As we journey on our Christian walk, we travel through different stages of growth. The author takes us through the obstacles we face as we go through these various stages. He then outlines the stages of growth.

The obstacles we face:
1. The Dutiful Christian: trying to please God through our performance; focusing more on what we do for God than God Himself
2. The Corporate Christian: focus on programs and what other Christians think
3. The Expert Christian: doctrinal correctness is of paramount importance; try to straighten people out who see things differently
4. The Grace-Abuser Christian: negatively react against rules; minimize sin in the world and other Christians
5. The Resistant Christian: disappointment with God; unwillingness to give God total control
6. The Emotional Christian: feelings tend to dominate; react to a rational approach to Christianity
7. The Runt Christian: never intentionally pursued a relationship with Christ; plagued with doubts about salvation

The stages of growth:
Stage 1: Getting the Right Start - Starting the journey with Christ
Stage 2: Knowing and Doing - Learning God's truths and doing them
Stage 3: The Authentic Heart - Being what you profess
Stage 4: Experiencing God - Developing an intimate relationship with God
Stage 5: The Crises of Faith - Successfully navigating life's difficulties
Stage 6: The Exchanged Life - Cultivating a deep trust and rest in Christ
Stage 7: The Life of Adoration - Realizing and responding to God's profound love

This was a great book and encouraging as well as challenging. Growing in my walk with God is not something that can be narrowed down to a few steps to follow or rules to obey. It is a living, breathing relationship. The stages are not necessarily done in order and we often fall or move ahead at various times in our lives. Continuing to grow is the goal.