H Stage

Help in Discipleship

“We grow by being in community with Christ-followers and practicing spiritual disciplines”
(Journey of the Soul, Chapter 4).

Characteristics of the H Stage

The H Stage of Help in Discipleship is the second CHRIST stage of faith. Its symbol is a Bible because Scripture teaches us about Jesus Christ and how to follow him in daily life (Matt. 7:24, Col. 3:16, 2 Tim. 3:16).

Key Lesson

This stage is about learning how to apply God’s Word to your relationships, work, and all you do.

Where You Can Get Stuck

At the H Stage the main temptation is misinterpreting Scripture in a judgmental or legalistic way. “Biblical blunders” undermine God’s grace and may cause you to hit a wall in your journey of following Jesus (Journey of the Soul, pp. 79-82). Here are two of the blunders that can become roadblocks:

“Be perfect” is not advocating perfectionism—it means keep growing in receiving and sharing God’s love (Matt. 5:48).
“Do not be anxious” is not an instruction to deny your emotions—it means to pray your emotions to God (Phil. 4:6-7).

God’s Grace for the H Stage: God’s Word in Community

You grow in Help in Discipleship through learning from a pastor, small group leader, or other spiritual mentor who guides you to faithfully love and serve Jesus Christ. A pivotal lesson for becoming more like Christ is, “Don’t try—train” (Journey of the Soul, pp. 85-86).

Growth in the H Stage

There are nine soul care practices that are especially important for becoming more healthy and loving in the H Stage (Journey of the Soul, pp. 87-91). The top three are:

Being discipled to Jesus by a pastor or teacher
Getting involved in church (or spiritual community)
Daily devotions in God’s Word

Key Scripture

The Bible is Our Curriculum

“Every Scripture has been written by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness” (2 Tim. 3:16 TPT).

Spiritual Direction Tip

“The simple act of reading a Scripture out loud helps people warm up to sharing in community” (Journey of the Soul Leader Guide, p. 41).

Key Quotes

“In the H Stage we’re prone to be strong but stupid, having zeal without knowledge” (Journey of the Soul, p. 82).

"Every Christian needs some older Christian they’re learning from and some younger Christian they’re teaching" (Ray Ortlund Sr; see 2 Tim. 2:2; Journey of the Soul, p. 84).

“‘Don’t try — train' (see 1 Tim. 4:7). . . means asking Jesus to coach you in using some key disciplines as means of grace" (Journey of the Soul, p. 85).