Spiritual growth is important to me. As someone who has grown up in a Christian household, it’s tempting and quite easy to “play the part” and become stagnant in my growth as a Christian. Community is also important to me. I don’t know where I would be without the people God has placed in my life over the years.

Spiritual growth and community go hand-in-hand. Yes, spiritual growth starts individually, but God didn’t design for it to stay that way. True spiritual growth extends beyond one’s self and reaches into the souls of others.

Take the mustard seed for example.

The mustard seed parable, when applied to spiritual growth, emphasizes the natural growth of faith. Just like the Kingdom, our own personal faith is meant to grow. But here’s the key connection to community: Spiritual growth is never meant to be isolated. As our faith grows, it should extend beyond ourselves, just as the mustard tree grows large enough for the birds to come and find shelter.

Spiritual growth isn't only for our benefit. It’s meant to bless others and offer a place of refuge for them. The tree provides shelter for the birds—just as a growing believer becomes a source of refuge, encouragement, and support for others in their spiritual journeys.

Community is where that growth flourishes. Just like the tree supports and houses the birds, our spiritual growth is nourished and multiplied within a community of believers. Faith is not meant to stay small or to be nurtured in isolation. When we grow spiritually, we are meant to bring others along with us, offering them a place of rest and refuge in Jesus Christ.