Growing in faith isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time, just like growing up. Some days we might feel strong and full of purpose. Other days, we might feel unsure or stuck. That’s okay. The important thing is that we keep going. That’s the heart behind the Mature Church series, learning what steady spiritual growth looks like no matter where we are in life.
As we spent time with Richie Brown during Week 7, we talked about how following Jesus is a lifelong walk. Little by little, we change. Not because we have to be perfect, but because we want to reflect more of who He is. This message came during January, a time when many of us are thinking about fresh starts. It’s a good moment to pause and think about how we’re growing in our own walk with God and how we grow together as part of a community like Amarillo Fellowship Church.
What Maturity in the Church Really Means
When we hear the words “mature church,” we might imagine something big or complicated. But it’s not. A mature church is made up of people who are learning to love, forgive, and serve like Jesus. It’s about growth, not perfection.
Spiritual maturity doesn’t mean we never mess up. In fact, it means we’re aware that we will mess up and we choose to keep growing anyway. A mature person in faith owns their mistakes, seeks forgiveness, and wants to live with patience and kindness. That shows real strength.
Here are a few signs someone is growing spiritually:
• They’re willing to forgive, even when it’s not easy.
• They look for ways to serve others without needing attention.
• They ask questions, keep learning, and invite God into their choices.
Nobody finishes growing in faith. We’re all on the way, and that’s how God designed it.
Growing from the Inside Out
Growth starts on the inside before it shows up on the outside. Most of the time, it begins quietly, in prayer, with a Bible open, during small moments in our day. Those quiet spots are where roots go deep.
At Amarillo Fellowship Church, we believe a relationship with God starts with daily habits like prayer and reading scripture. Whenever you take a step in faith, whether in personal devotion or joining a Sunday service, those choices add up over time.
We grow stronger faith by showing up again and again. Reading scripture, showing up at church, checking in with someone who helps us stay grounded—these are the small pieces that build over time. Sometimes, our faith grows through hard situations too. When life doesn’t go how we planned, we start leaning more on God than ourselves. That kind of trust takes time.
And growth doesn’t always feel big. Sometimes, it’s as simple as making time to pray each morning or choosing to be kind when it’s inconvenient. Bit by bit, those actions shape who we’re becoming.
We might wonder if small decisions matter, but over weeks and months, they build a foundation of trust in God. When we look back, we notice we’re stronger, kinder, and better able to handle life’s surprises. These quiet changes often show up just when we need them most. That’s how steady growth works, through showing up day after day, doing the little things that keep us close to God.
How Community Shapes Us
We aren’t built to grow alone. Being around others who love God helps us stretch and stay encouraged. Even when it’s hard or awkward, church connections matter.
Think about a small group or a friend who listens and prays alongside you. Maybe it’s someone who challenged you in a good way. Those moments shape how we see God and how we see ourselves. Conversations over coffee, serving on a team, or being honest about struggles—it all helps us go deeper in faith.
We offer community groups that meet across Amarillo, Texas, providing opportunities for every age and stage to plug in and build relationships that last beyond Sunday morning.
Growth in community looks like:
• Asking questions and getting real answers
• Sharing our story so others feel less alone
• Stepping in when someone needs help, without needing credit for it
We grow better when we grow together. Church isn’t just a building; it’s people who show up for each other.
When we are part of a caring group, we find support during hard times and find joy in celebrations. Each person brings their own gifts and experiences, making the community stronger. Just by being present and listening, we help others and ourselves grow.
Lessons from Week 7 with Richie Brown
In Week 7 of the Mature Church series, Richie Brown gave a message that focused on what it really means to keep growing in faith even when it’s slow or difficult. He reminded us that love is shown most when life doesn’t go our way and that serving others isn’t just a job, it’s how we grow closer to Jesus.
A few simple takeaways from the message:
• Maturity shows up when we choose peace over being right.
• Serving one another brings purpose, even in small things.
• Growth takes time, but God stays steady and faithful through it.
Richie helped connect the dots between daily choices and long-term growth. He encouraged all of us to keep walking and not to get discouraged when we don’t feel instantly changed. That encouragement fits so well with the heart of our church as we continue helping each other grow.
Hearing how other people handle challenges reminds us we’re not alone. When we share our experiences and listen to others, our faith has room to deepen. Even when we face setbacks, being part of a church family keeps us moving forward. The lessons we learn together become stepping stones for future seasons.
Moving Forward with Faith and Community
A mature church doesn’t mean every person has it all figured out. It means we’re all walking in the same direction, loving each other, growing in God’s truth, and serving in real ways that matter. We don’t walk alone. We walk with God and with others around us.
As we move through a new year, it’s a good time to set our focus not on perfection, but on progress. Real growth happens in honest friendships, in steady love, and in a supportive environment like our welcoming services each week. Our church believes that everyone is welcome no matter their background or where they are on their journey.
Even after the excitement of January passes, we can keep growing if we keep showing up for each other. Staying connected and reaching out, even in small ways, helps us all. Bit by bit, we build faith that lasts.
Wondering what it really means to grow in faith and live it out alongside others? We believe steady, honest growth happens best in community and starts with showing up. At Amarillo Fellowship Church, we’re learning every day how to be more like Jesus and support one another through each season. If you have questions or want to talk more about what faith looks like for you, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us anytime.