Understanding stages of growth is important for many reasons. Quoting from one of our earlier posts on stages of growth which emphasized the stages of our experience of God’s felt grace:
Understanding progressions of our growth helps us to know where we are and where we are going. It also helps us to be okay with where we are and not dislike ourselves for not being more mature. Understanding phases also teaches us what thoughts and feelings are normal for our situation and what teachings and practices are best for our situation. It also helps us to remain pliable in the Potter’s hand in whatever phase we are in and not struggle to circumvent any painful shaping he is doing. Understanding phases also helps us to be more understanding and helpful to others who are in different phases. Often well-meaning Christians will give advice that is designed to get someone else to take the same spiritual steps they are taking, not considering that their advice doesn’t apply to them. Understanding phases also helps us to be merciful to the less mature and humble before the more mature and learn how to edify both.
In this post we will look at a non-repeating (non-cyclical) model of growth that focuses on one’s character and function in the body of Christ. It is the only progression discussed in the New Testament at length. We find a five-level model of maturity in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.[1] These chapters describe the traits of deacons, certain women, and elders. The traits for elders are more advanced than the traits for deacons. (Paul uses different Greek words in 1 Timothy and Titus. 1 Timothy uses the term “overseer” and Titus uses the term “elder” but since the descriptions overlap so much we will consider them synonymous.) Elders are supposed to oversee other believers. Obviously, there is also a maturity level below that of deacons, which would be newer believers and we refer to this level as the novice level.
We also think that Timothy and Titus were at a maturity level above elders because Paul told Titus to appoint elders, and it appears that Timothy was also overseeing elders. Thus, we believe that Timothy and Titus represent a higher level of maturity than elders. We refer to this level as the arch-elder level of maturity. Higher still is the Apostle Paul’s level of maturity, along with maturity of the other Apostles. Paul discipled Timothy and Titus so we consider him more mature. We will consider this the highest phase of maturity with a range that includes the highest possible level of maturity in this life. We will refer to this level of maturity as the architect level of maturity.
Therefore, we can see a five-level progression of maturity from spiritual novices, to deacons, to elders, to arch-elders, and then to architects. We will look at each level in turn.
Novices are newer or immature believers who have not reached deacon-level maturity.
What is deacon-level maturity? The traits of deacons are listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. Titus 1 does not describe deacons. (We will use the terms mostly from the NIV bible as we discuss deacons and elders.) In verses 8-10 deacons should be: respectable, sincere (no dishonest or inconsistent speech), not indulging in lots of alcohol, not “pursuing dishonest gain”, “hold[ing] on to the deep truths of the faith”, possessing a clear conscience, and successful in passing testing (possibly meaning that they have been given some responsibility and/or been carefully observed). Husbands should be faithful to their wives, and manage their children and households well (v. 12).
We will also add the traits for women in verse 11 since these are also traits that men are supposed to have and they are not assigned to elders. In addition to being respectable (already mentioned for deacons) these traits are: not being “malicious talkers”, being temperate, and being trustworthy. Thus, if one has all the listed traits then they are at the deacon level of maturity. We notice that nearly all the traits for deacon maturity are traits that relate to external behavior. This reinforces the biblical idea that if one is truly following Jesus, then their actions will show it, and if their life has not changed in these ways then they are still immature. They are still spiritual children. The standards for deacons are not terribly high; they are only the next level after novice.
In the next post we will look at the last three levels of maturity. Before we do, it is important to ask yourself if you qualify for deacon-level maturity. Do you practice the traits well? Also, are you able to help others move from novice to deacon-level maturity? What tools do you need? How well does your congregation move believers to deacon-level maturity?
Part 2 of this post series will look at elder maturity. Part 3 will look at arch-elder and architect maturity.
MORE ON STAGES OF GROWTH
View our post on stages of growth relating to how one experiences the inflow of God’s grace here.
Two of our posts explain the fivefold way of growth. Part 1 is here and Part 2 is here. The fivefold way describes a repeating pattern of growth that occurs in all growing believers. This is very helpful in understanding how God is working in your life.
You can also study Scripture on this topic in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 where Paul explains the qualifications for elders (overseers) and deacons.
For books on stages of growth see Bruce Demarest’s Seasons of the Soul and Thomas Ashbrook’s Mansions of the Heart.
[1] Although often mentioned on this topic 1 John 2:12-14 is not helpful in understanding stages of growth. Close examination reveals that it is not an attempt to present a consistent progression and so it does not produce much in the way of understanding progressive growth. 2 Peter 1:5-7 is also not helpful because it is in a literary style that does not fit with the idea of progression.
