A Growth Mindset for Disciple Makers
- Author
- Norman Smith
- Published
- Sat 10 May 2025
- Episode Link
- https://RWH.podbean.com/e/a-growth-mindset-for-disciple-makers/
rwh10may Ep.363 – Run With Horses Podcast – A Growth Mindset for Disciple Makers
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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith
1. The Growth Mindset in a Christian Context
Paul challenged believers to put effort into their spiritual life. Change is a part of growth and we should desire to be more like Jesus. A Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit who is working to make us like Jesus. Change will happen. The joy is that we can embrace it and benefit from working with God instead of against Him. A growth-minded believer:
Welcomes challenges as opportunities for sanctification (James 1:2–4 NKJV).
Perseveres under trial, knowing endurance produces spiritual maturity (Romans 5:3–5 NKJV).
Seeks feedback and correction, recognizing rebuke refines faith (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV; Proverbs 12:1 NKJV).
Celebrates others’ growth, rejoicing when fellow believers flourish (Romans 12:15 NKJV).
2. Discipleship and the Great Commission
Jesus’ charge to “make disciples” frames our growth-oriented calling:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
—Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV)
A growth mindset fuels the “teaching” phase: we believe learners can grow in knowledge, obedience, and Christ-likeness. It also shapes our own approach, as we accept that our skills in evangelism, teaching, and mentoring improve through practice, prayer, and reliance on God.
3. Spiritual Growth is a Process
Scripture depicts growth as a journey:
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
—2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection…”
—Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV)“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)
These passages underscore that maturity takes intentional effort—exactly the outworking of a growth mindset in the spiritual realm.
4. The “One Another’s” and Growth Mindset
Command
Scripture (NKJV)
Growth-Mindset Connection
Love one another
John 13:34–35
Encourages perseverance in relationships even when hard.
Serve one another
Galatians 5:13
Builds humility and stewards gifts for others’ growth.
Encourage one another
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Puts others first.
Admonish one another
Colossians 3:16; Romans 15:14
Welcomes correction for mutual sanctification.
Bear one another’s burdens
Galatians 6:2
Cultivates perseverance and compassion.
Spur one another on
Hebrews 10:24
Motivates toward good deeds and spiritual progress.
Pray for one another
James 5:16
Invites God’s transforming power in growth.
Be kind and tenderhearted
Ephesians 4:32
Gives mercy to those who need it, we all do!
Together, these “one another’s” form the relational soil in which a growth mindset flourishes—each believer both a learner and a teacher, giving and receiving grace, correction, encouragement, and accountability.
5. Practical Implications for Disciple Makers
Model a growth mindset by sharing your own struggles and progress in Bible study, prayer, or ministry skills.
Set incremental goals for disciples (e.g., memorizing Scripture, leading a small group), celebrating small wins to build confidence (Zechariah 4:10 NKJV).
Cultivate “one another” rhythms in your church—regular accountability groups, prayer partnerships, and service teams.
Teach the biblical process of growth—explain that sanctification involves trials, correction, and perseverance, rooted in passages like James 1:2–4 (NKJV) and Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV).
Encourage reflection—have disciples journal progress, confess weaknesses, and plan next steps, reinforcing that effort and dependence on Christ yield transformation.
**(00:00) END PART 1**
**(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**
The Holy Spirit reshapes how we think about challenges, our own abilities, and the process of sanctification.
1. Confess Fixed-Mindset Thinking and Renew Your Mind
“I can’t change,” “I can’t do that.” and the like are big hinderances to spiritual growth. Lies need to be brought into the light and exchanged for truth. The question should be, “What is God doing? What does HE want me to do?” God empowers His people for His work.
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
—Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
Practice:
Keep a “mindset journal.” When you catch yourself thinking “I’ll never grow in this,” write it down and pray: “Lord, show me Your truth here.”
Replace it with a Scriptural affirmation (“I can grow by God’s grace”—Philippians 4:13).
2. Meditate on God’s Word Daily
A growth mindset flourishes when immersed in truth. Scripture both reveals God’s power to change us and gives the roadmap.
Read, Think Deeply about,and put it into practice.
“…but his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.”
—Psalm 1:2 (NKJV)
Practice:
Start with 5–10 minutes each morning reading a short passage (e.g. one chapter of Proverbs or the Gospels).
Ask: “What does this teach me about God’s promise to strengthen me?”
3. Pray for Wisdom and Perseverance
Growth requires divine enablement—both insight and the grit to keep going.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally…”
—James 1:5 (NKJV)
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”
—James 1:2–3 (NKJV)
Practice:
Begin each day by asking God for wisdom to see opportunities for growth and the patience to endure them.
When trials come (at work, in relationships, in ministry), thank Him for the refining work He intends.
4. Engage in Christian Community
Even if attendance has been spotty, intentional fellowship is vital for encouragement, accountability, and skill development.
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…”
—Hebrews 10:24–25 (NKJV)
“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
—Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
Practice:
Commit to attending at least one fellowship gathering (Sunday service, small group, men’s/women’s Bible study).
Ask a mature believer to meet monthly as a “growth partner” for prayer and feedback.
5. Set Small, Measurable Goals for Spiritual Disciplines
SMART goals
Growth rarely happens overnight. Incremental victories build confidence that God can grow you further.
“For who has despised the day of small things?…”
—Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV)
Practice:
Choose one discipline (e.g., Scripture memory, daily prayer journaling, service) and set a tiny goal: memorize one verse a week, pray five minutes daily, serve once a month.
Celebrate each completion by recording it in your journal and thanking God.
6. Welcome Correction and Feedback
A growth mindset leans into rebuke, knowing it produces maturity.
“The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise.”
—Proverbs 15:31 (NKJV)
“But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
—Hebrews 3:13 (NKJV)
Practice:
Invite a trusted mentor or friend to give you honest feedback on your spiritual habits.
When you receive correction, respond with “Thank you—help me understand how to improve.”
7. Practice Gratitude and Celebrate Others’ Growth
Focusing on progress—both yours and others’—reinforces a mindset that abilities can expand.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
—Romans 12:15 (NKJV)
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)
Practice:
Keep a “gratitude list” of spiritual wins you see in yourself and others.
Send a quick note or text to encourage a fellow believer when they share a breakthrough.
8. Rely on God’s Strength in Weakness
A growth mindset isn’t self-reliance; it’s dependence on Christ, who is at work in us.
“…when I am weak, then I am strong.”
—2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV)
Practice:
In moments of discouragement (“I failed again…”), confess your weakness and ask Christ to work through it.
Memorize 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 and speak it aloud whenever you feel stuck.
**(5:00 – 1:00)**
Doctrine Today
Jesus and His Present Ministry
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Disciple Making.
Dispensational Baptist view of the End Times
Understanding Theology is Important
The Gospel and Ongoing Disciple Making
Church Role in Discerning God’s Will
Barriers to Disciple Making
Spiritual Warfare
Jesus – Incarnation
God’s Sovereignty
God’s sovereignty means that God reigns over all things with perfect wisdom, power, and love, and nothing in our lives is outside His control.
1. God’s Sovereignty Brings Peace in Uncertainty
When life feels chaotic or unjust, God’s sovereignty assures us that nothing happens apart from His knowledge or plan.
“The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.”
—Psalm 103:19 (NKJV)
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
—Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
Why it matters: Even suffering and confusion have purpose under God's rule. He’s not reacting—He’s reigning.
2. God’s Sovereignty Fuels Evangelism and Disciple-Making
Because God is sovereign over salvation, we can evangelize boldly, knowing He draws hearts to Himself.
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”
—John 6:37 (NKJV)
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him…”
—John 6:44 (NKJV)
Why it matters: The results of disciple-making aren’t on your shoulders. You sow and water; God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6–7 NKJV).
3. God’s Sovereignty Grounds Our Identity and Purpose
You are not random. You are created, saved, and called intentionally.
“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.”
—Psalm 139:16 (NKJV)
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
—Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
Why it matters: Your life, your calling, and even your challenges are part of God’s good and sovereign plan.
4. God’s Sovereignty Produces Worship and Humility
When we recognize God is in control and we are not, we bow in awe and dependence.
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness,
The power and the glory,
The victory and the majesty;
For all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours;
Yours is the kingdom, O Lord,
And You are exalted as head over all.”
—1 Chronicles 29:11 (NKJV)
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
—Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV)
Why it matters: Sovereignty reminds us that God is God—and we are not.
5. God’s Sovereignty Guarantees His Promises Will Stand
We can believe God's Word with full assurance because no power can thwart His will.
“Indeed before the day was, I am He;
And there is no one who can deliver out of My hand;
I work, and who will reverse it?”
—Isaiah 43:13 (NKJV)
“The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart to all generations.”
—Psalm 33:11 (NKJV)
Why it matters: Our eternal hope is secure because it rests in God’s unshakable rule.
**(1:00)**
It’s important for all of us to see the big picture in life. God IS working and He WILL complete His work in you. Daily remind yourself that God is drawing you to Himself and He invites you to be an active participant in your spiritual growth. Reject the lie that you can’t change. See the person God wants you to be and put real effort into doing your part, trusting that God will always do His part.
– “Thank you for listening today!
-If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at [email protected] or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page.
Don’t be discouraged by the challenges you face. Keep your eyes on Jesus and embrace the opportunity to grow through the trial. Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus and never stop running."
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