Six years ago, the term "giant baby" was listed among the top ten internet buzzwords by Yaowen Jiaozhi (a Chinese language magazine that covers the misuse and abuse of language). While buzzwords come and go, the phenomenon of "giant babies" has never gone out of style. Today, it remains evident even in Chinese churches.
Brother Luo, a pastor serving in an urban church in western China, has encountered many Christians who appear outwardly mature but lack spiritual growth. Often unwilling to take responsibility, he describes them as "spiritual giant babies." To address this, he has explored various approaches to help them "grow up."
What Are “Spiritual Giant Babies”?
Luo explains that "spiritual giant babies" are believers who have become spiritually stagnant for a long time. He said: “A healthy Christian should be constantly growing. However, some believers are spiritual dwarfs.’ They may look mature on the outside, but remain a child at heart—they are unwilling to take responsibility and bear no real fruit.”
He references a passage from the Bible: “Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”
How to Identify a “Spiritual Giant Baby”?
Luo emphasized that spiritual maturity didn’t necessarily come with age. A spiritually mature person takes responsibility for their actions, while “spiritual giant babies” are those who are dependent on others and avoid accountability.
He shared an example of a child taken along with his mother who was disruptive and disturbing during a fellowship gathering. When someone suggested the mother discipline her child, she replied, “I can’t control him.” This response reflected her lack of responsibility.
Luo candidly stated, “Regardless of whether you can effectively manage your child, it is your responsibility. We can help you if you don’t know how but you must take responsibility.”
Why Do “Spiritual Giant Babies” Exist?
Luo believes the phenomenon stems from both external and internal causes.
Without a conducive growth environment and a clear reward-and-discipline system, the believer may be a lazy person who lives according to the flesh.
He noted: “To grow spiritually, we should rely on the grace of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. Only by bearing fruits of honesty, righteousness, and goodness can one receive God’s reward.”
How to Help “Spiritual Giant Babies” Grow?
Luo acknowledged that nurturing "spiritual giant babies" to maturity is no easy task. He shared several practical approaches implemented in his church.
The church should establish reward mechanisms and exit strategies. “In our faith, there’s a complete system of rewards (heaven) and consequences (hell). Similarly, the church needs such mechanisms. If someone refuses to change despite repeated exhortation, they should be asked to leave; otherwise, the church risks becoming a haven for ‘spiritual giant babies.’”
Believers are encouraged to speak God’s word in his church. “In our church, we encourage every believer to speak the word of God. If they don’t know how to preach, they can start by reading the Bible aloud, which not only edifies themselves but also others.” He further emphasized, “After hearing the word, one must practice it—even if it’s just a verse or two. We can experience God’s grace while putting His word into practice, with a virtuous cycle for growth.”
Luo admits that directly pointing out believers’ problems may provoke resistance but sees it as necessary. “Society often chooses to ‘punish without prior warning,’ quietly ostracizing people without explaining why. However, the church must help believers resolve their issues. Confronting reality can boost personal growth, so we should tell the truth, even if it hurts.”
“A student cannot surpass their teacher. If a leader is spiritually immature, how can they teach others to be mature?”
He highlighted that pastors must live out their faith and boldly preach the truth, rather than avoiding offending congregants.
- Edited by Katherine Guo, translated by Abigail Wu
