4 Ways to Grow This Year

In a world that values self-sufficiency and independence, it’s tempting to believe personal growth is something we pursue alone. We often turn to self-help methods, convinced that the next book or strategy will bring us greater fulfillment and satisfaction. But the pursuit of growth in isolation misses God’s intention for us. Rather, he calls us to be a part of a community that supports and strengthens one another. To grow this year, we’ll need to come together.

We are meant to grow, change, and flourish together. God uses many means to grow us in grace — prayer, Bible reading, worship, and, importantly, Christian community. In his wisdom, God designed the church to play a central role in our growth: “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Heb 10:25).

God’s vision for growth — what we call sanctification — is powered by the Holy Spirit in partnership with his people. That is, the body of Christ: lending a helping hand, walking alongside, offering a shoulder to lean on. Being part of a local church community enables us to look, love, and live like Christ — the ultimate measure of personal growth.

While no church is perfect, grace abounds for us to grow together. The apostle Paul, writing to the entire church in Philippi — not just to an individual — reminds them of their collective calling in Christ. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Phil 2:13).

God works through the church to support our growth and transformation. How? Four ways:

Church is a place to share life

Living in community means walking together not just on Sundays but throughout the week — when life truly happens. The perceived divide between the sacred and secular often leaves us compartmentalizing our lives. But sharing life within the church community bridges that gap, helping us integrate faith into every part of our daily experience.

It’s in these everyday moments — meals, conversations, celebrations, and even struggles — that God’s people offer friendship, encouragement, and accountability. They notice when we’re absent, tell us to rest when we’re tired, and challenge us to trust the Lord when life feels uncertain.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,” Psalm 1:1 says. Consider also that blessed is the one who walks in step with the righteous, stands in the way of the faithful, and sits in the company of those who love God.

Church is a place to serve others

Jesus modeled a life of service, showing us that it’s better to give than receive. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” Mark 10:45 reads. The church invites us to follow his example, helping us shift our focus from ourselves to the needs of those around us. When we serve, we grow in humility, compassion, and generosity, reflecting Christ’s love in tangible ways.

Serving in a church community transforms our hearts. It allows us to see the real needs of our brothers and sisters, inspiring us to become more empathetic and selfless. If you want to grow in compassion, serve. If you want to cultivate generosity, give of yourself to support others. In doing so, we are reminded that our lives are to be poured out — serving God by serving others.

Church is a place to study Scripture

The word of God teaches and corrects us, and shows us how to live life — and we need others to help us understand it more deeply. Studying Scripture in community provides fresh insights, challenges our perspectives, and encourages personal growth and spiritual maturity.

As we journey through Scripture together, we create space to share our experiences and struggles, listening and looking attentively to discover God’s will for our lives. What’s more, hearing the testimonies of others can inspire us to faithfully pursue the Lord and his desires for us. Collective study helps us become doers of the word, not just hearers, as James 1:22 says.

Church is a place to find and exercise spiritual leadership  

One of the beautiful blessings of the church is spiritual family. Within this family, God entrusts spiritual leaders — pastors, elders, and mentors — with the responsibility of guiding his people.

In a church community, we can also find wise counsel. In moments of decision-making, seeking wisdom from those who know and love God can be critical. “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future” (Prov 19:20). Being under godly leadership strengthens us and helps us discern God’s best for our lives.

Embrace the Gift of Community

God desires that we grow and flourish, and the church plays a vital role in that journey. Within this community, we find the encouragement and support to become who God has called us all to be.The church is not a physical place; it’s a body of believers sharing life, serving others, studying Scripture, and providing spiritual leadership.

As we approach a new year, consider how you might take a step toward deeper fellowship. If you’ve been distant, may God give you the courage to reconnect. If you’ve been hurt, may God mend and restore what needs healing. Perhaps it’s time to find a new church home or to recommit with a renewed sense of hope.

Whatever your situation, remember that God has designed us to grow together — not in isolation. Embrace the gift of community and allow God to use it to shape and grow you in the year ahead.