I am writing this article from Sevierville, TN where I am attending an event known as "Polishing The Pulpit." It is a workshop for preachers and church leaders designed to provide tools and instruction that will help us to become bet-ter in our service to the Lord and to the congregations that we work with. There are approximately 2,000 preachers, youth ministers, elders, deacons, preacher’s wives and other devoted Christians who have come here to sit at the feet of some of the church’s greatest teachers of this day and learn from their years of experi-ence and wisdom, striving for growth in their own spiritual lives, understanding the importance of personal development.

In the secular world, we recognize the need and importance of personal de-velopment. In almost any field of work (education, medical, legal, business), professionals are encouraged, if not required to continue their training and educa-tion throughout their careers. Many companies provide opportunities for their employees to go to seminars, classes and training, knowing that these things will help their employees to be more educated, skilled and proficient at their jobs. Yet, often, in the church, we as preachers and church leaders, or even Christians in general, see no need for further personal development. We seem to assume that at a certain age or level of learning, we have developed as much as we need to and have no more need for growth.

The fact of the matter is that we are all in need of personal development. Regardless of age, experience or position, none of us ever reach a point in life when we have learned all we need to learn and grown all we need to grow. We ought to constantly desire to be better in our service and stronger in our faith and take advantage of every opportunity to learn and develop as Christians. In the words of Peter the apostle, "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen." (2 Pet. 3:18) Are you growing?