Introduction: Why Measure Spiritual Growth? Ever felt like you’re going through the motions but missing something deeper? In faith journeys, it’s easy to lose focus, but that’s where an Individualized Spiritual Growth Plan (ISGP) can be transformative. Think of it as a personal roadmap, designed to help you check in with where you are spiritually and set goals for where you’d like to be. Inspired by education’s Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), this plan brings structure, allowing us to grow at our own pace with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Here’s how creating one might change your life.
What is an Individualized Spiritual Growth Plan (ISGP)? An ISGP helps you assess your current spiritual state, set clear goals, and track progress, much like an educational IEP, but with a spiritual focus. This framework acknowledges that growth isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. By looking at various aspects of spiritual health and behaviors, an ISGP offers an approach for regular self-assessment, tailored goals, and ongoing adjustments.
Understanding “Spiritual Brain States” Imagine having a clearer picture of your spiritual state at any given time. Inspired by the education framework Conscious Discipline (CD), ISGPs include “spiritual brain states” that relate to three basic states in life:
- Survival State – When we feel threatened, stressed, or fearful.
- Emotional State – A place of sensitivity and strong emotions.
- Executive State – The ideal, where we are calm, open to growth, and ready to learn.
Knowing your spiritual state can be like having a GPS for your faith journey, helping you understand your responses and set goals accordingly. For instance, if you’re in a “survival” state, where your primary response might be fight-or-flight, goals may focus on foundational practices that offer peace, such as prayer or solitude.
Setting Goals that Work: The Power of SMART Goals To make growth real, ISGPs recommend SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. SMART goals are like setting mile markers on a marathon. They turn broad, often overwhelming, spiritual objectives into achievable steps, creating momentum for your spiritual journey.
For example: One goal could be spending 15 minutes in quiet prayer daily for a month, reflecting on one aspect of God’s character. It’s specific (prayer and reflection), measurable (15 minutes daily), attainable (requires only a small time commitment), realistic, and timely (for a month). By starting small, each step builds confidence and reinforces positive spiritual habits.
Support Structures: The Importance of Community and Environment In an ISGP, supportive environments and accountability are essential. Imagine trying to grow a garden without water or sunlight; similarly, spiritual growth often requires support from family, mentors, or friends. For Jane, who faced personal and spiritual burnout, her ISGP encouraged her to lean on her supportive network and actively participate in a faith community that could help her achieve her goals.
Overcoming Obstacles with Insight and Intention Sometimes, growth means recognizing and addressing obstacles. For Jane, “busyness” was a major barrier. Her ISGP included intentional solitude, helping her move beyond constant activity to find moments of rest and reflection. Over time, these moments added depth to her journey and allowed her to become more present in her day-to-day life.
What Can You Do Next? Think about your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel “stuck” or unfulfilled? An ISGP is a practical, purposeful way to grow in alignment with your faith. It allows you to focus on specific goals, maintain a connection with God, and lean into the support of those around you.
Call to Action So, where will you start? Reflect on one small step you could take to draw closer to God. Is it committing to regular quiet time, joining a group study, or simply pausing for gratitude each day? Consider writing down a few personal goals and make a plan to check in on them regularly. This might be the beginning of a more focused, fulfilling spiritual journey.