From Coasting to Growing

A Story of Faith by Mel Travis

There was a time in my life when I was in church every Sunday, but I was not truly in the life of faith.

I grew up in church. My parents and grandparents made sure my brother, sisters, and I were there every week. Church was part of our lives. I enjoyed the fellowship, the meals, the youth activities, and being around people I cared about. But looking back, I realize I was mostly “coasting.”

I heard the sermons and lessons, but I did not let them shape my life very deeply. My faith stayed comfortable and surface-level. I was more focused on enjoying church life than growing closer to Christ.

As an adult, I became part of a strong Sunday School community. During those years, I grew close to Gary and his wife Jill. We worshiped together, served together, sang in choirs together, and raised our families alongside one another.

Gary was someone I deeply respected. He was calm, wise, thoughtful, and steady. I never saw him lose his temper. He carried himself with confidence and humility, and people naturally trusted his leadership.

When our longtime Sunday School teacher passed away, Gary and several others stepped in to teach the class. I remember always being impressed by how prepared they were. They studied carefully, taught faithfully, and helped all of us understand Scripture more deeply. I depended on them for spiritual guidance, but I did not yet realize how much work and devotion stood behind what they did.

Over time, the other teachers moved away, and Gary carried the responsibility almost alone for several years.

Then one evening, Gary suddenly passed away from a heart attack.

His death deeply affected me.

After a great deal of reflection, I realized it was time for me to stop coasting spiritually and start helping. I stepped forward to teach the Sunday School class. Very quickly, I discovered something important: I was not prepared.

I had access to the same study materials and resources the other teachers had used, but I had never truly devoted myself to studying Scripture in a serious way. I had depended on others to do the work of learning and growing for me.

Teaching forced me to change.

I began spending more time reading the Bible, studying lessons, praying through Scripture, and learning how faith applies to daily life. What began as responsibility slowly became transformation.

I discovered that study is not just about gaining knowledge. It is about growing closer to Christ.

The more I studied, the more I understood that faith is meant to shape the mind, heart, and life of a believer. Christian growth does not happen accidentally. We have to be intentional. We have to seek truth, ask questions, listen, learn, and remain willing to grow.

One verse that became especially meaningful to me was Romans 12:2:

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

That is exactly what God began doing in my life.

I learned that spiritual growth never truly ends. We do not stop growing once we finish confirmation class or reach adulthood. Every season of life gives us another opportunity to deepen our faith and understanding.

Today, one of the practices that helps me stay grounded is daily study. In the mornings, I read The Upper Room devotional. In the evenings, I often spend time reading Scripture or preparing Sunday School lessons. Those quiet hours have become part of how God continues shaping my life.

My journey of faith did not begin with dramatic moments or instant transformation. It began when I finally stopped coasting and chose to grow.

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Learn More About Following Jesus in Everyday Life

Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.