November 26, 2009

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Spiritual growth occurs in all developmental stages and in all aspects of life—mental, physical, social and emotional. But what are those growth stages? And how can we encourage the development of faith in children during these crucial periods? Below you'll find a sketch of the stages, and tips for ministering effectively to children in each of these stages.

Infancy-3 Years: Sensing Security

Development and Need

The greatest need for children from infancy to three is to feel that the world is a safe place and that the people in it are dependable. This sense of security and trust usually comes from the family and provides a foundation for children to trust God.

The primary development during this time is mimicking. Babies mimic the movements of those around them—smiling, clapping, making sounds. By age 2-3 children are walking, running, and exploring everything around them; they can dress and feed themselves. They have learned the basics of language and can carry on conversations using a limited vocabulary. In church we encourage children to mimic actions such as praying, and repeating Bible words.

Ministry Implications

Talk, read, play, sing, and pray with children.
Involve children in activities with other children and adults.
Begin family faith traditions and holiday rituals.
Provide parenting classes and support groups for parents.
Consider baby dedication or baptism ceremonies.

Three to Seven Years: Experiencing Faith

Development and Need

During the preschool and early childhood years, children typically act with "experienced faith." For the most part children respond to the actions of parents and adults, while learning to initiate actions. They explore and test, imagine and create, observe and copy, experience and react. Their acts provide a mirror and a test within the family and faith community context. In this context they are experiencing the faith of their family.

Ministry Implications

Continue the activities begun in infancy, but with increasing involvement of the children.
Add to the reading and playing, Bible stories with exciting narration, and encourage active use of imagination on the part of the children.
Involve the children in creative telling and dramatizing of Bible stories.
Encourage children to ask questions about the Bible reading, and imagine what Biblical characters might say if they could be there.
Provide a worship readiness opportunity to help children understand what it means to worship and why the church participates in the various aspects of the worship service.

Seven to 12 Years: Relational Faith

Development and Need

During these years, children have developed the ability to see themselves as a separate individual, and have begun to form friendships, mostly with members of the same gender. It becomes increasingly important to belong to groups, to do things with their peers. They have broadened their relationships outside the home, but the family is still the central influence. Children are beginning to take responsibility for their actions, realizing that freedom requires accountability.

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