LIFE DEVELOPMENT PLANNER A LEADERSHIP ASSESSMENT TOOL
by Jeff Jones and Rowland Forman
CCBT, Richardson, Texas 75080 USA Copyright 2002
LIFE DEVELOPMENT PLANNER
INTRODUCTION A Note From Jeff Jones and Rowland Forman ISSUE 1—LIFE’S PURPOSE Reflect on the Scripture Passages Complete the Five Steps in the Responding Section Review the Discussion Questions in the Reflecting Section ISSUE 2—LIFE’S DIVINE DESIGN Reflect on the Scripture Passages Complete the “Divine Design Inventory” Summarize Results of Your “Divine Design Inventory” in the Responding Section Review Discussion Questions in Preparation For Your Group Discussion ISSUE 3—LIFE DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE Reflect on the Scripture Passages Review the Sample Timelines Do the First Draft of Your Timeline—Review Instructions in Responding Section Review the Discussion Questions ISSUE 4—LIFE ASSESSMENT Reflect on the Scripture Passages Complete “Assessing the Whole Person” Inventories and Category Summaries Review Discussion Questions in Preparation for the Group Discussion ISSUE 5—LIFE DEVELOPMENT PLAN Final Draft of Purpose Statement, Divine Design, & Life Development Timeline Review Developmental Gaps in Your Knowledge, Character, and Ministry Skills ISSUE 6—LIFE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES Read the Scripture Passages Reflect on the Concept of a Spiritual Retreat in the Responding Section Reflect on the Discussion Questions in Preparation For the Group Discussion
CONCLUSION AND BIBLIOGRAPHY INTRODUCTION Dear Friends in Christ: God has given you a dream—a destiny to fulfill for His kingdom. Long before you were born, God designed you uniquely to serve His purposes (Ephesians 2:10). Like Jeremiah, whom God called to be a prophet while he was still in his mother’s womb, God has laid out a way for you to serve Him. The Life Development Planner is a tool to help you gain a better perspective of God’s purposes in the world, and how you can be involved in His plans. You will discover how everything in your background has been purposefully arranged by God to make you the person you are. After assessing your own “Divine Design,” you’ll construct your “Life Development Timeline.” This timeline will help you gain a panoramic view of what God has done in your life, as well as what He may do through you in the future. God wants you to be faithful now and wants you to keep on growing so that you can serve Him in even greater ways in the future. As you begin to dream about what God has in store for you, you will assess the kind of person you would need to be and where you are right now in the process. You will isolate developmental gaps in your knowledge, skills, and character, so that you can design a plan to close those gaps. Many of us are very intentional about the development of people that we shepherd, but not as intentional about our own development. How can your ministry become even more effective? You can either work harder than you are working right now, or you can improve your capacity to lead. We sometimes get so busy in ministry that we give little attention to selfassessment. We fail to focus on our own growth, ministry fit, and leadership development. Life Development Planner is a tool to help you attend to your own growth in servant-leadership. In the process, you will construct a “Life Development Plan” to provide direction and perspective for your ministry. Then you will break this plan down into strategies that you can employ, by faith, to work out that plan. We have found that this tool is very beneficial for individuals, but even more powerful in a small group setting. In fact, our experience has shown that the Life Development Planner is an incredibly powerful catalyst to true community. As people share their timelines, short-falls, aspirations, and plans, their hearts will be knit together in unforgettable ways. A small group setting is also powerful because participants can give each other feedback as they spot gifts and signs of development that persons may not see on their own. Finally, the small group provides accountability to ensure that each participant implements his or her plan. Our prayer is that God will use this assessment tool to help you become a better servant and leader in His kingdom, and that your church leadership team will move to an even deeper level of authentic community as you share your purpose and plans together.
Jeff Jones and Rowland Forman, Richardson, Texas USA
ISSUE 1—LIFE’S PURPOSE STEP ONE: GRASP THE ISSUE CASE STUDY 1 You are a regular attender of a house church that meets for worship every week in ________ (give the name of region, city, or village in your country). Your house church leader is Kamal (insert a male name of a younger man from your country). Over the last few weeks, the group has been reading and discussing Psalm 138 and Psalm 139. One evening while reading Psalm 138:8, Kamal (use same name again from line three) asks the group if anyone could define his or her life purpose. The room became very quiet. Finally, Hany (insert another male name for a younger man from your country) spoke up and asked Kamal to give the group his definition of his life purpose. Hany (use the same name again from line seven) felt very uncomfortable with what he heard, because Kamal was appearing to define his life purpose only according to his Christian life and ministry. Hany objected, saying that one’s purpose in life should include his family life, business life, and community life, not just his church life. You have been attending the house church for two years. So, the group turns to you and asks for your opinion. What would you say? How would you define your purpose in life? How would you help the group?
STEP TWO: STUDY THE BIBLE SCRIPTURE READINGS Read the following passages and reflect on any indications of God’s grand purpose, His purpose for the church, or His purpose for you. 1. Psalm 138:8 2. Matthew 16:18 3. Matthew 28:16-20 4. Acts 1:8 5. Ephesians 2:11-3:13 (especially 2:15-16 and 3:10)
6. II Timothy 2:1-2
STEP THREE: CONSULT OTHER SOURCES CONSTRUCTING YOUR LIFE PURPOSE STATEMENT Part One: Align Yourself With God’s Purposes Besides verses noted above, write down any other verses that seem to summarize God’s purposes for your life (like John 15:4-6 or Matthew 22:37-39). These may be your favorite verses or verses that have especially impacted you.
Part Two: List Your Main Roles Everyone has several main roles in life. For example, your many roles may include: 1. Father 2. Husband 3. Writer 4. Counselor 5. Teacher
OR
1. Mother 2. Wife 3. Manager 4. Volunteer 5. Friend
OR
What are the main roles in life that you currently fill? 1. 4. 2. 5. 3. 6.
1. Husband 2. Businessman 3. Administrator 4. Elder 5. Mentor 7. 8. 9.
Part Three: Identify God’s Special Purposes For You Talk to others who know you well, then list items that should be included in your purpose statement (for example, your special likes, interests, and gifts). Issue 2 will develop this further.
STEP FOUR: PERSONAL REFLECTON Part Four: Consider Sample Purpose Statements Sample 1 “My life goal is to know and love the Triune God and to serve Him in a way that brings Him pleasure and contributes to His kingdom. I seek to fulfill this goal by leading a godly life and through the writing and publishing of Bible-centered materials as my vocational calling.”
(Note the first sentence is a big picture statement. The second sentence identifies the writer and gives the scope of his commitments. This kind of purpose statement is characterized by clarity and brevity.) Sample 2 “My life purpose is to give myself fully to God’s purposes in the roles He has given me as a wife, mother, and member of the body of Christ, and in so doing to glorify Him.” Sample 3 “My purpose in life is to: ________________________________, which will allow me to: __________________________________. By God’s grace, my purpose and mission are expressed in these roles: ________________________________________________.
STEP FIVE: DISCUSS WITH OTHERS WHAT DO WE ALL THINK ABOUT IT? As you discuss these questions with your leadership team, mentor, or small group, think about aspects of the first draft of your purpose statement you may wish to change. Feel free to go ahead and make any changes now. 1. What are God’s purposes through all of history? 2. What is God’s special purpose for this age? 3. What would you say to someone who maintained that he or she could fulfill God’s purpose without participating in a local church?
4. What are some of the benefits of having a clear purpose statement for your life?
STEP SIX: ACTION PLAN Part Five: Write A First Draft of Your Purpose Statement
Note: This is only a first draft. You will have several opportunities to revise your purpose statement. A final version is part of your Life Development Plan in Issue 5.
ISSUE 2—LIFE’S DIVINE DESIGN STEP ONE: GRASP THE ISSUE CASE STUDY 2 Nadia (insert an appropriate name of an older woman from your country) has been leading a weekly church group in her apartment in _______ (insert the name of a city, town, or region in your country) on Wednesday evenings for the last six months. Recently, a young mother, Angel (insert another name of a younger woman from your country) was invited to attend, and Nadia (same name as used in line one) found herself sitting next to Angel (same name as used in line four) on various occasions. One night Angel asked Nadia if she could meet with her sometime privately and pray. On the next weekend, Angel met Nadia, began to open her heart, shared many hurts, frustrations, and disappointments in her life, and started to cry. She said she didn’t know why God had allowed her to live, what good she was to anyone, or what she could contribute to anyone else. She did not blame her husband, but her life didn’t seem to have any meaning, and she didn’t have any idea where to start. Angel said she trusted in Jesus Christ, but life still seemed hopeless and unfulfilled. If you were Nadia, how would you approach Angel? What would you say? What could you tell her about God’s unique design for her life? What advice and counsel would you share?
STEP TWO: STUDY THE BIBLE SCRIPTURE READINGS Read the following verses and list the spiritual gifts mentioned in each passage: 1. Romans 12:1-8
2. I Corinthians 12:1-13:3
3. Ephesians 4:11-16
4. I Peter 4:7-11
STEP THREE: CONSULT OTHER SOURCES DIVINE DESIGN INVENTORY Why do you think God designed each of us uniquely? A rewarding experience is discovering how God has designed each of us to meet specific needs for His glory. Take time to talk with others who know you well, and then think through and answer the questions below. The questions are for your benefit and are designed to help stimulate your thinking. Try to answer them as honestly as possible. Interests 1. If you could do anything you wanted—and money, family, and time were not factors, what would you want to do for the rest of your life? In your ministry? In the church? 2. Are there ministries you’ve always wanted to pursue, but you have not had the courage or opportunity to do so? If so, what are those ministries? Passion 1. Do you have a “burning desire” that a particular ministry is the most important place God would have you serve? If so, what is it? 2. Do you have a desire to reach a specific group of people (like the elderly, children, unchurched, an ethnic group, or the poor)? If so, which one? 3. Do you have a strong desire to pursue a certain social issue as a ministry (for example, the family, abortion, politics, or the poor)? If so, what is it? 4. Are you attracted to a specific area of ministry in your local church (like hospitality, teaching, leading small groups, or prayer)? If so, what area? Gifts and Talents 1. From the list of spiritual gifts in the passages you just read, which one or ones do you think you may have? 2. What special abilities and talents do you think God has given to you? 3. Consider comments about you by people who know you the best—family, friends, leaders, or church friends. From their comments, what talents and abilities do you exhibit?
4. What untapped or undeveloped gifts or talents do you feel you have?
STEP FOUR: PERSONAL REFLECTION Ministry Experiences 1. Which of your ministry experiences have been the most fruitful?
2. Which ministry experiences have given you the greatest sense of fulfillment?
STEP FIVE: GROUP DISCUSSION WHAT DO WE ALL THINK ABOUT IT? 1. Discuss these statements. Look for things you agree and disagree with and why: a. “Ministry is serving God and people according to how God has made me.” b. “Fulfillment and fruitfulness come from serving in ways God has made me.” c. “I need to value the contribution of every member of the body of Christ, since each person is essential to the proper functioning of the body.” 2. What are the primary motivations for Christians in order to serve God well? 3. Which factors have you found most helpful in determining your divine design? 4. How is discovering your divine design related to growing in spiritual maturity?
STEP SIX: ACTION PLAN Summary 1. My areas of special interest: __________________________________. 2. My areas of passion: ________________________________________.
3. My gifts and abilities: _______________________________________.
ISSUE 3—LIFE DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE STEP ONE: GRASP THE ISSUE CASE STUDY 3 Gergis (insert an appropriate name of an older man from your country) has worked at the same factory in _________ (insert the name of a city, town, or region in your country) for fourteen years. Recently he heard through rumors that another employee in the company, Youssef (insert a different name for an older man from your country), a man that Gergis (same name as used in line one) barely knew, recently had a religious experience and had been “born again.” At a lunch break next month at the factory, Gergis and Youssef (same name as used in line four) begin to talk. During the next few months, Youssef shares many of his burdens with Gergis. He is forty-six years old, and he feels like he has wasted his life. He is frustrated because he has so much time to make up. He is so far behind other Christian men who have been walking with Christ for many years. How can he catch up? How can he make up all the time he has wasted? Why did God allow him to come to faith so late in life? These and other questions are really bothering Youssef. If you were Gergis, what would you say to Youssef? What counsel would you give?
STEP TWO: STUDY THE BIBLE SCRIPTURE READINGS Read the following passages and reflect on the big picture they provide: 1. Genesis 45:4-8 2. Proverbs 16:9 3. Romans 8:28-30
STEP THREE: CONSULT OTHER SOURCES DR. BOBBY CLINTON’S TIMELINE
Dr. Robert Clinton is Professor of Leadership at the School of World Missions at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California USA. In his book, The Making of a Leader, Dr. Clinton introduces the idea of Christian leaders having similar timelines to illustrate their adult life development journeys. Some timelines have only three phases: Phase 1: Preparation (in one’s 20s-30s)
Phase 2: Ministry (in one’s 40s-50s)
Phase 3: Mentoring (in one’s 60s-70s)
Some are more involved. Clinton in A Letter to Dan, the Intern says that “The following is an idealized pattern synthesized from a study of many individual patterns. Though it is not true specifically for anyone, it does give a functional framework . . . of six development phases.” Phase I : Sovereign Foundations
Phase II: Inner-Life Growth
Phase III: Ministry Maturing
Phase IV: Life Maturing
Phase V: Convergence
Phase VI: Life Celebration
STEP FOUR: PERSONAL REFLECTION 1. What are some key formative experiences in your spiritual journey so far?
2. As you reflect on people that have influenced you for good, what was it about them that made them so influential?
STEP FIVE: GROUP DISCUSSION As you discuss these questions with your leadership team or with your mentor, reflect on the way that God has worked out His plan for your life. 1. Some say that ministry flows out of “being,” rather than “doing.” Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
2. What does a life development timeline give to a Christian leader? STEP SIX: ACTION PLAN Construct Your Own Life Development Timeline Your challenge is to construct your own timeline. Here are some suggestions: 1. Use the six headings below, and add the approximate years to each phase. 2. Write down items from your life under each phase. 3. Feel free to develop your own categories or life phases. 4. Note key items under each phase, like people, events, and experiences. 5. If you want, project out the next future phase in your life. 6. Share your timeline with your group. Note good ideas you get from others. Sovereign Foundation
Inner-Life Growth
Ministry Maturing
Life Maturing
Convergence
Celebration
Time Line Criteria: Life Changing Events Significant People
Educational Experiences Books or Learning Experiences
Great Memories Future Goals
People You Have Mentored Ministry Experiences Failures and Disappointments
Spiritual Experiences Bible Passages or Doctrines Family Experiences
Ministry Desires Achievements Lessons Learned
ISSUE 4—LIFE ASSESSMENT STEP ONE: GRASP THE ISSUE CASE STUDY 4 Boulos (insert an appropriate name for an older man from your country) and Wafaa (insert an appropriate name of an older woman from your country) have been married for thirty-one years. They have four children and three grandchildren. They are leaders in their church, are respected in their community, and all four of their children are following Christ. They are one of the strongest Christian couples in _______ (insert a name of a town, city, or region in your country). For seven months they’ve been praying about whether the Lord might be calling them to become a mentor couple to a younger Christian couple. They were shocked one night when a newly married couple, Amir (insert another name of younger man from your country) and Nancy (insert another name of younger woman from your country), who were friends of their children, visited their apartment to ask them an important question. Amir (same name as used in line eight) looked towards his wife when he said, “We have watched your lives from a distance and want to be like you. Would you be willing to meet with us once or twice a month to share with us how we can become godly, wise Christian parents and leaders? Our parents are not Christians. We really need a mentor couple in our lives.” Boulos (same name as used in line one) and Wafaa (same name as used in line two) didn’t know what to say. They were flattered and scared at the same time! It’s one thing to want to be a mentor couple—but it is another thing to know exactly want to say and do. If you and your spouse were Boulos and Wafaa, how would you assist Amir and Nancy (same name as used in line nine)? How would you prepare yourselves for such a challenging undertaking?
STEP TWO: STUDY THE BIBLE SCRIPTURE READINGS Consider the following passages as you reflect on the need to be growing in your own Christian life and walk. Make brief notes on ways Christians are expected to grow. 1. Ephesians 4:11-16 2. I Peter 2:1-3 3. II Peter 1:3-9
4. II Peter 3:17-18
STEP THREE: CONSULT OTHER SOURCES BIBLE KNOWLEDGE INVENTORY Books of the Old Testament Never Read:
How do you rate your knowledge of each book?
Read Parts: Read All: Read Many Times: Have Studied: Have Taught: Have Mastered: Books of the New Testament Never Read: Read Parts: Read All: Read Many Times: Have Studied: Have Taught: Have Mastered: Bible Doctrines God’s Attributes: The Trinity: God, the Father: God, the Son: God, the Holy Spirit: The Scriptures: Sinful Humanity: Salvation:
How do rate your knowledge of this doctrine?
STEP
Sanctification: Angels and Satan: The Future: FOUR: PERSONAL REFLECTION
CHARACTER QUALITIES INVENTORY How do you rate yourself in the church leader qualities from I Timothy & Titus? Quality
Inadequate
1. Overall Spiritual Maturity 2. Above Reproach 3. Marital Faithfulness 4. Temperate 5. Prudent 6. Respectable 7. Hospitable 8. Able To Teach 9. Not Addicted To Wine 10. Not Self-Willed 11. Not Quick-Tempered 12. Not Pugnacious 13. Gentle 14. Not Contentious 15. Free From Loving Money 16. Manages His House Well 17. Loves What is Good 18. Just 19. Devout 20. Disciplined
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
MINISTRY SKILLS INVENTORY
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Adequate 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Very Adequate 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
How do you rate your skills in this area?
Administration organizational skills ability to delegate manage your time think and plan communicate with others
1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7
Leading cast vision set goals equip others
1 1 1
2 2 2
3 3 3
4 4 4
5 5 5
6 6 6
7 7 7
lead small groups 1 lead a whole church 1 lead in worship, prayer 1 Shepherding ability to counsel 1 correct false doctrine 1 encourage people 1 resolve conflicts 1 mentor younger people 1 teach the Bible 1 conduct weddings, funerals 1 pray for sick, demoniacs 1 Disciple-Making evangelize unbelievers make close friendships nurture new believers baptisms, Lord’s Supper facilitate group discussion
1 1 1 1 1
2 2 2
3 3 3
4 4 4
5 5 5
6 6 6
7 7 7
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
2 2 2 2 2
3 3 3 3 3
4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7
STEP FIVE: GROUP DISCUSSION REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION 1. Why is it so difficult to assess the character development of a Christian leader? 2. Which aspects of Christ-like character can be assessed periodically? Why? 3. Prioritize the following aspects of the knowledge of God and the Bible: a. Knowing the contents of each book b. Understanding how to interpret the Bible c. Knowing the overall flow of the Bible d. Knowing the foundational Bible doctrines 4. Discuss strengths and weaknesses of four approaches of measuring maturity: a. Personal assessment b. Assessment with a mentor
c. Feedback from all those who work with you
STEP
d. Feedback with accountability SIX: ACTION PLAN
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTORIES Knowledge Books of the Bible that I plan to study in the next 12 months:
Bible doctrines that I plan to study in the next 12 months:
Character Qualities Discrepancies between my self-assessment and others who assessed me:
Character qualities that I need to work on in the next 12 months:
Ministry Skills Ministry skills that I want to improve on in the next 12 months:
New ministry skills that I want to develop in the next 12 months:
Conclusions Share two conclusions from the items above on knowledge, character, and ministry skills with your small group.
ISSUE 5—LIFE DEVELOPMENT PLAN A SUMMARY OF YOUR PERSONAL PLAN
STEP ONE: GRASP THE ISSUE CASE STUDY 5 Asam (insert an appropriate name for an older man in your country) and Mary (insert an appropriate name for an older woman in your country) have been house church leaders in __________ (insert the name of a town, city, or region of your country) for over five years. They have introduced many neighbors to Christ, including a smart sixteen year-old young man named Abrahim (insert another name for a young man from your country). Abrahim (the same name as used in line five) showed much potential to become a great leader for God in ______ (insert the name of your country). They discipled him for twenty months. One day Abrahim (same name as used in line five) announced to Asam (same name as used in line one) and Mary (same name as used in line two) that he is planning to leave your country and study abroad. He may go to England. He wants to get a Master’s degree, so he may be away for six or seven years, or he might never return to your country to live. He doesn’t know if there are churches or Christians near the university that he wants to study at. But he asked Asam and Mary their advice. They don’t know what to say to him. They don’t want to stand in the way of Abrahim’s future career, but they don’t know what kind of man he may become in the process. If you and your spouse were Asam and Mary, what would you tell Abrahim? How would you counsel him?
STEP TWO: STUDY THE BIBLE Review the Scripture passages you have studied this past week. No new verses or passages are included here.
STEP THREE: CONSULT OTHER SOURCES LIFE PURPOSE STATEMENT Clearly state your final version of your life purpose statement:
STEP FOUR: PERSONAL REFLECTION LIFE’S DIVINE DESIGN Summarize your divine design in the following three areas: Interests:
Passions:
Gifts and Abilities:
STEP FIVE: GROUP DISCUSSION Discuss your goals in your group. Come to conclusions in the following areas: LIFE ASSESSMENT Knowledge Goals:
Character Goals:
Ministry Skill Goals:
STEP SIX: ACTION PLAN
One Year
Two Years
Three Years
Four Years
Five Years
Share this action plan with your spouse, co-workers, church members, associates, or anyone else in your network or sphere of influence that needs to know. What do they think?
ISSUE 6—LIFE DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES STEP ONE: GRASP THE ISSUE CASE STUDY 6 Alex (insert an appropriate name of an older man from your country) took the bus home late that night from a meeting at the church. He was hoping that his wife, Melanie (insert an appropriate name for an older woman from your country) had already gone to bed. Alex (the same name as used in line one) really didn’t feel like talking to anyone. He hoped he could just eat some cold dinner and be able to unwind from a very discouraging evening. But that was not to be. As he walked into the entry hall of his apartment, he saw the kitchen flooded with light and heard a cheery, “Hi, Honey!” from the kitchen. “How did it go tonight?” Alex really didn’t want to talk about it. It had been the first night of the new church program on leadership training, and quite frankly, it had not gone very well. There had been a lot of publicity leading up to tonight, but obviously something had gone wrong somewhere. Just two people had come to the meeting. Alex went ahead with the event anyway. The two others present were quite passive—maybe just very reserved. He found himself doing all the talking. None of the leaders and potential leaders Alex had thought would start the program had come, and he really felt a bit betrayed. So how should he answer Melanie (same name as used in line 3)? He felt like a failure. He certainly didn’t feel like a leader. Alex had been working so hard these past many months, no days off from his job, feeling pressure and tension at every turn. He didn’t know if he still wanted to be on the church leadership team. Everything seemed so hopeless. Maybe he should talk to the pastor, resign from the program, and be finished. Then again, maybe he should just talk to his wife. “Well, Melanie,” he answered, “it didn’t go very well. Maybe you can help me.” Alex slumped down at the kitchen table and squeezed his wife’s hand. If you were Melanie, after you had heard about Alex’s discouraging evening, what would you say? What would be your perspective? What is a good long-term solution?
STEP TWO: STUDY THE BIBLE SCRIPTURE READINGS Read the following passages, looking for indications or examples of how to gain a good perspective about God’s plan and purposes: 1. Psalm 90
2. Daniel 6:10-13 3. Matthew 11:28-30 4. Mark 1:35-39
STEP THREE: CONSULT OTHER SOURCES A One-Day Spiritual Retreat If you have decided to go on a one-day spiritual retreat by yourself, what are some action steps that you will take?
A Spiritual Journal If you have decided to start a spiritual journal or a prayer journal, what action steps will you take to ensure this will happen?
STEP FOUR: PERSONAL REFLECTION 1. Many authors talk about the need to retreat weekly to become quiet and find ways to spend time alone. Why do you need (or not need) these times? 2. What are practical things to consider if you’re doing a one-day prayer retreat?
STEP FIVE: GROUP DISCUSSION 1. Some Christian leaders say that the absence of spiritual disciplines is the lost dimension in modern Christianity around the world. Do you agree? Why or why not? 2. What are some advantages and disadvantages of keeping a spiritual journal? 3. How could a prayer journal help you with your daily plans and your life plan?
STEP SIX: ACTION PLAN
Apart from a one-day spiritual retreat and the keeping of a prayer journal, what are some other practical approaches that might help you to maintain the momentum you have gained as you complete the Life Development Planner course?