We know goal setting helps us reach where we want (or need) to be. But did you know you can apply the same principle in your faith life?
Spiritual goal-setting takes your faith journey to a whole new level!
But you may be wondering:
- What are spiritual goals?
- How do we develop spiritual goals?
- How do we achieve our spiritual goals?
- What does the Bible say about setting spiritual goals?
In a world filled with distractions and challenges, these goals are your ticket to a deeper connection with God and a life that reflects Jesus Christ.
Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just starting your faith journey, spiritual goal-setting will inspire you to strengthen your connection with God.
Below, you will find an extensive list of spiritual goal setting examples to help you get started.
These examples cover various aspects of your faith journey, including prayer, Bible study, serving others, spiritual & personal growth, and financial goals.
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What Are Spiritual Goals
We may have an idea about what general goals are—but what are spiritual goals? Is it okay to have spiritual goals as a Christian and how do we develop them?
Spiritual goals are goals that are focused on developing and nurturing our spiritual growth and connection with our God—the God of the Bible. We can also call them spiritual growth goals.
As Christians, we align our spiritual goals with our faith in Jesus Christ and our desire to deepen our relationship with Him.
What does the Bible say about spiritual goal setting?
God’s Word also states why it is important to clearly set goals.
“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NKJV)
Goals are your vision for the future—things you want to achieve and work toward. Seeing your goals in front of you will enable you to run with them and achieve them in the end.
And, of course, God wants your goals to be spiritual, not just any goal.
Goals act as beacons, directing our choices and actions according to our beliefs and values. You could keep your goal(s) in mind, but it is even better to write them down (like Habakkuk said).
Writing them makes it more official and will hold you accountable. It will give you that extra push you need during the times you are less motivated to work on it.
Just as we set goals for our careers, relationships, and personal growth, setting spiritual goals allows us to focus on our spiritual growth and draw closer to God. This will enhance our spiritual wellness.
God’s Word encourages believers to strive for spiritual growth and maturity. In 2 Peter 3:18 (NLT), it says, “Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
This verse shows that spiritual growth is an essential aspect of the Christian faith.
How Do We Develop Spiritual Goals?
A great starting point is to assure yourself that spiritual goal-setting as a Christian is good, and that it can help you get a better relationship with God.
It is good to be intentional as a Christian. Setting intentional goals will help you focus on your spiritual growth.
Next, identify what areas of your spiritual life you want to improve or develop. This could be anything from deepening your prayer life, studying the Bible more consistently, practicing forgiveness, or cultivating a spirit of gratitude.
Once you have identified our spiritual goals, we can then create an action plan to help us achieve them. And then start! (LOL)
Don’t forget to regularly evaluate your progress and make necessary adjustments to your plan. It is a good idea to keep a journal to record your progress.
Once you have achieved your goal, celebrate! Give God the glory and appreciate yourself for your efforts and for what you have accomplished.
It is important to remember that spiritual goals are not about achieving perfection or checking off a to-do list. Instead, they are about the journey of growth and transformation.
They are about aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will and allowing Him to shape us into the people He created us to be.
Spiritual goals are an important aspect of our Christian walk. They help us deepen our relationship with God, grow in our faith, and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
By identifying our spiritual goals and taking intentional steps towards achieving them, we can experience a greater sense of purpose, fulfillment, and spiritual growth in our lives.
So, let us embrace the idea of setting spiritual goals and allow God to lead us on this journey of transformation.
How Do We Achieve Spiritual Goals?
The basis for achieving your spiritual goals is setting smart goals related to your spiritual life. Smart goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Let’s have a look at how that turns out with spiritual goals, by using an illustration.
For example, currently, you aren’t praying consistently and often even forget to pray. You set the goal, “I want to pray more.” Is this a smart spiritual goal?
- Specific. Praying more can be made more specific by setting a target of praying for a specific amount of time each day or praying at specific times throughout the day.
- Measurable. Instead of using the vague term “more,” you can set a measurable goal, such as praying for 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening.
- Achievable: Assess whether the goal is attainable for you. If you currently struggle to find time to pray, it might be more realistic to start with a smaller goal, such as praying for 5 minutes each day, and gradually increase the duration over time.
- Relevant: Ask yourself if the goal of praying more aligns with your overall spiritual journey and relationship with God. Is it something that will bring you closer to Him and deepen your faith?
- Time-bound: Set a specific time for achieving your goal. For example, you could set a goal to pray consistently for 10 minutes each day for the next month.
The smart version of “I want to pray more”, would be something like, “Within a month, I will incorporate a daily 5-minute prayer before breakfast.”
By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, you increase your chances of successfully achieving your spiritual goals.
Just the fact of reaching your goal will give you inner peace.
Why is Important to Set Spiritual Goals
Setting spiritual goals for yourself will keep you focused—focused on God and on your spiritual development. Intentional goals will keep you on track, hold you accountable, and allow you to measure your progress.
1. It gives us a sense of direction and purpose.
God wants you to grow—in your spiritual life, personal life, and your finances, to mention some major areas. By establishing spiritual goals, you create the opportunity for that transformation and growth.
It helps you to strive for spiritual growth.
Setting a new goal will push you out of your comfort zone. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is important because growth and transformation happen when we step outside of what is familiar and comfortable.
It allows us to challenge ourselves, learn new things, and discover our potential.
Setting spiritual goals also helps to align our priorities with God’s will. It reminds us to prioritize our spiritual life and make it a central focus. Amid our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect our spiritual well-being.
However, by setting goals, we are actively choosing to invest in our relationship with God and make it a priority.
Lastly, setting spiritual goals allows us to measure our progress and celebrate our achievements.
It is tangible and one of the best ways to track our growth and see how far we have come.
When we reach a (new) goal, it is an opportunity to give glory to God and acknowledge what He has done in our lives.
So, dream BIG. Set BIG goals. And trust your BIG God to help you achieve them. With Him, nothing is impossible!
Spiritual Goal-Setting Examples
To help you on your way to setting goals in line with your Christian faith, you can find an overview of spiritual goal-setting examples.
Whether you are new to faith or have been a follower of Christ for years, these examples can inspire, guide, and empower you on your unique spiritual journey.
Spiritual goals aren’t just for long-term planning, they are as important for your everyday life as well.
Make them part of your daily spiritual practice, and you will experience the benefits of spiritual growth and transformation.
By applying the SMART framework when setting your spiritual goals, you can bring clarity, structure, and success to your efforts.
Using spiritual goal-setting will bring new perspectives to the way you use faith in your daily life.
Here are 48 examples of spiritual goals.
1. Read the Bible More
- Specific Goal: Read one chapter of the Bible daily.
- Measurable: Track daily Bible reading progress.
- Achievable: Allocate a specific time for daily reading.
- Relevant: Deepens understanding of God’s word.
- Time-bound: Complete one chapter each day.
2. Keep a Prayer Journal
- Specific Goal: Maintain a prayer journal to record daily prayers and answers.
- Measurable: Regularly update the prayer journal.
- Achievable: Set aside time to write in the journal.
- Relevant: Enhances prayer life and mindfulness.
- Time-bound: Write in the journal daily.
3. Memorize Bible Verses
- Specific Goal: Memorize one Bible verse per week.
- Measurable: Track verse memorization progress.
- Achievable: Dedicate time for verse memorization.
- Relevant: God’s word becomes accessible in your heart.
- Time-bound: Memorize one verse weekly.
4. Practice Fasting
- Specific Goal: Practice fasting one day a month.
- Measurable: Track fasting days.
- Achievable: Plan for fasting days.
- Relevant: Deepen spiritual connection and discipline.
- Time-bound: Fast one day each month.
5. Go to Church
- Specific Goal: Attend church services every Sunday.
- Measurable: Attend church every Sunday.
- Achievable: Prioritize church in your schedule.
- Relevant: Worship and connect with the community.
- Time-bound: Attend every Sunday.
6. Share the Gospel with Others
- Specific Goal: Share your faith with at least one person each month.
- Measurable: Keep a record of your conversations.
- Achievable: Look for opportunities to share.
- Relevant: Spreading the gospel.
- Time-bound: Share with at least one person monthly.
7. Forgive Someone
- Specific Goal: Forgive one person who has wronged you within the next month.
- Measurable: Identify the person and work on forgiveness.
- Achievable: Pray for strength and guidance.
- Relevant: Fulfilling the command to forgive.
- Time-bound: Complete within the next month.
8. Express More Gratitude
- Specific Goal: Write three things you’re grateful for each day.
- Measurable: Document daily gratitude with a gratitude journal.
- Achievable: Set a reminder to reflect on blessings.
- Relevant: Cultivate thankfulness.
- Time-bound: Record three blessings daily.
9. Volunteer with a Local Charity
- Specific Goal: Volunteer at a local charity organization once a month.
- Measurable: Keep a record of volunteering hours.
- Achievable: Find a local charity and plan visits.
- Relevant: Serve those in need.
- Time-bound: Volunteer once a month.
10. Daily Bible Meditation
- Specific Goal: Meditate on a specific Bible verse for 10 minutes each day.
- Measurable: Track daily meditation time.
- Achievable: Set aside a dedicated meditation time.
- Relevant: Reflect on God’s word.
- Time-bound: Meditate for 10 minutes daily.
11. Tithe
- Specific Goal: Donate 10% of your income to the church every month.
- Measurable: Track monthly donations.
- Achievable: Budget your finances to accommodate this.
- Relevant: Support your church financially.
- Time-bound: Give 10% monthly.
12. Group Bible Study
- Specific Goal: Join a weekly Bible study group.
- Measurable: Attend every weekly meeting.
- Achievable: Find a suitable group to join.
- Relevant: Deepen your biblical knowledge.
- Time-bound: Join and attend weekly.
13. Go On a Mission Trip
- Specific Goal: Participate in a mission trip within the next 12 months.
- Measurable: Research and register for a trip.
- Achievable: Plan and prepare for the trip.
- Relevant: Serve and spread the gospel.
- Time-bound: Complete within 12 months.
14. Read More Christian Books
- Specific Goal: Read one book on Christian apologetics in the next three months.
- Measurable: Complete reading the book.
- Achievable: Choose and start reading.
- Relevant: Equip yourself for defending your faith.
- Time-bound: Finish within three months.
15. Lead Family Devotional Group
- Specific Goal: Lead a weekly family devotion night.
- Measurable: Conduct devotions every week.
- Achievable: Plan and organize family devotions.
- Relevant: Grow as a family in faith.
- Time-bound: Start leading weekly.
16. Give to More Charity
- Specific Goal: Increase your monthly giving to a specific charity by 20%.
- Measurable: Track the increased donation.
- Achievable: Adjust your budget accordingly.
- Relevant: Support a chosen charity more significantly.
- Time-bound: Increase by 20% within the next month.
17. Be More Patient
- Specific Goal: Practice patience by not complaining for 30 consecutive days.
- Measurable: Count days without complaining.
- Achievable: Cultivate patience and self-awareness.
- Relevant: Develop patience and trust in God’s timing.
- Time-bound: Complete 30 days without complaining.
18. Get Baptized
- Specific Goal: Get baptized as a public declaration of your faith in the next six months.
- Measurable: Commit to a baptism date.
- Achievable: Attend baptism classes and prepare.
- Relevant: Publicly declare your faith in Christ.
- Time-bound: Complete within six months.
19. Learn More About Influencial People of Faith
- Specific Goal: Learn about one influential Christian figure from history each month.
- Measurable: Choose and study a new figure each month.
- Achievable: Allocate time for research and reading.
- Relevant: Expand your knowledge of Christian history.
- Time-bound: Learn about one figure monthly.
20. Read the Bible in a Year
- Specific Goal: Read the entire Bible cover to cover within the next year.
- Measurable: Track your progress by marking the chapters or books you’ve read.
- Achievable: Set a daily reading plan to divide the Bible into manageable portions.
- Relevant: Deepen your understanding of God’s word by reading the entire Bible.
- Time-bound: Complete the entire Bible within the next year, starting immediately.
21. Strengthen Your Marriage
- Specific Goal: Strengthen your marriage by attending a marriage enrichment workshop within the next year.
- Measurable: Register for a marriage enrichment workshop.
- Achievable: Plan and budget for the workshop.
- Relevant: Invest in your marriage’s well-being.
- Time-bound: Attend a workshop within one year.
22. Mentor a Young Person
- Specific Goal: Be a role model for younger members in your faith community by actively mentoring at least one person.
- Measurable: Identify and mentor at least one person.
- Achievable: Make yourself available as a mentor.
- Relevant: Guide others in their faith journey.
- Time-bound: Start mentoring within the next month.
23. Practice Worship Daily
- Specific Goal: Cultivate a heart of worship by incorporating worship songs into your daily routine.
- Measurable: Include worship songs in your daily schedule.
- Achievable: Create a playlist or choose specific times.
- Relevant: Approach life with a heart of worship.
- Time-bound: Start incorporating worship songs daily.
24. Daily Time with God
- Specific Goal: Have a daily devotional time by allocating a specific time each day for prayer and reflection.
- Measurable: Dedicate a daily time slot for devotions.
- Achievable: Set an alarm or reminder for devotion time.
- Relevant: Cultivate a regular devotional habit.
- Time-bound: Start daily devotions immediately.
25. Practice Sabbath
- Specific Goal: Set aside a specific day each week for rest and observing the Sabbath.
- Measurable: Dedicate a weekly Sabbath day.
- Achievable: Plan your weekly schedule around the Sabbath.
- Relevant: Rest and reconnect with God regularly.
- Time-bound: Start observing the Sabbath this week.
26. Find a Spiritual Mentor
- Specific Goal: Find a spiritual mentor and begin a mentoring relationship.
- Measurable: Identify a mentor and start the relationship.
- Achievable: Seek out a mentor and initiate contact.
- Relevant: Receive guidance and wisdom from a mentor.
- Time-bound: Start the mentoring relationship within the next month.
27. Overcome Addiction
- Specific Goal: Attend a support group or counseling to address and heal any addictions or harmful habits within the next six months.
- Measurable: Enroll in a support group or counseling program.
- Achievable: Seek out appropriate support resources.
- Relevant: Address and overcome addictions or harmful habits.
- Time-bound: Start seeking support within six months.
28. Use My Gifts to Serve Others
- Specific Goal: Identify and actively use your spiritual gifts within your church or community within the next six months.
- Measurable: Discover and regularly apply your spiritual gifts.
- Achievable: Engage with church leaders and mentors for guidance.
- Relevant: Fulfill your purpose in the body of Christ and serve others effectively.
- Time-bound: Begin actively using your spiritual gifts within the next six months, starting immediately with the identification process.
These are just examples, and your spiritual goals may vary based on your individual journey and areas of growth. Spiritual goals are personal and vary from person to person.
It is important to prayerfully consider what areas of your spiritual life you want to develop and create goals that are aligned with your faith and values. And don’t stop praying then!
If studying the Bible better is on your list of things to do this year, be sure to visit our Bible Study Resources page where you’ll find everything you need to make Bible study a regular part of your daily routine.
Keep on praying and trusting God throughout the process of developing, working on, and achieving your spiritual goals.
Spiritual goals are an important aspect of the Christian faith. They involve intentional efforts to deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith.
Setting spiritual goals can help us become more Christ-like and experience a greater sense of fulfillment in our spiritual journey.
Embrace the idea of spiritual goal-setting, use the examples provided to get started, and strive to become the best version of yourself in Christ.
Christel Owoo is a Christian Life Coach, Mentor, Women’s Ministry Leader, Author, Wife, and Mom. She writes about Bible Study, Christian Living, and Personal Growth on her website, through guest blogs, devotionals, books, and in Christian magazines.
