Did you know that 88% of American Christians have progressed no further than the spiritual 'toddler' stage? Or that, despite this, there’s a spike in hunger for a deeper connection with God? These shocking truths point to a critical gap in how the church is helping hungry people grow spiritually—one that needs urgent attention. This data comes from two sources: Grey Matter Research and Barna.
First, Grey Matter Research’s 2022 study reveals a harsh reality: the Western church is failing to help Christians grow spiritually. By measuring spiritual growth like physical development, the data reveals that 88% of American Christians have not progressed beyond a spiritual toddler stage:
The second statistical snapshot was produced by Barna, also conducted in 2022. The study shows rising spiritual hunger across the U.S., signaling a hunger for deeper connection with God that the church is ill-prepared to meet:
In light of this troubling data about spiritual maturity and the hopeful data about growing desire for deeper connection with God, I feel an urgent calling to revive ancient models of spiritual formation—models that birthed wise guides who possessed proven and tested ability to guide people into deeper lives with Jesus. This is why I’m launching a spiritual direction training program in mid-March, to help fill communities with spiritual guides possessing the capacity to help others grow deeply in their faith. You can find out more about this training program HERE.
Part of my own preparation process for this training has been to immerse myself in the rich tradition of spiritual direction within Christian spirituality. I’m sharing seven spiritual guides who have caught my attention and helped spark my own journey into this beautiful ministry and deeper awareness of the Presence of Living God. The first three guide’s I’ve hightlighted are Julian of Norwich, The Desert Fathers and Mothers, and John Cassian. Today, I’m drawing attention to the Teresa of Avila.
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