Next Steps for New Believers: A 6-Week Guide to Deepening Your Faith
Becoming a follower of Jesus is an incredible beginning, but it’s just that—a beginning. As a new believer, you have embarked on a journey of transformation, growth, and deep connection with God. This six-week guide is designed to help you build a strong foundation in your faith, navigate challenges, and engage your family in this life-changing experience.
Week 1: Embracing Your New Identity in Christ
- Focus: Understanding who you are in Christ.
- Activities:
- Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and write down what it means to be a “new creation.”
- Spend 10 minutes each day in prayer, thanking God for His love and asking Him to reveal His plans for your life.
- Begin journaling your thoughts and prayers as you reflect on your salvation.
- For Your Family:
- Share your experience with your spouse and children in a loving and simple way. Oftentimes they’re a little confused especially when it’s a radical life change. For example: “I’ve decided to follow Jesus, and it’s brought me peace and joy. I’d love to share this journey with you.”
- Ask them how they feel about your decision and listen without judgment. Share your journey with them and how you feel.
Week 2: Building a Relationship with God
- Focus: Developing habits of prayer and Bible reading.
- Activities:
- Start reading the Gospel of John, one chapter a day. Reflect on Jesus’ love and teachings.
- Set a specific time each day to pray. Include prayers for your family, asking God to draw them closer to Him.
- Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 about God’s peace through prayer.
- For Your Family:
- Encourage family prayer time, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You can begin with simple prayers of gratitude.
- Share with your spouse how prayer is helping you and invite them to join you if they’re comfortable.
Week 3: Plugging into a Church Community
- Focus: Finding support and fellowship.
- Activities:
- Visit local churches or attend the one where you got saved. Look for a Bible-believing church with a welcoming community.
- Join a small group or a class for new believers to build connections.
- Begin attending a Sunday service consistently.
- For Your Family:
- If they’re hesitant, invite them to a family-friendly event or service. Share how meaningful the experience has been for you without pressuring them.
- Be patient and understanding; remember, God is working in their hearts.
Week 4: Overcoming Challenges and Old Patterns
- Focus: Strengthening your faith and guarding against spiritual setbacks.
- Activities:
- Read Romans 12:2 and journal ways you can “renew your mind.”
- Identify one or two areas where you’re tempted to return to old habits. Pray specifically for strength in those areas.
- Celebrate small victories in your walk with Christ and give thanks to God.
- For Your Family:
- If your family struggles to understand your changes, share how these changes are making you a better spouse or parent. For example: “I want to be more loving, patient, and kind, and this faith helps me do that.”
- Continue showing love and consistency; actions often speak louder than words.
Week 5: Sharing Your Faith
- Focus: Learning to share your testimony with others.
- Activities:
- Write a short version of your testimony: What was your life like before Christ? How did you encounter Him? How has your life changed?
- Pray for opportunities to share your story with others.
- Read 1 Peter 3:15 about being ready to share your hope.
- For Your Family:
- Share your testimony with your family in a conversational way, highlighting the joy and peace you’ve found.
- Be sensitive to their reactions; not everyone will understand right away, and that’s okay.
Week 6: Living a Renewed Life
- Focus: Embracing a lifestyle of faith.
- Activities:
- Commit to a Bible reading plan or devotional that aligns with your spiritual needs.
- Serve in a ministry or outreach opportunity at your church to grow in faith and community.
- Reflect on the changes in your life over the past six weeks. Write a prayer of gratitude to God.
- For Your Family:
- Lead by example. Let your faith show through your actions—patience, love, and humility are powerful testimonies.
- Celebrate milestones together. For example, invite your family to a church event or baptism service if you feel ready to take that step.
When Your Family Doesn’t Understand
It’s not uncommon for family members to struggle with the changes in you after salvation. They might not understand your newfound faith or the reasons behind your transformation. Here are a few tips to bridge the gap:
- Show, Don’t Just Tell: Let your actions reflect the love of Christ—be more patient, forgiving, and kind.
- Be Patient: Transformation is a process, and God works in His timing. Trust that He is drawing your loved ones closer.
- Keep the Lines of Communication Open: Encourage questions and answer them honestly. If you don’t know the answer, seek guidance from a pastor or mentor.
- Pray for Them Daily: Ask God to soften their hearts and open their eyes to His truth.
Celebrate Your Journey
You’ve taken incredible steps over these six weeks to grow in your faith and deepen your relationship with God. Remember, this is a lifelong journey, not a race. Each step you take brings you closer to the purpose and joy God has for your life.
At Value Builders International, we are cheering you on and praying for you. This is the beginning of an extraordinary adventure, and the best is yet to come! 🎉 Keep growing, keep seeking, and remember—God’s love for you is limitless. Continue to explore our site for more resources to help you and your family grow.