Understanding Stages of Faith theory was a helpful framework for me in processing past joys and present pains. I felt less alone. It gave me hope for healing in the future as I continued along faith’s path.
What many authors write about, I experienced. The early stages of the spiritual journey (Stages 1 & 2), are formative years, marked by discipleship, community, and study. It’s where a loving mentor helps us build the neural pathways for life with Jesus and His Church. It’s less about judgment and more about teaching the brain how to walk in “new life.”
Stage 3 is where we shine. It’s the peak of performance and production. Any kind of “inward journey” feels unnecessary… maybe even indulgent. The focus is on doing, serving, and making an impact. And yet… something starts to shift.
when the certainty begins to fray
At some point in Stage 3, the certainty begins to fray. Often triggered by hardship, crisis, or rupture, this shift is subtle but powerful. The questions start bubbling up: Isn’t there more than this? Why do I feel so empty when I’m doing everything “right”? The brain and soul become ripe for change… not from strength, but from exhaustion, pain, or disillusionment.
Community can no longer hold what’s breaking inside. What once gave life now feels unsafe. The dance stops working! We don’t yet know why. It’s disorienting. And it’s holy. These cracks? They’re often the very beginning of real transformation.
If you want to read more about Faith Stages, below are a few resources I’ve appreciated. The summary is based primarily on The Critical Journey. I find a lot of work in Spiritual Direction spaces is with people who are exiting Stage 3 for the Wall / Stage 4. If this sounds like you, send me a message.
- Critical Journey, Hagberg and Guelich
- Faith After Doubt, Brian McLaren
- Journey of the Soul, Bill and Kristi Gaultiere
- Mansions of the Heart, R Thomas Ashbrook
- James Fowler’s stages (a summary PDF)