Home Small Group Leaders Articles for Small Group Leaders What Does Christ-Like Maturity Look Like? 15 Characteristics

What Does Christ-Like Maturity Look Like? 15 Characteristics

“Christ-like maturity” is a term that screams at us. It demands that spiritual maturity is recognized as being marked by Christ-likeness. It’s that simple. But what does that look like? My read on the gospels would lead me to believe that a Christ-like small group leader modeling Christ-likeness for their group members would be one who displays the following characteristics:

  1. Guided by the Holy Spirit (even into uncomfortable places) Matthew 4:1
  2. A disciple finder and maker. Matthew 4:18
  3. A teacher and defender of truth. Matthew 5 – 7 and throughout the gospels
  4. A modeler of the spiritual disciplines. Luke 11: 1 – 4
  5. A need meeter. Matthew 14: 13 – 20
  6. A protector of group members from false teachers. Matthew 15: 1 – 9
  7. A faith builder. Matthew 8:23 – 27
  8. Partnering with God to see healing take place in the lives of group members (emotional and physical) Matthew 8:14 – 16
  9. An empowerer. Matthew 10: 1 – 42
  10. A model of good citizenship. Matthew 22: 15 – 21
  11. A transcendent hope builder. John 14: 2 – 4
  12. A sustainer of and leader in communal expectations. Matthew 26: 26 – 30
  13. A defender of the principles and practices of church. Luke 19: 45
  14. Willing to die for God’s Kingdom. Matthew 27: 32 – 50
  15. Sending others out to make disciples. Matthew 28: 18 – 20

What about you? What are some characteristics you would include in this list and why?  

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rhowerton@churchleaders.com'
Rick has one passion… To see “a biblical small group within walking distance of every person on the planet making disciples that make disciples.” He is presently pursuing this passion as the Small Group and Discipleship Specialist at LifeWay Church Resources. Rick has authored or co-authored multiple books, studies, and leader training resources including A Different Kind of Tribe: Embracing the New Small Group Dynamic, Destination Community: Small Group Ministry Manual, The Gospel and the Truth: Living the Message of Jesus, Small Group Life Ministry Manual: A New Approach to Small Groups, Redeeming the Tears: a Journey Through Grief and Loss, Small Group Life: Kingdom, Small Group Kickoff Retreat: Experiential Training for Small Group Leaders, and Great Beginnings: Your First Small Group Study, Disciples Path: A Practical Guide to Disciple Making. Rick’s varied ministry experiences as an collegiate minister, small group pastor, teaching pastor, elder, full-time trainer and church consultant, as well as having been a successful church planter gives him a perspective of church life that is all-encompassing and multi-dimensional. Rick is a highly sought after communicator and trainer.