Neal Pollard
Thankfully, God anticipated that His church would have men and women who love souls enough to invite them to church, share the gospel with them, help them find their way, and welcome them into the spiritual body of His Son. Since discipleship begins rather than ends at the baptistery steps, the right question to ask concerning these spiritual newborns is, “What’s next?” What does God expect of us to help these precious ones to survive and thrive as His children?
- Practice The “Golden Rule” (Luke 6:31). Perhaps the best starting point in helping new Christians is seeking to see things through their eyes. They are in need of new relationships, further knowledge, trustworthy examples, time, patience, understanding, and so much more. As much as we can, we must do what we can to treat them empathetically and imagine how this radical life change impacts them. That means listen to them, ask questions, and learn what and how they think.
- Watch Your Step (Ephesians 5:15-16). Established Christians should model the Christ-life. Conversations don’t have to project perfection, but should promote proper priorities (Matthew 6:33). Our task is to show the urgency of Christian commitment and our goals should reflect that we’re living more for eternity than for this life.
- Don’t Be A Stumbling Block (Luke 17:1-2). We should wise about the attitudes and words we exhibit when speaking of the church, her leaders, decisions we don’t like or agree with (even if we’re sure we’re right). New Christians are looking to us to show them how to live Christianity. If we’re reckless and careless, we easily offend and trip up impressionable spiritual babes. Being comfortable around new Christians is great. Losing our filter is deadly and reveals our need to watch what’s being filtered (Mark 7:21-23).
- Accept Them (Romans 14-15). New Christians need new relationships. They’ve not arrived at the maturity that requires time and practice. This may show up in their speech and actions. We don’t treat their missteps with the same harshness and severity as one who knows better and doesn’t do better. Accepting them also means inviting them into our lives! Their survival depends on it.
- Help Them Grow (Ephesians 4:11-16). Whatever we’re involved in, we can invite them to be a part of. They may not be able to teach a class, but they could sit it and learn. They may not know what to say when visiting a sick or shut-in person, but they’ll gain much just by going. Jesus tells us we must be fruitful branches on the Vine (John 15:1ff). That makes us, as established branches, cultivators, too. They’re part of Christ’s body and need to know the part they play to work properly and help the body be built up.
- Get Together With Them (Acts 2:44). New Christians usually are faced with building new relationships, new habits, new friendships, new lifestyles, and new patterns. Imagine how hard that is without the help and example of those who have long ago incorporated these. Fellowship and hospitality are vital tools for their spiritual survival (Acts 2:46; 4:32; 1 Peter 4:9). Include them in your plans and your life.
- Teach Them To Observe All Things (Matthew 28:20). Sometimes we assume that new Christians know everything we know, whether knowledge of Scripture or how to apply it. Never in a condescending way, but rather in a loving, patient way, help them learn the book that will not only judge them (John 12:40; Revelation 20:12) but will guide them now (Psalm 119:105). Equip them to be useful to Christ and His church (2 Timothy 2:2). Help them grow their spiritual hunger (1 Peter 2:2).
Think about how much better and stronger a congregation gets with each new person who puts on Christ in baptism. Think about how happy their presence among us makes the God of heaven (Luke 15:7,10). They’re growing, learning, developing, and inevitably struggling here and there. Love them, care about them, and keep in touch with them! Then, some day, you can look back together for all eternity, grateful that they were faithful to the end (Matthew 10:22).
