The Challenge of Growing Up as a Grown-Up

Are you truly growing up, or just getting older? In this heartfelt episode of Seedbed Inc’s “Wake Up Call,” John David Walt invites us to grapple with one of the most urgent challenges of spiritual maturity: moving beyond childishness to embrace the courageous and sometimes uncomfortable process of becoming fully grown in faith. Recorded on April 29th, 2026, John David Walt shares personal stories and hard-won wisdom inspired by Ephesians 4:14–16, pressing us to ask: Are we being blown around by every wind, or are we learning to “speak the truth in love” and truly grow up into Christ? You’ll hear about the transformative power of authentic friendship and community—including a vulnerable moment when a guest from Ghana (now a priest) lovingly confronts John David Walt with truth that leads not just to challenge, but to healing. This episode’s themes dig deep: the healing power of truth spoken in love, the necessity of real relationships for growth, and the invitation to embrace our weakness so God can do real work in our lives. Discover why “the truth heals”—not just hurts—and what might be holding you back from the spiritual adulthood you crave. Key highlights include: The story of a friend’s courageous, loving confrontation and how it shaped John David Walt’s journey Three transformational questions to unlock real conversation and growth in small groups or “bands” An inspiring musical interlude with Grammy-winning worship artist Chris Tomlin leading “Good, Good Father,” offering a fresh encounter with the perfect love of God Ready to move beyond surface-level relationships and start growing in every way that matters? Listen in, reflect, and take your place in the journey towards deeper faith and community. Love this conversation? Subscribe for more insightful and inspiring episodes just like this! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Wake Up Call: A New Quarter in History 02:14 Key Mandate: "We Must No Longer Be Children" 06:50 Receiving Hard Truth in Love from a Friend 08:35 Insight: "The Truth Heals—Not Hurts" 09:48 Why Love and Truth Must Go Together 11:05 The Need for Banded Discipleship and Authenticity 12:32 Prayer for Deeper Friendships and Growth 14:20 Self-Reflection Questions: Barriers to Truth in Love 16:17 Three Transformational Questions for Growth 17:19 "Good, Good Father": Worship Song Closure 🎼 Sing along with us! ► https://seedbed.com/hymnal/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 🎁 The Wake-Up Call is funded by generous givers like you at https://sowextravagantly.com/ 📩 Get the Wake-Up Call in your email each day ► https://seedbed.com/wakeupcall ⛪️ Are you a pastor? We'd love to connect ► https://seedbed.typeform.com/to/dymjFhUB