Overcoming Barriers to Faith Development

Is it possible that what we have learned about our faith can get in the way of our faith development? Much of my Doctor of Ministry research was informed by the work of James Fowler. Fowler suggested that are stages of faith development which connect to cognitive and emotional development. In his book, Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning, Fowler outlined how individuals construct meaning and trust across their lifespan. Based on research, this framework spans from childhood's intuitive, literal beliefs to mature, self-transcending faith.

One of the things that we must wrestle with in considering Fowler’s model is determining how what we absorbed in the earlier stages of life either contribute to our ongoing faith development or gets in the way. For example, as a child and teenager, I learned a high regard for the Bible, the scripture of my faith. I still remember passages that come to mind when talking, writing, and reflection on daily events. Songs and hymns of the faith are embedded in my mind. Experiences of belonging and serving in a community of faith were formative. And the idea of the individual responsibility of every person to pursue their relationship with God. Those formative concepts and experiences are still part of who I am.

What have unlearned? For one thing, a literal approach to scripture. There is so much behind the written word in the Bible. It is not as cut and dried as some would lead us to believe. Second, an awareness that I can’t begin to understand the teachings of the Bible without some understanding of the context in which it was originally written or taught. Third, that a profession of faith is not the end but the beginning of my walk with God.

What have I learned? Well, the list is incomplete, but here are a few items.

First, the scripture that I have chosen to embrace is not static but dynamic. As I experience life and attempt to let God speak through the Bible, there are new insights to receive. There are sermons that I prepared and presented thirty years ago that I could not preach today. Life and experience have intervened.

Second, the Holy Spirit is at work in my life and, if I am willing, continues to challenge and inform me. There are some things that I can only learn by being open to that leadership.

Third, God’s love is greater than I can imagine and reaches far beyond my little tribe. God has been at work in numerous contexts throughout history, empowering God’s people to imagine faith and spirituality in rich and impactful ways. We have much to share with one another.

Fourth, God speaks to different people in different ways. I am regularly confronted by former student friends who have found their own unique walk with the transcendent. I can’t argue with that if it has enriched their lives.

So, the process goes on. Both as individuals and part of community, God is still at work in us. The verse I often come back to is 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

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