Most church leaders have a deep desire for people to experience life change. We feel the burden Dallas Willard expresses in Spirit of the Disciplines: "If the faithful devotees to our ministries are not transformed in the substance of their lives to the full range of Christlikeness, they are being failed by what we are teaching them." But how do we serve them best? Specifically, how do we structure teaching times, select curriculum, and create an environment in which people can truly grow?

Spiritual growth is dynamic and complex, but I am convinced that six realities are essential to authentic spiritual transformation:

• The work of the Holy Spirit
• Life situations and experiences, especially trials
• Time—spiritual growth is a process
• A biblical belief system/set of convictions/worldview
• Consistent human examples/mentors/leaders who incarnate this way of life
• A community with whom to journey together

We have very limited control over the first three elements. However, we can influence ...