We are all seeking to find our way and we all falter as we try to figure out our identity. Thinking about stewardship, I was drawn to these stages of faith and challenged to allow myself to be in the mindset of the Giver. After all, I want to be more like Jesus. I want to be more open-hearted and open-handed. I also want the church to reflect the vision in Acts 4 of a people who willingly serve the needs of others without hesitation, judgment or qualification.
Remember, that as much as these stages apply to ourselves and our own faith development, it also applies to those we encounter, and as Christians, called to make disciples, we are encouraged to help develop other believers and offer opportunities to deepen other’s faith experiences as well.
Brian McLaren's 4 stages of faith development
Stage 0 -- that life is party and is about pleasure-seeking alone, let the good times roll! I want to make sure my needs are met. God is like a magic lamp, a genie who is summoned. It is before we make a commitment to love and live like Jesus. I'm sure you know plenty of people at this stage.
Stage 1 -- Simple faith. You are either right or wrong, in or out, God is good, we are bad, it is a stage of strong opposites, of us and them. It's a good stage to begin in because it gives clear lines and clear rules to follow.
Stage 2 -- Pragmatic faith-- that faith is a problem to solve or a goal to achieve, that the purpose of faith is that God can help me achieve my goals, to be a better person, a more faithful follower. That following God is a logical path that brings me to the desired outcome, generally eternal life and a place in heaven.
Stage 3 -- Mystery, there are things that are just unknowable, but it also asks big questions of why a good God would allow tragedy, illness, and death and can sit in the tension of not knowing all the answers. Stage 3 is marked by a trust in God even when life does not make sense.
Stage 4 -- Harmony -- Faith marked by a life that contributes to, seeks after, and actively pursues God's kingdom on earth. Stage 4 is marked by a life that integrates God into everyday living and seeks to synthesize things that are disparate. It is a stage of awareness that there is no "them", there is only "us" and it is marked by a passionate desire to serve, contribute and make a difference, even at a personal loss of time, resources, or status.
From Naked Spirituality, Brian McClaren
