In this episode, I explore the six stages of faith from Janet Hagberg and Robert Gulich's book 'The Critical Journey'. Drawing from my personal experiences and nearly three decades of working with people in the faith space, I break down how our faith journey evolves through Recognition of God, Life of Discipleship, Productive Life, Journey Inward (including The Wall), Journey Outward, and Life of Love.
Through stories and insights, I explain why some get stuck at certain stages, how religious institutions often excel at the first three stages but struggle with the later ones, and what propels us forward in our spiritual growth. I share my own decade-long wrestle through The Wall - a pivotal point where our old ways of relating to God no longer work.
This framework offers valuable insights for anyone questioning their faith, feeling stuck, or sensing a call to something deeper. Whether you're serving actively in ministry, deconstructing your beliefs, or seeking authentic spirituality, understanding these stages may just help your path forward.
Critical Journey - Stages of Faith Overview PDF
Further Reading