From Here to Maturity

<DIV><I>Expert guidance on how to grow up in Christ</I><BR /><BR /> This book is a follow-up to Thomas Bergler’s acclaimed work <I>The Juvenilization of American Christianity</I> which documents how church youth ministries over the past several decades have contributed to a process of adolescent spiritual traits becoming accepted and even celebrated by Christians of all ages. This “juvenilization” in the church is a real problem that must be addressed says Bergler and in his new book he addresses it head-on.<BR /><BR /> Bergler’s <I>From Here to Maturity</I> is an accessible guide for helping both individuals and whole faith communities to grow spiritually. Bergler claims that spiritual maturity -- defined as “basic competence in the Christian life” -- is both desirable and attainable and he effectively presents a biblical theology of spiritual maturity identifying its traits from pertinent New Testament passages.<BR /><BR /> Adapting Dallas Willard’s model of spiritual formation and applying it to congregational life Bergler offers a wealth of practical research-based guidance as to how Christian leaders can effectively foster spiritual maturity in their congregations. He also identifies six key faith-sustaining factors and provides a system for evaluating a church’s state of spiritual maturity and steps for improving it. Ecumenically friendly <I>From Here to Maturity</I> will be useful to individuals and leaders from many different churches and theological traditions.<BR /><BR /></DIV>