trbccoffeebreak

“Teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:20a (HCSB)

Awkward doesn’t even describe it well when we attempt something we’ve never done before. Everyone else makes it look effortless, simple and easy. So we decide we can do it too and then the hard work kicks in. If it’s beginning an exercise routine, you can guarantee soreness will follow a few days later. If it’s a new job, you will experience moments of being overwhelmed with all the new information. Regardless of our attempt at new, the trick is to not give up when new seems more than we can tackle.

Ever wondered if new believers feel this way? For those of us who were raised in the church and have been following Jesus for years, the Christian life is engrained in us. But for new believers it can be quite daunting. Simply flipping through the sticky pages of a new Bible and not landing where the preacher is teaching can be enough intimidation to not open those pages during the week. Listening to a group of believers praying eloquently and effortlessly can easily silence the voice of those who just accepted Christ. Attending Bible Study and being challenged by the “Christian slang” can make one feel excluded.

To be honest, we feel so comfortable in our own skin, we don’t often think about others especially the newbies. Walking alongside a new believer is a beautiful experience and it’s not optional. Jesus left us with specific instructions: “Go and make disciples. Teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you (Matthew 28:16-20). So what can we do to help foster growth for those new in their faith?

Recognize discipling others is an act of obedience – we are to be active participants in helping others grow in their faith. Ask God to reveal to you someone who you can encourage.

Invest time in helping new believers learn their Bible and how to find passages.

Invite a new believer into one on one prayer time. Share how God has taught you about prayer and the simplicity and privilege of conversation with Him.

Explain clichés known to all Christians but foreign to newbies.

Share your own personal faith journey and how God has faithfully led you each step of the way. Don’t gloss over difficulties – choose to be authentic and real so they will gain a greater understanding of God’s grace and love.

Treat newbies with grace – spiritual growth is a process, and we need to patiently walk alongside those who are pursuing a relationship with Jesus.

Recognize discipleship is not a solitary journey – Jesus promises He is with us always to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Don’t miss out on a chance to invest in the life of a new believer.

“Father, Your plan was never for us to do life alone. Thank You for the gift of those who made an investment in my spiritual journey.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life