Motivated to follow Jesus and want to grow, yet experience barriers in practicing evangelism and discipleship as a lifestyle
People in the Grounded stage want to grow spiritually in community and maintain a strong relationship with God. Growing spiritually and serving others is what they think makes a mature Christian. They are not doing evangelism or discipleship yet or were once doing so and now no longer are for whatever reason.
NOTE: Further research on this stage is currently in process.
“If I’ve been given this ‘second life’ [after a car accident], I should use it to the glory of God.”
“[A mature Catholic] is not a cafeteria Catholic. They understand the profoundness of the Mass and what a gift it is.”
“Jesus is the best thing that has happened to me…He is our Savior.
Three main desires for their spiritual growth:
May have formerly been in Engaged doing evangelism and discipleship but have intentionally stopped.
Define spiritual maturity as growing spiritually and serving others.
Growing spiritually in the context of community is important to them.
Unlikely to do evangelism because they see this as forcing their beliefs on others.
If Dechurched, are following Christianity on their own terms outside of community. May display clear signs of growing closer to God, but also may display characteristics of "Professing".
Do not disciple others because they don't feel ready and they don't see opportunities for discipleship.
Some people in this stage were formerly in the Engaged stage but have stopped doing evangelism and/or discipleship for whatever reason.
Grounded can become an end state for those who have been Christians for a longer amount of time or after a certain point. They stop growing toward Multiplying.
Those in the Grounded stage can succumb to sin or be affected by trials in a way that causes them to move back to Professing or Growing.
Can move to Engaged when they try evangelism or discipleship (usually evangelism). This typically follows increased church involvement, intentionally getting to know non-Christians, clearly seeing opportunities, being asked to join an evangelism or discipleship ministry, and (rarely) learning it as part of a calling to full-time ministry.
Occasionally, a person moves from Grounded back to Growing, but this is not ultimately negative. This movement tends to come from a renewed passion, curiosity, or love for Jesus.
Solutions and resources that have been created or used to understand better or reach this audience.
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