What are some of the things that you think a new Christian needs to learn as they begin their walk with Jesus? (And yes, I use “they” to refer to singular nouns. Get over it.)
Do you start with basic doctrines? Spiritual disciplines? Basic practices?
Do you focus on the practical, teaching them how to read their Bible and pray? Do you train them in how to share their faith?
Where do/would you begin to help someone take their first steps as a new Christian?
As a new Christian, they’re going to have to absorb an entirely different world view. I would start with the basic part of our spiritual DNA: we are born to “walk in love and good works.” This is best accomplished by example: plugging them into a church that is focused on these two things. They should learn to serve alongside those who are already serving in the church and in the community. And they should be be encouraged to identify their own special gifts and how those can be used to glorify God.
Above all else, make sure doctrinal instruction focuses on the character of Jesus and of the Christian life (Ephesians 4-6, Romans 12, etc.). A new Christian has no business being involved in the worship wars or the things that divide us. For that matter, no Christian has a need to be involved in those things.
This is a good topic for a series, Tim. Thanks for the conversation starter.