A disciple-maker should set growth goals that are biblical, specific, realistic, and connected to obedience rather than performance. Goals can provide direction, but they should remain servants of spiritual formation rather than measurements of worth.
Begin With Biblical Priorities
Growth should focus on areas Scripture actually values: prayer, holiness, love, truth, service, generosity, witness, and church life.
Ask the Disciple to Participate
Goals are healthier when the disciple owns them rather than simply receiving assignments.
Make Goals Specific
“Pray more” can become “pray for ten minutes before work on four mornings this week.”
Keep the Number Small
One or two meaningful goals are usually better than ten ambitious commitments.
Match Goals to the Person’s Season
A new parent, grieving person, student, or shift worker may need different rhythms.
Measure Faithfulness, Not Worth
Missing a goal should lead to reflection and adjustment, not shame.
Review What Helped or Hindered
A failed goal may reveal unrealistic planning, distraction, fear, or a deeper heart issue.
Allow Goals to Change
Spiritual growth is not a fixed productivity system.
Write One Goal With One Observable Action
For each spiritual goal, identify one action that can actually be reviewed. If the goal is generosity, the action might be giving to a specific need. If the goal is reconciliation, the action might be making one phone call. Observable action turns intention into practice.
Good Goals Create Direction for Obedience
The purpose is to help truth become practice, not to turn discipleship into religious scorekeeping.