Many authors have suggested benchmarks to define the Christian journey. In Building a Discipling Culture, Author Michael Breen proposed the MRSGREN biological framework. George Barna’s book Maximum Faith outlines a 10-stage journey of spiritual transformation based on research into how followers of Jesus grow in their faith. Janet Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich released The Critical Journey, which looks at stages in the life of faith. As a pastoral leader in a context that works with many on a spiritual search, as they suffer through homelessness and marginalization, I asked my team to help, not create a map of all stages we might go through as followers of Jesus, but what growth points we need the most resourcing around. I will share that in this post.
I think we identified seven important growth points and benchmarks on the journey of following Jesus that are formative and help us mature. For the past few weeks, I have been finalizing language for each of these seven growth outcomes. These seven growth outcomes not only show where to invest but also where to measure growth and effectiveness. For all of us, we need mentors and coaches in these seven areas to fully grasp the depths of the habits and patterns of the Jesus-following life.
What Are Growth Outcomes
When we talk about spiritual transformation as the Pastoral Ministries Team at Water Street Mission, we are not talking about quick fixes or checking religious boxes. We are talking about the slow, often fragile work of learning how to stay resilient and sustained—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—in a world that has worn many of our guests (and us at times) down.
The stories we walk alongside are complex, marked by loss, trauma, faith, doubt, distrust, conspiracy, and at times unexpected grace. Because of that, our pastoral work is not driven by perfection or outcomes we can control, but by intentional practices that help guests take real, sustainable steps toward the life Jesus invites them into.
A few months ago, our Pastoral Ministries Team identified seven areas of growth that we want our guests to experience. That means in all activities led by the Pastoral Ministries Team, we seek to cultivate lasting spiritual transformation. These efforts are shaped by seven growth outcomes that guide our work. No guest will master all of these during their time here. Instead, our role is to equip each guest with tools in these areas that they can carry forward as they continue living the life Jesus calls them to. These outcomes are not affirmations of “true faith,” but benchmarks. These seven outcomes reflect where we focus our efforts to help guests mature in that way of life.
Salvation and Confession of Faith
Guests have confessed with their mouths and believed in their hearts that Jesus is Lord, trusting that God raised him from the dead, and have entered into the gift of salvation as expressed in Romans 10:9. This moment marks a turning point, an act of liberation from the patterns of the world and from the sins and ways of life that once defined and imprisoned us. This is measured through a guest’s testimony, participation in baptism, or affirmation of personal faith in Jesus Christ.
A Life of Prayer
Guests understand and practice prayer as an ongoing conversation with God and a daily spiritual practice. Prayer becomes a regular rhythm through which they express dependence on God, confess, give thanks, and trust as reflected in 1 Thessalonians 5:17–18. This outcome is observed through regular participation in prayer gatherings, sharing personal prayer requests, or a guest’s ability to describe and practice a consistent rhythm of prayer in daily life.
Engagement with Scripture
Guests are actively engaging with the scriptures, learning to understand them, and applying them to shape their thoughts, actions, and sense of identity as understood in 2 Timothy 3:16–17. This outcome is observed through evidence of regular Bible reading, a guest’s ability to reflect on a passage, or the use of Scripture in personal decision-making.
Connection to the Church
Guests make connections with a local church community. This includes regular participation in worship, mentoring relationships, and serving alongside others within the body of Christ; demonstrating the shared life and mutual encouragement in Hebrews 10:24–25. This outcome is observed through consistent attendance, active involvement in a small group, and an accountable relationship with a mentor or church leader.
Transformation through Faith
Guests experience transformation as they live out their faith and build healthy habits that shape their inner lives over time. This leads to renewal rather than conformity to familiar or worldly patterns. This results in a new character, healthier relationships, and renewed patterns of thinking and daily living, as described in Romans 12:2. This is evidenced through staff and self-assessments, as well as growing discernment, forgiveness, integrity, and hope.
Walking in the Spirit
Guests learn to recognize and respond to God’s ongoing guidance through the Holy Spirit. This includes growing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and transformed character as they learn to walk with the Spirit, as captured in Galatians 5:25. This outcome is evidenced through testimony of God’s guidance, growing discernment, Spirit-shaped abilities, and the fruit of the Spirit evident in daily life.
Living with Purpose and Discipline
Guests are living with greater purpose in the world, sustained by faith-shaped disciplines that help them remain resilient and faithful over time in the way of life they have begun. Following Jesus is not only about inward change, but about staying the course and participating in God’s work through a missional life of service to others, as found in Ephesians 2:10. This outcome is observed through missional engagement with God’s goodness and good news in the world, and the development of disciplines like a rule of life, core values, and a sense of calling.
Closing Thoughts on Our Seven Growth Outcomes
We also recognize that not all of our guests want Jesus—and we respect that. No one is forced into faith here. But for those on the journey, for those who have exhausted their options and discover that Jesus is still present and inviting, we want to walk with them in ways that are formative, intentional, and honest—not lazy or performative. These seven areas are not only benchmarks for our guests; they are also areas of growth for all of us, and I know this list should inform my own journey. Together, they offer a holistic picture of what a growing, fruitful follower of Jesus matures into over time.
As you reflect, where are you strongest right now? Where are you weakest? What scriptures come to mind as you consider these benchmarks? What surprised you by its presence—or its absence?
If you’re interested in serving as a chapel partner and helping us cultivate these seven areas in our guests’ lives, we’d love to hear from you at chapel@wsm.org.
