How can I help new believers?

Quick answer

New believers need prayer, fellowship, and encouragement as they grow in their faith. While we support them, we must remember that spiritual growth comes by God’s grace, not our efforts, but that we are called to walk alongside others to help them grow.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible shows that believers can support each other through prayer, fellowship, and encouragement. Scripture instructs us to pray for one another (James 5:16). The apostle Paul’s prayers for fellow believers are examples of this (Ephesians 1:15–23; Philippians 1:9–11; Colossians 1:9–12). Fellowshipping with new Christians is also crucial, as they may feel the pull of the world, so they need to also feel the support of mature believers. The book of Acts presents examples of the solidarity and support of the early church (Acts 2:42, 46–47). Scripture also teaches that new believers need encouragement (1 Corinthians 12:25–26; Hebrews 3:13; 10:23–25). While we support those new in the faith, we must keep this in mind: Growth occurs by God’s grace, not our efforts (Ephesians 2:8–10; Hebrews 12:2). This is true even of our own growth. Believers do not earn God's love by what we do; rather, we choose what to do—including supporting new Christians—because of God's love for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:10). God has ordained the means (our actions), but the ends are up to Him. Believers, new and old, are on a long journey together. One day at a time, we’re learning to stop believing in the world’s ways and, instead, to discover and love God’s ways (Romans 12:2).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

New believers should have a strong Christian support system. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 emphasizes the importance of encouraging one another: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
Praying for new believers is also crucial. The Word of God says, “And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). We who have been believers longer have the opportunity to pray on behalf of those who are new in the faith, that God would strengthen them and help them glorify Him.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

All believers, especially new ones, should spend time with other Christians. The book of Acts records the behavior of the early church. In part, it says, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:42). Acts also records early believers "attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes . . .praising God" (Acts 2:46–47).
Just as Paul prayed for fellow believers, we should pray for those who are new to the faith: “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him” (Ephesians 1:16–17).
Helping new Christians study God’s Word is also important: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We’ve all been there: the new kid in school, the just-hired employee, the first time at a different church. It’s all a little uncomfortable. We make mistakes and may come off as cold when we’re just shy. Like when you were the new kid walking into the school cafeteria, awkwardly holding the tray and looking for somewhere to sit. Wasn’t it nice when some kids at another table invited you to sit with them?

New believers might feel just as awkward. They’re entering a different world with uncommon values compared to the outside world. And adults form cliques, just as school kids do. Mature Christians have a responsibility to make spiritual newbies feel welcome. Maybe you’ve been a believer for a long time, but you’re shy, too. Say a prayer and ask God to strengthen you so that you can strengthen new believers. A kind smile and brief introduction go a long way to making someone feel more comfortable. Invite new believers to your church Bible study. Even if some decline, they’ll know you care. Believers, new and old, are on a long journey together to the same destination. We’re responsible for helping each other.

UNDERSTAND

New believers need prayer, fellowship, and support.
Spiritual maturity comes by God’s grace, but we can walk alongside new believers to help them grow.
Mature Christians should invite, encourage, and help new believers grow in God’s Word.

REFLECT

How have other believers encouraged and supported you in your faith journey, and how can you do the same for someone new in the faith?
What fears or hesitations do you have about reaching out to new believers, and how can you rely on God’s grace to overcome them?
How can you be more intentional about praying for and fellowshipping with new Christians in your church or community?

ENGAGE

What biblical support do we have for supporting new believers?
What are some practical ways we can encourage new believers to grow?
How can we balance trusting God for spiritual growth while actively discipling and encouraging new believers?