Equipped 2026: Panel Discussion: "Questions about Spiritual Growth and Development" by Glen Hitchcock, Adam Faughn, and Carl Pollard
Spiritual growth isn't about chasing quick fixes or dramatic breakthroughs—it's a disciplined, relational, and intentional process shaped by Scripture, community, and suffering. The panelists—Adam Faughn, Carl Pollard, and Glenn Hitchcock—argue that true faith maturity is revealed not in grand declarations, but in quiet consistency: obedience, meekness, and the ability to endure trials without losing hope. They reject the idea of a 'silver bullet' for spiritual development, instead emphasizing that growth happens through daily habits like disciplined Bible reading, prayer, and fellowship. A key insight? Spiritual maturity is not just about knowledge, but about submission—knowing your place in the body of Christ, staying in your lane, and resisting the temptation to be everything to everyone. When life derails, resilience comes not from understanding God’s plan, but from trusting His character, especially when circumstances don’t make sense. The church, they insist, must be intentional in nurturing new believers—not with programs alone, but with flesh-and-blood mentors, structured teaching, and a culture that values depth over convenience. Ultimately, spiritual development is not a solo journey; it’s a shared pilgrimage where every member is called to serve, grow, and help others do the same.
Spiritual maturity is marked by consistency in obedience, sensitivity to sin, and the fruits of the Spirit—not just emotional highs.
True growth happens when you're willing to receive God's word with meekness and be a doer, not just a hearer.
Trials don’t hinder faith—they deepen it when you trust God’s character, not your understanding of His plan.
Maturity means stability: not swayed by every new teaching, but grounded in Scripture and disciplined by the Holy Spirit.
The local church must intentionally structure Bible teaching with scope and sequence, not just fill time with classes.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to the Panel on Spiritual Growth
The host introduces the panel discussion on spiritual growth and introduces the three guest speakers: Adam Faughn, Carl Pollard, and Glenn Hitchcock, all elders and preachers with deep experience in church leadership and spiritual development.
Indications of Growing Faith
“You can tell your faith is growing when you become more obedient to God and more sensitive to sin.”
What Maturity in Faith Looks Like
“The mark of maturity there is saying that I'm disciplined enough to know when to open my mouth and when to keep my mouth closed.”
Top Three Things for Spiritual Development
“Tribulation produces perseverance and perseverance character and character hope.”
Helping New Converts Grow
“You're signing up for, I mean, as long as they're in the church and as you're trying to keep them faithful, you are their brother, you are their sister.”
“It says that not only that, but we also glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance and perseverance character and character hope.”
“The mark of maturity there is saying that I'm disciplined enough to know when to open my mouth and when to keep my mouth closed.”
“I would have said, hey, I belong here. I'm here by the blood of Christ. But that's the law of placement.”
Host
Guests
Adam Faughn
person
Carl Pollard
person
Glenn Hitchcock
person
James 1
other
Philippians
other
Cumberland Trace Church of Christ
organization
Hebrews 10
other
Central Church
organization
Acts 2
other
Ephesians 4
other
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