Five Phases of Spiritual Discovery
	Excerpted from Seeker Small Groups by Garry Poole, used by permission After observing hundreds of non-Christians take steps of faith in all kinds of settings, I've concluded that seekers advance through five distinct phases of spiritual discovery – and it's one of the most critical realizations I've encountered. If we can carefully and adequately identify where our seeking friends are in their discovery process, we will gain a much better understanding of how to best support and encourage them in their search for truth. Phase 1: Identification. Seekers identify what they believe. This phase is where most seekers really begin their spiritual journey – by figuring out where they stand and exactly what they believe. Here, non-Christians identify just what it is they think about God, the meaning of life, death, the afterlife, and many other spiritual issues. Generally speaking, seekers have rarely come to grips with what they specifically believe about these important matters. So we serve our seeking friends well when we ask questions to prompt them (and assist us) to define what they believe. Some examples of Phase 1 questions include the following: What do you believe about God? Who do you think Jesus is? What do you suppose happens after we die? What's your assessment of the Bible? Phase 2: Clarification. Seekers clarify why they believe what they do. Next, non-Christians need to move one step beyond identifying what they believe to clarifying why they hold those beliefs. Few seekers have taken the time to establish solid reasons for what they believe – they are not naturally driven to defend their spiritual viewpoints. Again, we demonstrate respect toward our seeking friends and family members when we make the effort to genuinely understand the reasons behind their beliefs. Phase 2 questions can include: Why do you believe there is no God? Help me understand why you think there is no life after this one? Give me your reasons for believing that all roads lead to God? Phase 3: Exploration. Seekers explore alternative truth options. Once seekers have put forth the effort to determine what and why they believe, they often become dissatisfied with their current beliefs. This is an exciting step in their journeys because they are at a place where they are ready and willing to seek after the truth. However, this process can also be somewhat chaotic because at this juncture seekers are usually left with more questions than answers – and more doubts than certainties. This unsettling notion often causes an eye-opening awareness that there just might be more to life than what they have experienced – and that something is missing. It's at this stage that seekers become eager to explore other options, including biblical truth, and are most open and receptive to hearing a clear presentation of the gospel. We wouldn't want to miss this opportunity. Phase 4: Evaluation. Seekers evaluate new discoveries. At this point, seekers begin to earnestly assess the validity of their beliefs and wrestle with the tough questions and objections they have about the claims of Christianity as well as other faiths. More than at any other time, they are willing to make comparisons between what they believe and what the Bible teaches – and determine which makes more sense from an intellectual perspective. We should make ourselves available to join them in this process and gently guide them toward biblical truths. Phase 5: Decision. Seekers decide what to believe. This stage in the process is very significant for non-Christians, because these crucial decisions of acceptance and belief not only involve the mind, but also the heart and the will. This is why most seekers draw conclusions about spiritual matters incrementally. For example, after moving through each of the phases, a seeker may decide to accept the existence of a personal God but then turn around and go back through the various phases again before making other decisions about the authority of the Bible or the identity of Jesus. It makes take a series of such decisions before he or she eventually makes a commitment to receive and follow Christ. Seekers make spiritual discoveries in stages, and we must look for ways to honor this process as we reach out to them. Without a doubt, of course the Holy Spirit can intercede at any moment in any phase and bring anyone to faith in Christ. But in general, our outreach efforts should demonstrate respect for this spiritual discovery process. In my view, the most effective strategy to helping seekers advance through these phases and take steps of spiritual progress is something I've called "Empathic Evangelism." It's a simple outreach concept that can be summarized in one short statement: Ask great questions and listen well.
[ Who is NBS? ] [ Talk with NBS ] [ Study Guides ] [ Getting Involved ] [ Bookstore ] [ Small Groups ] [ Pastors and Lay Leaders ] [ International ] [ Partner with NBS ] [ Home Page ] Neighborhood Bible Studies 56 Main Street • Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522 tel 800-369-0307 • 914-693-3273 fax 914-693-4345 • email info@neighborhoodbiblestudy.org All rights reserved.