Why Development is a Key to Thriving Faith

Let’s be real—most of us are somewhere in the middle. We love Jesus, we want to grow, but life is loud and leadership feels like a stretch. We’re halfway holy. And if we’re honest, halfway tired too.

But what if thriving doesn’t start with doing more? What if it starts with letting God develop you?

At MtP, we’re leaning into a new ministry-year theme: Thrive. And this week’s focus is the second “D” in our Life in 3D series—Developing. Not just developing programs or platforms, but developing people. Spirit-led leaders. Everyday disciple-makers. People like you.

You Were Made for More Than Just Showing Up

Ephesians 4 says Jesus gave gifts to the whole church—not just pastors or influencers. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers… not job titles, but spiritual callings. And they’re in you.

Thriving churches aren’t built on the talents of a few. They’re built on the development of many. That means you don’t have to be perfect to be used—you just have to be willing to grow.

Development Isn’t Glamorous—It’s Transformational

Michael Jordan got cut from his high school team. He didn’t quit. He developed. And eventually, he didn’t just play the game—he changed it.

That’s what spiritual development looks like. It’s awkward at first. You miss shots. You feel stretched. But over time, you start to see fruit. You start to lead. You start to multiply.

And here’s the kicker: thriving starts when you let God develop you… and keeps going when you help Him develop someone else.

Three Ways to Grow

If you’re ready to move from surviving to thriving, here’s where to start:

• Get in the Word: Not for trivia. For transformation. Scripture trains you for every good work.

• Find Your People: Iron sharpens iron. You need a community that challenges and cheers you on.

• Do the Reps: Don’t just listen—live it. Serve. Lead. Mentor. Try something new. Growth starts with action.

You’re Not Just a Tree—You’re a Fruit Tree

God didn’t save you to sit in a pew and look holy. He saved you to bear fruit. To change the game for someone else. To be developed and then develop others.

So here’s the question: What’s your next step? Is it time to start reading again? To stop spectating and start serving? To ask for a mentor—or become one?

Whatever it is, write it down. Don’t lose it. Because halfway holy isn’t where you’re meant to stay.

You were made to thrive.

Don't Just Fill Seats; Fill Lives

Thriving Isn’t About Crowds—It’s About Overflow

Let’s be honest: most of us grew up thinking church success looked like packed pews, polished programs, and maybe a killer worship band. But what if we’ve been measuring the wrong thing?

At MtP, we’re flipping the script. Because thriving as a congregation isn’t about filling seats. It’s about filling lives with Jesus so deeply that those lives spill into the lives of others.

Not Just Attendance. It’s Apprenticeship.

Jesus didn’t say, “Go and get people to show up.” He said, “Go and make disciples.” That’s a whole different game. Discipleship isn’t a class you take or a binder you fill out. It’s life-on-life apprenticeship. It’s learning the ways of Jesus by walking with someone who’s living them out.

Think less lecture hall, more kitchen table. Less Sunday-only, more Monday-through-Saturday. It’s not about knowing the directions—it’s about following them.

Overflow Starts With Connection

In John 15, Jesus says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” That’s the secret sauce. Thriving doesn’t come from grinding harder—it comes from staying connected to the Vine. When we’re rooted in Jesus, fruit happens. Not because we force it, but because His life flows through us.

And here’s the wild part: that fruit isn’t just for us. It’s for our families, our coworkers, our neighbors. When we’re truly connected, our lives start to overflow. That’s the ripple effect of real discipleship.

Three Ways to Live It Out

If you’re wondering how to move from surviving to thriving, here’s where it starts:

• Intentional Relationships: Discipling happens best in circles, not rows. Find someone to walk with. Invite them into your life. Learn together.

• Obedience Over Information: Jesus didn’t say “teach them what I taught.” He said “teach them to obey.” Transformation starts when truth becomes action.

• Reproducing Faith: Disciples make disciples. It’s not about keeping Jesus to yourself—it’s about passing Him on.

What If We All Did This?

Imagine a church where every person is discipling someone. Where marriages are healed, kids are mentored, neighbors are reached. Where baptisms overflow not because of a marketing push, but because lives are being changed from the inside out.

That’s not surviving. That’s thriving.

So let’s stop chasing crowds and start cultivating connection. Let’s be a church that doesn’t just gather—but grows. Not just fills seats—but fills lives.

And let’s watch what happens when those lives start to spill over.

From Surviving to Thriving: Why Your Soul Needs More Than Just Hustle

Ever feel like life’s just one long to-do list? You’re showing up, clocking in, checking boxes—but deep down, something’s missing. You’re surviving, but not thriving.

This week, we kicked off our ministry-year theme, Thrive, and it’s all about moving from burnout to spiritual overflow. Pastor Jim opened with a story about a sad little coffee plant—despite all the care, it just wouldn’t flourish. Sound familiar? That plant is a metaphor for how many of us live: trying hard, doing all the “right” things, but still feeling stuck.

Thriving ≠ Hustling Harder

Culture tells us to hustle, optimize, and grind. But Jesus offers something radically different. In John 15, He drops the secret to a thriving life: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” Translation? You don’t thrive by trying harder—you thrive by staying connected.

Think of your phone. It’s powerful, but without a charger, it’s just a fancy flashlight. Same with your soul. Disconnected from Jesus, we drain fast. But plugged into Him? We’re powered by peace, purpose, and fruit that actually matters.

When Thriving Feels Like Losing

Here’s the twist: sometimes thriving looks like pruning. Jesus says God cuts back fruitful branches so they can bear more fruit. That breakup, that job loss, that closed door—it might not be punishment. It might be preparation.

God loves you too much to let you look full but live empty. Pruning hurts, but it’s how we grow.

Stay Plugged In

Thriving isn’t about being impressive. It’s about being connected. It’s not about doing more—it’s about abiding more deeply. And when we thrive, it’s not our name that gets lifted up—it’s God’s.

Halfway Holy: Faith Reflections for the Middle of the Mess

It’s Wednesday. The coffee’s lukewarm, the inbox is full, and Sunday feels like a distant memory. But what if the message didn’t end when the sermon did?

Welcome to Halfway Holy—a midweek space to revisit, reflect, and reframe the truth we heard on Sunday. This blog isn’t about polished theology or perfect answers. It’s about real faith in real life. It’s about finding God in the middle of the grind, the questions, the distractions, and the doubt.

Each Wednesday, we’ll drop a short recap of the sermon from Mt Pleasant Church—plus a few thoughts to help you carry it into your week. Think of it as a spiritual pit stop: a moment to refuel, recalibrate, and remember who you are and whose you are.

So whether you’re commuting, scrolling between classes, or just trying to make it to the end of the week—this space is for you.