I was serving in Uganda following a number of ministry teams from my church. As I spoke with the Lead Ugandan Pastor, he commented, “the teams you sent were clearly more spiritually mature than other short term ministry teams that have come to serve.”

It is not easy to measure spiritual maturity, but you know it when you see it. It is a nightmare when a short term ministry team is divided and in conflict with one another when serving overseas.

10 results of an effective discipleship/leadership development environment:

1. Minimal Murmering.

Philippians 2:14 (ESV) Do all things without grumbling or disputing

Complaining and whining is absent from the life of one who is spiritually mature. The Israelites showed signs of immaturity in the wilderness and paid for it dearly.

2. Stepping up!

They are the first to stand, the first to offer help for every challenge faced.

Romans 12:8 (ESV)  … the one who leads, with zeal;

When something needs to be done, they are the “the first to stand,” which is a translation of zeal. It has the deeper meaning of “speed,” which means they are not passive when a need presents itself.

3. A Servant’s Heart

They park in the distant parking lot and pick up trash on the way into the church building.

Matthew 23:11 (ESV)  The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Philippians 2:4 (ESV)  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

4. A Heart for the Lost

They get excited when they see people come to faith in Christ.

Luke 15:7 (ESV)  Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

5. Willing to Sacrifice to Benefit Others

They remove obstacles that stand in the way of people coming to faith in Christ. They don’t demand their rights, but surrender personal interests for the benefit of others.

Acts 15:19 (GNB)  “It is my opinion,” James went on, “that we should not trouble the Gentiles who are turning to God.

They give sacrificially and generously to fund the church in the effort to reach the community and world for Christ. They don’t need to be prodded to give.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

6. Unity Under Pressure

They don’t allow petty disagreements to divide the team. They know how to encourage one another and nip problems in the bud before they fester.

Ephesians 4:3 (ESV)  eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)  Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

7. Boldness

After being released by the authorities for speaking boldly about Christ, what do these mature believers pray for?

Acts 4:29 (ESV)  And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,

Spiritually mature people know the importance of acting on what they believe, staying the course and not reacting to the threats of the enemy. They are bold, not because they are supposed to be bold, but because that is who they are in Christ.

At 90 years old, John’s bold preaching was such a threat to the Roman government that they exiled him to the Island of Patmos where Jesus met him while he was worshipping and gave him the Book of Revelation.