CHPL 598
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Spiritual Development Plan
Submitted to Dr. Archie Hight
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of Chaplain Ministry
CHPL598 – B01 LUO Spiritual and Professional Development of the Chaplain
Mark T. White May 14, 2021
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Title Page……………………………………………………………………………………….Na
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………Na
Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
Bible Study and Meditation..........................................................................................................2
Prayer..............................................................................................................................................3
Worship and Fellowship................................................................................................................4
Evangelism......................................................................................................................................5
Serving............................................................................................................................................5
Stewardship....................................................................................................................................6
Fasting and Spiritual Warfare......................................................................................................7
Silence and Solitude.......................................................................................................................7
Journaling.......................................................................................................................................7
Learning and Growing..................................................................................................................7
Perseverance...................................................................................................................................8
Humility..........................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion....................................................................................................................................10
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................11
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Introduction
Growing closer to God and becoming more Christ-like is an essential element of the
Christian life. Spiritual disciplines are the avenues in which we grow spiritually. There are
several reasons that spiritual development is necessary, and all believers must make spiritual
growth a priority in life. Throughout the course work and readings, I have realized that I have
been doing a few of the spiritual disciplines not consistently enough and others not all. My
Spiritual plan will be developed to aid me in the journey of spiritual discipline.
We are called to move beyond a fundamental, intro-level faith (Heb 5:11-14) and to not
just "exist" but to "run to win" (1 Cor 9:24-27). We need to consistently move toward maturity if
we want God's most profound wisdom (Prov 2:1-11; Mark 4:24-25). Continual spiritual growth
and connection with God are essential for us to best use the spiritual gifts God has given us (John
15:1-8). Jesus came to show us life to the full (John 10:10). "Life to the full" is an ongoing
journey—not a one-time event or "arrival." 1. I seek God through prayer to show me the areas in
my life that I need to improve. I try to discern what areas God is growing me in during a
particular season. Take a deep look at my character and being honest, and ask the question(s)
would God be pleased with those words or actions. As a child of God, when He rebukes me. It is
for my good. God will give me wisdom and correction with needed as long as I maintain my
relationship with him. God consistently corrects and forms the character of those who submit
their wills to his will. In my journey with the Lord, I have concluded that God knows best, and
when he says no, it is for my good. My son, do not despise the LORD'S discipline and do not
1. “How to Create a Spiritual Growth Plan (5 Steps),” Vibrant Christian Living, July 18, 2020,
httLLps://vibrantchristianliving.com/spiritual-growth-plan/.
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resent his rebuke 12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he
delights in. (Proverbs 3:11-12)2
Bible Study and Meditation
The Holy Bible is the written word of God inspired by God. The Holy Scriptures teach
righteousness, Godly living, correction, and the revelation of God's Character and plan of
salvation for humanity. The Bible is full of numerous examples of the catastrophic results that
occurred when Mankind chooses sin over God's will. The Bible teaches us about the character
and the promises of an Infinite, all-knowing Sovereign God who loves, selfless, sacrificially, and
unconditional Mankind; a fallible, corruptible, and undeserving of this agape love. Reading and
meditating on the word of God must be a priority in the life of all believers. Study to shew
thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word
of truth. (2 Tim2:15)3
As part of my spiritual development, plan the strategy that I will use to read the Bible is to read it
in chronological order. The books in the Bible are divided into literary forms. I enjoy reading
history and connecting events and people in chronological order. I will add reading one proverb
a day since typically there thirty-one days in a month, and the book of Proverbs has thirty-one
books. I will journal to track my progress.
2. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical referenced employ the King James Version (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., 2013).
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3. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical referenced employ the King James Version (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., 2013).
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Prayer
Prayer is personal communion and dialogue with the living God. Seen from a biblical
perspective, prayer is an opportunity and a privilege rather than a burden or a duty. It is the
meeting place where we draw near God to receive his grace, release our burdens and fears, and
be honest with the Lord. Prayer should not be limited to structured times but should also become
an ongoing dialogue with God as we practice his presence in the context of our daily activities.4
The Bible instructs us to pray without ceasing in (Thessalonians 5:17)5 Prayer inspires spiritual
growth and development as part of my spiritual journey I will have a prayer plan. I will pray at
least four times of the day. I have dedicated times at 6:30 am, noon,5:00 pm, and 9:30 pm before
bed. Having dedicated times will keep me on track, but I want to allow for some flexibility as
the Holy Spirit places someone or something on my heart; I will intercede and pray for the
person before I attempt to contact them. When I pray, I will use the following principles:
Confession to cleanse my heart and repent from any sins that I have intentionally and un-
intentionally committed.
Praise to express the love and reverence that I have for the Lord.
Thanksgiving to show that I am grateful for all the things he has blessings and provisions
he has given me.
Petition my personal needs to God, and what I believe is in God's will for my life.
4. Kenneth Boa, Conformed to His Image (Newton Abbot: Oswald Chambers' Publications Association, 1991), 83.
5. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical referenced employ the King James Version (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., 2013).
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Worship and Fellowship
I think the cross represents God's communal view. A cross consists of two beams, one
vertical and one horizontal, that are connected. The vertical beam which runs up and down
represents our relationship with God, and the horizontal represents the relationship we have with
each other. Worship for me falls into corporate and private categories. Corporate is the
assembling of believers on Sundays or whatever day is set aside to come together to worship the
Lord. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but
exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."(Hebrews 10:25)6
The other part of worship is private worship that I do daily. Worship is a way of life, presenting
yourself as a living sacrifice. There are several ways that I worship daily. Throughout the day, I
give God thanks for all he has blessed me with. When I am outside at a park or beach and
observe God's creation, I marvel at how awesome God is and thank him for being our creator.
The fellowship focuses on the horizontal portion of the cross, our relationships with each
other. I enjoy fellowship with other believers. God created us to be in a relationship with him and
one another. During times of fellowship, Christians encourage each other, give testimonies, and
pray for each other. I have an outgoing personality and enjoy being around others, especially my
brothers, but I know that I need to make sure that I am spending adequate time privately with
God. If I don't maintain an intimate relationship with God, all my other relationships will suffer
and will not be in proper balance. Due to COVID-19, I had to adjust the way I conduct corporate
worship and fellowship.
6. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical referenced employ the King James Version (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., 2013).
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I am looking forward to the time when there will be more face-to-face interactions with my
brothers and sisters in Christ.
Evangelism
Spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world and making disciples is the mandate
given to all Christians. According to Whitely, Christ doesn't expect all Christians to use the same
methods of evangelism he did, but He does expect every Christian to evangelize.7 I have been
called by God to the ministry, and I am perusing Chaplaincy as a profession. Until I officially
become a Chaplain, I share the word with my friends and family and others who come into my
circle of influence.
Serving
As men and women of God, we all are called to be servants. Regardless of title minister,
elder, deacon, etc., we are to be servant leaders. Servant Leaders focus on serving the Lord and
serving his people. I see people serve with a sense of pride and superiority as if they better than
the people they minister to. In extreme cases, they operate in error as if they there to be served
and worshiped. According to Pruitt, to be free to be a faithful servant leader, free from the
bondage of opinions and definitions of others, our insecurities, egos, and bias have a personal
identity that is firmly grounded in Jesus Christ. Christ is the only way that we will be set free to
become servant leaders.8 I desire to be a faithful servant leader that will be transparent and
humble.
7. Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2014), 119.
8. Paul Pettit, Foundations of Spiritual Formation: a Community Approach to Becoming Like Christ (Grand Rapids,
MI.: Kregel Publications, a division of Kregel, Inc., 2008), 194.
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The local churches here in Pensacola are slowly opening. Once I find and join a church, I will
look for opportunities to serve.
Stewardship
Stewardship is the discipline of managing affairs for someone else. Boa adds a
relationship to stewardship in addition to the typical three of time, talent, and treasure.9 I plan to
be a good steward of the relationships that God entrusts me with. My treasure pertains to the
money I tithe and gives generously to charity and various non-profit organizations. Time and
Talent I can spend more them for the glory of God. COVID has prevented in-person interactions.
As the restrictions lift, I plan to spend more of my Time and Talent serving in the local church.
Fasting and Spiritual Warfare
In regards to fasting, this is a discipline that I had done before but mainly when the
church did a corporate fast. Lately, I have been doing personal fast before we moved to
Pensacola and when I have big decisions to make. Primary, I do the Daniel Fast from three-
twenty on days. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint
myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. (Daniel 10:3)10 Whitely believes that fast from
a biblical point of view involves the abstinence of food.11 I do fast from social media, negative
words, or anything that I believe may be accompanying too much of my time. Jesus was a great
example of praying and fasting. Several times Jesus went off to pray and fast and sometimes for
as long as forty days.
9. Kenneth Boa, Conformed to His Image (Newton Abbot: Oswald Chambers' Publications Association, 1991), 85.
10. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical referenced employ the King James Version (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale
House Publishers, Inc., 2013).
11. Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2014), 192.
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Silence and Solitude
The more I practice silence and solitude, the more I am enjoying it. I feel it helps me
relieve stress and clears my mind. I find that living in this culture, there are numerous amounts of
noise and distractions, and silence and solitude allow me to declutter. It is good to sit quietly
before the Lord and let him talk to you and listen. I hear better from God when I am not
petitioning him or expressing my fears or worries. In silence and solitude, I can take an honest
assessment of myself, and God will reveal areas in me that need improvement.
Journaling
Journaling is not part of my regular routine. I haven't journaled in years. I see how
journaling is beneficial. It will help me remember tough times and how God brought me
through. It is also a way for me to track how well that I am doing the other disciplines. Part of
my journal routine will be to write out about the other disciplines and how they are helping me to
grow. Journaling helps you to keep up with day-to-day events that you can reflect on later or
even pray for those situations. I am trying to figure out will buy a Journal book to write
everything in it or type it up on some electronic device.
Learning and Growing
We as believers should always be learning and growing. Learning and growth require effort.
When I leave my comfort zone, my learning is most efficient, and when I am teaching a subject
like Bible study, for instance. I get a lot out of the reading and
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Research I have to do before the presentation as compared to someone reciting information to
me. My learning is more enjoyable when I take an active role. I have a curious mind and like to
ask the question Why? And what does that mean? The Bible says in all things seek
understanding. Growing requires that sometimes you place that may not feel comfortable. To
grow, you have to be challenged, and sometimes these challenges can be physical, emotional,
spiritual, or financial. Often it doesn't feel good when you are going through the tests of life. I
can argue that we gain more of an intimate relationship with God when we are in the valley
compared to when we are on the mountain top. Many turn to Christ when they have nowhere
else to turn to, and some believers put Christ on the back burner as they become inundated with
the distractions of this world. Job experienced many hardships that were not self-inflicted, but
nun the less he had to go through trials and grow from them. Job was an example to remain
faithful in the good times and bad times. God is sovereign, and everything Is working for the
good of those who serve the Lord.
Perseverance
"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we don't lose heart.
(Galatians 6:9)12 The discipline of perseverance has been, for me, the most challenging in this
season of my life. This August 2021 will make one year since I started the MDiv Chaplaincy
program at Liberty University. I started the program in 2020 and had to deal with the deaths of
three family members and one shipmate that I served within the Navy. Coping with grief can be
exhausting, and the journey has been challenging; at times, it has been tough to continue my
studies, but God's grace has been sufficient to carry and cover me in my time of need. As Dr.
Keith states in the video persevering in Chaplain Ministry, a high percentage of ministers leave.
12. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical referenced employ the King James Version (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale
House Publishers, Inc., 2013).
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The ministry because of "ministry burnout," which is caused by 70% of the pastors in the study.
Seventy percent admitted that they didn't have a consistent bible study and meditation routine,
and 70 percent also reported that they don't have a close personal friend.13 To ensure I don't
become a victim of ministry burnout, I will maintain a consistent Bible reading and meditation
life. God has blessed many friends over the years, some of which I consider family. Since I
started school for my Mdiv, I have re-connected with several friends in ministry as Pastors,
Chaplains, etc. Some have become mentors and give me insight into ministry work, and of
course, we pray for each other. I have truly been blessed with an abundance of men and women
of the cloth who can talk to.
Humility
I think that humility is one the least taught and talked about spiritual disciplines. Humility
is essential because it requires dependency on God. The Bible is full of examples of men that
God has elevated only for them to become prideful and operate out of the will of God. Before
humans fell prey to the sin of pride, Lucifer was a high-ranking angel in heaven. Lucifer was
given a position of great power and influence, had exquisite beauty and wisdom. Lucifer was not
satisfied with worshiping God; instead, he wanted to be worshipped. Lucifer's rebellion against
God caused him to be expelled out of heaven along with one-third of the angels he convinced to
follow him14 The Bible has many scriptures in the New and Old Testament addressing pride.
Pride always causes some type of fall or dissention. To avoid daily sin through the Holy Spirit's
help, I will remain humble by remembering that God is sovereign and God only. That I am called
13. Persevering in Chaplain Ministry, Video in CHPL 598 at Liberty University, Lynchburg VA, n.d.
14. “The Origin and Fall of the Devil,” Harvest, May 13, 2020, https://harvest.org/know-god-article/the-origin-and-
fall-of-the-devil/.
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to served and not be served. In an attempt to stay humble, I volunteer to give services
without praise and recognition.
Conclusion
Twelve Spiritual disciplines need to be exercised daily to grow, maintain intimate
relationships with and God. Some of the disciplines I am better at than others. I am ultimately
responsible for prioritizing and invest the time and effort required for spiritual growth. Every
Christian must take on the responsibility of growing in Christ. Through my relationship with
Christ and practicing the disciplines, I will be transformed into the likeness of Christ.
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Bibliography
Boa, Kenneth. Conformed to His Image. Newton Abbot: Oswald Chambers' Publications
Association, 1991.
Pettit, Paul. Foundations of Spiritual Formation: a Community Approach to Becoming Like
Christ. Grand Rapids, MI.: Kregel Publications, a division of Kregel, Inc., 2008.
"The Origin and Fall of the Devil." Harvest, May 13, 2020. https://harvest.org/know-god-
article/the-origin-and-fall-of-the-devil/.
Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Colorado Springs: NavPress,
2014.
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