By Ken Guenther, SEND U Director

Everyone should be a lifelong learner, and this learning should be intentional and planned.

One way SEND missionaries plan for personal growth is by preparing an Individual Growth Plan (IGP). Some SEND areas expect all their members to develop an IGP each year.

The SEND U Individual Growth Plan guide explains the rationale and walks you through the process, and we encourage you to use it. We want you to be growing in both your personal life and in your ministry competency. So you can set IGP goals about learning more about prayer and fasting, improving your parenting skills, or understanding disciple-making movements.

For an extensive list of different areas in which we could be growing and learning, look at the Missionary Growth Areas on the SEND U wiki. You can do a quick self-assessment of where you most need to grow by going to this wiki page. To grow in those areas, you will need to identify learning activities.

Again, you can find ideas and resources on the SEND U wiki by clicking on the major headings on the Missionary Growth Areas page, and each link will take you to a catalog of resources for each of the 32 growth areas. Pick a couple of these resources to read or do from your chosen category — or choose your own learning activity. Find someone you respect in this area and interview them. Do an inductive Bible study on the subject. Sign up for a webinar. You get to choose what you want to do to grow. The important thing is that you have a plan for your own growth.

What are the basic characteristics of a good IGP?

1. Valuable - growth in these areas will clearly help you become who you want to become and do what God has called you to do
2. Holistic - growth goals in both personal character and ministry skill areas
3. Personal - goals that address your own areas of need and interest; goals for you, not for someone else
4. Measurable - you will know when you have reached your goal (when you have completed the learning activity)
5. Attainable - realistic goals that you can complete this coming year
6. Written down - you won't forget it
7. Accountable - you have shared this plan with someone else who will encourage you to pursue this learning

We hope this proves to be a valuable resource for you as you pursue God’s direction in your life. Go to the Individual Growth Plan Guide.