Attachment and Spiritual Maturity 71
relationships will create positive affect that can motivate their spiritual maturity. This affect can also motivate professors to mentor students. The mentoring of students must be a balance ofcreating a secure environment and building confidence to develop and grow without emphasizing one over the other (Noller,
1992). The relationship should not become overprotective, so the student performs the
tasks of education just out of duty or obligation to the professor. Rather, as a professor
and student develop a secure style of relating, the student will find it easier to trust and
get close to God. A feeling of confidence that God will like, respect and be there for them
when needed can develop. This kind of relationship between professor and student can
help model for the student a secure adult relationship style that can be replicated in other
relationships. What is suggested by this study, is that a truly secure adult attachment
style between professor and student will influence how a student can relate to God. This has far reaching implications for the family, the church, and society
This study has only explored the relationship of secure adult attachment and
spiritual maturity in the lives of future leaders. But the implication can be made that
leaders who experience the connection between their own secure adult relationships and their relationship with God, will impact the church by living this out as they lead. In
better being able to hear God, they could lead with spiritual authority that would
strengthen the church. They could experience the fruit of the Spirit bringing an ability to
integrate peace,joy, and personal well-being into the life of the people they relate to and
lead. They would also be more cognizant of the relationships around them in the church
which would include marital relationships, relationships with their church board, their
church staff, and church committees. Focus on whether these relationships reflect a
balance of security and confidence could take place. This awareness could lead to
redemptive activities such as confession, forgiveness, a change in behavior and attitudes,
leading to more secure relationships within the church. This is a critical need for the church today where the brokenness in relationships is hurting the impact the church can
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