A Growth Mindset for Disciple Makers

rwh10may Ep.363 – Run With Horses Podcast – A Growth Mindset for Disciple Makers

Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast

Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

 

1. The Growth Mindset in a Christian Context

Paul challenged believers to put effort into their spiritual life. Change is a part of growth and we should desire to be more like Jesus. A Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit who is working to make us like Jesus. Change will happen. The joy is that we can embrace it and benefit from working with God instead of against Him. A growth-minded believer:

1. Welcomes challenges as opportunities for sanctification (James 1:2–4 NKJV).

2. Perseveres under trial, knowing endurance produces spiritual maturity (Romans 5:3–5 NKJV).

3. Seeks feedback and correction, recognizing rebuke refines faith (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV; Proverbs 12:1 NKJV).

4. Celebrates others’ growth, rejoicing when fellow believers flourish (Romans 12:15 NKJV).

2. Discipleship and the Great Commission

Jesus’ charge to “make disciples” frames our growth-oriented calling:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV)

A growth mindset fuels the “teaching” phase: we believe learners can grow in knowledge, obedience, and Christ-likeness. It also shapes our own approach, as we accept that our skills in evangelism, teaching, and mentoring improve through practice, prayer, and reliance on God.

3. Spiritual Growth is a Process

Scripture depicts growth as a journey:

• “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” —2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)

• “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection…” —Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV)

• “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:14 (NKJV)

These passages underscore that maturity takes intentional effort—exactly the outworking of a growth mindset in the spiritual realm.

4. The “One Another’s” and Growth Mindset

Command

Scripture (NKJV)

Growth-Mindset Connection

Love one another

John 13:34–35

Encourages perseverance in relationships even when hard.

Serve one another

Galatians 5:13

Builds humility and stewards gifts for others’ growth.

Encourage one another

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Puts others first.

Admonish one another

Colossians 3:16; Romans 15:14

Welcomes correction for mutual sanctification.

Bear one another’s burdens

Galatians 6:2

Cultivates perseverance and compassion.

Spur one another on

Hebrews 10:24

Motivates toward good deeds and spiritual progress.

Pray for one another

James 5:16

Invites God’s transforming power in growth.

Be kind and tenderhearted

Ephesians 4:32

Gives mercy to those who need it, we all do!

Together, these “one another’s” form the relational soil in which a growth mindset flourishes—each believer both a learner and a teacher, giving and receiving grace, correction, encouragement, and accountability.

5. Practical Implications for Disciple Makers

1. Model a growth mindset by sharing your own struggles and progress in Bible study, prayer, or ministry skills.

2. Set incremental goals for disciples (e.g., memorizing Scripture, leading a small group), celebrating small wins to build confidence (Zechariah 4:10 NKJV).

3. Cultivate “one another” rhythms in your church—regular accountability groups, prayer partnerships, and service teams.