The profile of a maturing/ mature disciple continues.

1. Engages in regular conversation with God
2. Lives out a life that is others focused
3. Dispenses forgiveness quickly
4. Presents a teachable disposition for life and ministry
5. Has a missional mindset and focus
6. Owns the ministry of the local church
7. Processes life and decisions through the Bible
8. Rests in the sovereignty of God, especially amidst trial
9. Leads his or her children in the ways of the Lord
10. Encourages others
11. Practices spiritual disciplines
12. Takes sin and its effects seriously

#13 – Lives in community

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone.  When God called the church into existence, He called a body made up of many parts.  He called people to not only Himself, but also to this worldwide body.  He then breaks up this universal church into local church communities.  And these local communities are broken up often into small groups, accountability circles, share groups, discipleship environments and so on.  It is in these various communities that people find models and mentors and where others become leaders and teachers.  Community becomes the place to be shaped, challenged and pruned.  It is here that people demonstrate their faithfulness and teachability.  These communities reveal your gifts and provide a place for those gifts to be a blessing to others.

Let me just cut to the chase.  You are not going to continue to mature as a disciple if you are not living in community.  You need others, and others need you.  You need your voice and gifts, and they need yours.  Growing believers are committed to living and serving in community.  You are not able to live in community without making it a priority.  This means the family calendar and leisure calendar and work calendar have to be adjusted to make this of utmost importance.