Christian Growth Guide: From Faith Foundations to Whole-Life Discipleship
- Eljoh Hartzer, MTh
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
A Step-by-Step Journey of Learning to Follow Jesus in Everyday Life
The path or journey of Christian growth will differ depending on who you ask. While the Bible is the best voice to follow and the leading of the Holy Spirit, there are some practical points every person will reach as they journey from A to Z (with the destination being To Know Him).
Christian growth is not random—it follows a pattern: we begin with belief, move into identity, grow in relationship, develop awareness of God, and eventually live out our faith in every sphere of life.
These articles shared here all cover some of the questions a person might come across as they apprentice to Christ and become His disciple. I believe God made me a writer to share this with you. I grew up in a Christian home, studied Theology at Uni, worked in full-time ministry, and still follow Jesus today - I understand the questions that arise in the life of the believer and have found that God's Word answers each one of them.
May you find space here to pause, reflect, and abide.
Christian Growth Track:
As a believer, you are transformed by the renewal of your mind, the more you spend time with Him. The articles linked in this guide also cover some of the stops along that journey: like identity, abiding, awareness, and mission. This guide is a structured Christian discipleship pathway that helps believers grow from foundational faith to mature, everyday obedience to Jesus. You can use the sections below to follow a simple spiritual growth pathway—from foundation to maturity.
Vine Creative Studio holds a collection of what I like to call 'encounter tools', resources connecting hearts with Jesus. You're welcome to try one out with my free Workbook on Living as a Wholehearted Follower or Coloring page on the Fishes & Loaves Miracle.
This discipleship growth track takes you from the basics into the more detailed effects of the Christian faith. It's a collection of more than 20 resources aimed at helping normal laypeople and church leaders alike find the words to express various points along the way as one grows into maturity of faith.
Foundations of Faith: What We Believe
The very starting point of faith is not necessarily the first page of the Bible in Genesis - it's more like understanding what faith even is, who God is, and what He did for us. These articles cover the basics of Christianity and how one relates to God as the One who SAVES.
→ Link to Faith: A Definition with Examples
→ Link to The Bridge Diagram
→ Link to How to Learn God’s Name
2. Identity in Christ: Who You Are
After knowing who God is, comes learning who you are in Him. When someone accepts God, they get a new identity and this new truth guides them as they go. Your identity as a child of God impacts how you view yourself and how you will live your life.
→ Link to Wear Your Crown – Identity in Christ
→ Link to How to Know Who You Are
3. Learning to Walk with God: Relationship & Abiding
This is where discipleship gets real - Vine Creative Studio is built on the principle of abiding from John 15. Anybody who wants to grow in their faith, needs to stay close to God. It all starts and ends with dwelling in His presence and living near Him.
→ Link to How to Live Close to God
→ Link to How to Abide (Live Near God)
→ Link to Abiding in God – A Definition
→ Link to Abiding in the Vine, A Definition
→ Link to How to Abide in Christ
4. Seeing God in Everyday Life: Awareness & Spiritual Formation
Discipleship is always about walking with the Rabbi. The articles in this section take on some of the practical aspects that come along in the journey: What do you do when God feels absent? How can you sense His nearness? What is He up to? How can I position my life for more of Him?
→ Link to Where Is God?
→ Link to Seeing God’s Hand in Everyday Life
5. Living Out Your Faith: Practice & Mission
As a Practical Theologian, this is my favorite part of it all. This is where you walk out your faith in daily life. The articles connected here take you through exactly how faith flows into every sphere of your life. Learn about God's plan, the Missio Dei, and your role in it. Learn how to discern what He has for you.
→ Link to How to Live as a Follower of Jesus
→ Link to Knowing What to Say YES To
→ Link to What’s My Role in God’s Plan?
6. Becoming Whole in Christ: Mature Discipleship
The goal of discipleship is not to arrive somewhere, but to grow closer into the Vine. These three articles cover more of what it looks like to live wholeheartedly for Him. Discover how to always keep growing deeper and deeper as you are transformed to look more like Jesus in everyday life.
→ Link to 10 Ideas to Deepen Your Faith in 2026
In conclusion,
Faith is not a destination we arrive at, but a journey we grow into. From belief, to identity, to relationship, to everyday awareness, to lived expression—God shapes us step by step into the likeness of Christ. Remember when Paul said we can never "arrive" in our faith. It's not about achieving a certain point, but it is important to mature into His likeness.
Wherever you are on the discipleship journey, just keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and you'll do great. The goal is to know Him and make Him known everywhere you go.
May the Lord be near to you as you discover what it looks like to seek Him in this way.
P.S. If you enjoyed this article and would like to stay in touch, I want to invite you to join my newsletter by leaving your email below. Vine Creative Studio hosts a growing collection of free faith resources like the ones given here.
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