What should a new Christian do next?

1. Understanding Your New Faith

Your decision to follow Christ is a momentous step. As Scripture affirms, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). This new life is rooted in faith that recognizes Jesus as the Son of God, His atoning sacrifice, and His resurrection as the basis for salvation. Embrace this truth with gratitude, and consider your journey with Christ a tremendous privilege.

Though questions may arise, rest assured that Scripture’s reliability is affirmed by numerous historical and archaeological findings. The Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered in 1947) demonstrate that Old Testament manuscripts used today closely match those from centuries earlier, validating the faithful transmission of the biblical text. Such evidence underscores that the faith you have embraced stands on a firm historical foundation.

2. Study the Scriptures

Learning to read and understand the Bible is an essential next step. Scripture itself declares, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction” (2 Timothy 3:16). Regularly set aside time to immerse yourself in God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and understanding.

Begin with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to meet Jesus—His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. Then, explore the New Testament letters to grasp foundational doctrines and practical Christian living. The Old Testament lays the backdrop of God’s plan and reveals His character through creation, covenant, prophets, and historical accounts.

3. Engage in Prayer

Prayer is a conversation with God, an act of worship, and a means by which believers grow spiritually. As the Bible showcases, Jesus Himself modeled prayer, often withdrawing to secluded places (Luke 5:16). You can pray anywhere and at any time, sharing your praises, confessions, and requests. Prayer deepens your relationship with the Lord and cultivates trust in His providence.

If prayer feels unfamiliar, start simply: address God with reverence, thank Him for salvation, confess any sins, and make your requests known. Over time, as you learn the structure of biblical prayer, you will find that prayer becomes natural and fosters a sense of peace.

4. Join a Local Congregation

Fellowship with other believers provides support, accountability, and mutual encouragement. The Book of Hebrews encourages believers not to neglect meeting together (Hebrews 10:25). In a faithful church community, you can receive teaching from Scripture, participate in collective worship, and utilize your God-given gifts to bless and edify others.

Look for a congregation committed to preaching the Bible accurately. Observe whether they emphasize Jesus’ death and resurrection, uphold Scripture’s authority, and encourage spiritual growth. Over time, serving and learning within this community will sustain your faith and foster unity with fellow believers.

5. Pursue Baptism

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It symbolizes dying to sin and being raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3–4). While baptism does not itself save a person, it is a powerful, obedient step after committing your life to Jesus. It testifies to others that you are a follower of Christ and confess Him as Lord.

Different historical denominations practice baptism in various ways, but biblical baptism typically involves water immersion, reflecting the imagery of burial and resurrection. Discuss this step with your pastor to understand the specific practices of your congregation.

6. Partake in the Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper—also called Communion—remembers and proclaims Jesus’ sacrifice. The apostle Paul wrote, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). By taking the bread and cup, you share in a sacred tradition that spans back to the early church.

Before participating, reflect and examine your heart, ensuring you come to the Lord’s Table respectfully and in unity with fellow believers (1 Corinthians 11:28). This regular practice nurtures gratitude and humility for Christ’s atonement.

7. Grow in Discipleship

Your journey does not stop at initial belief. Jesus exhorted His followers to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Discipleship involves learning from mature believers, engaging in personal study, and living out biblical principles. Ask trusted leaders or mentors for guidance; many congregations have small groups or classes to help you deepen your biblical knowledge.

This process also includes shaping your character. Colossians 3:12 encourages believers to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Such growth in character results from both personal devotion and communal support.

8. Practice Repentance and Obedience

Even after coming to faith, believers may stumble. Regular repentance, turning away from sin, and refocusing on Christ keeps your heart aligned with God. First John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Obedience to God’s commands flows from gratitude for salvation, not an attempt to earn it (Ephesians 2:8–9). As you encounter instructions in Scripture—on purity, integrity, love, and more—endeavor to practice these truths in your daily life. Genuine faith is evidenced by transformed conduct.

9. Seek the Holy Spirit’s Guidance

Christian living is not possible by human effort alone. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). This same Spirit indwells each believer, providing comfort, conviction, and empowerment.

When facing decisions or temptations, invite the Holy Spirit to direct you. Through consistent prayer, study, and yieldedness, you will become increasingly sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting. This dependence fuels a dynamic walk with God rather than a stagnant set of religious routines.

10. Maintain Fellowship and Accountability

Spiritual growth often thrives in an environment where believers encourage one another and lovingly address areas that need change. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” Accountability does not involve harsh judgment but a supportive environment where you and others strive to grow.

Participate in small groups, prayer meetings, and service projects. Share your victories and struggles, and learn from others who have faced similar challenges. This community dynamic reflects Jesus’ teaching and the early church’s example.

11. Serve and Use Your Gifts

Scripture teaches that all believers receive spiritual gifts intended to build up the church and extend God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 12:7). As a new Christian, watch for areas where you naturally find fulfillment in service—whether hospitality, teaching, mercy ministries, evangelism, or any number of areas.

Regardless of the specific nature of your gift, the goal is to glorify God and help others. Volunteering in your local congregation or in outreach programs is a practical, rewarding way to live out your faith. Over time, you will discover how God’s design for you uniquely fits into His broader work.

12. Expect Challenges and Persevere

Difficulties and doubts may arise. Jesus warned His followers that “in this world you will have trouble. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33). Problems, opposition, or questions about faith are opportunities to rely on God more deeply and to grow in maturity.

If you wrestle with doubts, remember that numerous Christian apologists—such as those who have examined the evidence for Christ’s resurrection—found the historical data compelling. The empty tomb, multiple eyewitness accounts, and the early disciples’ willingness to die for their testimony point convincingly to Jesus’ bodily resurrection.

13. Share Your Hope with Others

The Good News you have embraced is meant to be shared. First Peter 3:15 instructs believers to “always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you.” Sharing your testimony and the core truths of the gospel is a command, privilege, and responsibility.

It can be as simple as telling friends and family how you encountered Christ or offering to pray with someone. You do not need to know every answer—just be transparent about how Jesus has transformed your life.

14. Continue Learning and Growing

You have embarked on a journey of lifelong learning. Seek out biblical teaching, read Scripture in context, and consider resources like commentaries and reputable Christian books. Archaeological findings and historical data further illustrate the Bible’s reliability. For example, ancient inscriptions referencing royal figures (e.g., the Tel Dan Stele) and excavations of biblical cities (e.g., Jericho, Hazor) confirm many events and places described in Scripture.

Knowledge should always lead to spiritual maturity, humility, and deeper worship of God. Avoid mere intellectualism—let what you learn transform your character and actions.

15. Rejoice in Your Identity in Christ

Above all, rejoice that you are now a child of God. The apostle John reminds believers, “See what love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). This gracious standing is permanent, because the resurrected Christ has secured it through His sacrifice.

As you continue, remember that this journey is not lived in isolation. You walk alongside countless believers around the world, past and present, who have likewise encountered the risen Lord. Rest in His love, follow His guidance, serve in His kingdom, and let your life be a testimony of His grace and power.