Community & Growth : Guidance for New Christians: Your First Steps with Jesus

A Message from FA Memphis

Starting your journey with Jesus is the most significant decision you will ever make. This guide offers practical first steps for new believers: focusing on prayer, reading the Bible, and finding community. Whether you are full of joy or have lingering questions, these foundational habits will help you grow closer to Christ, understand His grace, and build a resilient faith that lasts a lifetime.

Bible Verses to Carry With You

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" : 2 Corinthians 5:17

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." : Psalm 119:105

"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." : Matthew 28:20b

Welcome to the Family

First of all, welcome home. If you’ve recently decided to follow Jesus, you might be feeling a mix of emotions. Some people feel an immediate sense of peace, while others feel like they have a thousand questions. Both are completely normal.

Following Jesus isn't about becoming perfect overnight. It’s about a relationship. Just like any new relationship, it takes time to get to know someone. At Boundless Online Church, we want to walk beside you as you take these first few steps. You aren't alone in this. You’ve joined a global family of believers who are all learning, growing, and leaning on God’s grace together.

Understanding What Just Happened

When you asked Jesus into your life, something profound happened in the spiritual realm. The Bible calls it being "born again" or becoming a "new creation." This doesn't mean your past disappeared from your memory or that life suddenly became a bed of roses. It means your standing with God has changed.

You are forgiven. You are chosen. You are loved.

In the Assemblies of God tradition, we believe that salvation is a gift of grace through faith. You didn't earn it by being "good enough," and you don't keep it by being perfect. You keep it by staying connected to the Vine: Jesus. Understanding this grace is the foundation of everything else. If you find yourself struggling with the weight of your past or wondering if God really cares about your pain, take a moment to read about where God is when it hurts.

Step 1: Start Talking (Prayer)

The word "prayer" can sound intimidating, like you need to use "thee" and "thou" or have a degree in theology. But prayer is simply talking to God.

Imagine you’re sitting down with a close friend. You tell them about your day, your worries, and the things you’re excited about. That’s exactly what God wants from you. He already knows what’s on your heart, but He wants to hear it from you.

How to start a prayer habit:

• Keep it simple: You don't need long, flowery sentences. "Lord, help me today" is a perfect prayer.

• Be honest: If you’re angry, tell Him. If you’re confused, ask for clarity. God can handle your honesty.

• Listen: Prayer isn't just a monologue. Sometimes the best part of prayer is sitting in silence and letting God’s peace settle over you.

Step 2: Start Reading (The Word)

The Bible is God’s primary way of speaking to us. It’s our roadmap for life. If you’ve never opened a Bible before, it can look like a very big, very complicated book.

Don't feel like you have to start at page one and read through to the end. For a new Christian, we almost always recommend starting with the Gospel of John in the New Testament. It’s the fourth book of the New Testament, and it tells the story of Jesus’ life, His miracles, and His incredible love for you.

As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand. You’ll be surprised at how certain verses seem to jump off the page right when you need them. If you want to dive deeper with others, we’d love to have you in our Bible Study Club, where we explore these truths together in a supportive environment.

Step 3: Find Your People (Community)

You weren't meant to follow Jesus in isolation. Even in a digital world, community is vital. We need people who can encourage us when we’re down, pray for us when we’re struggling, and celebrate with us when we see God moving.

At Boundless, we provide several ways to connect. Whether it’s through our Sunday Live Worship or specifically for the guys in our Men’s Bible Study, getting plugged in is key.

Connecting with a mentor: someone who has walked the path of faith a little longer than you: can be a game-changer. They can help answer those "is this normal?" questions and point you back to Scripture when things get confusing. If you're looking for a place to start asking those initial questions, check out our I'm New Q&A Welcome Center.

Step 4: Spirit-Empowered Living

One of the beautiful things about our faith is that we don't have to do it in our own strength. Jesus promised us a Helper: the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit gives us the power to change, the comfort to endure, and the wisdom to make good choices. As a new Christian, you can ask God every day to fill you with His Spirit. This isn't about a one-time emotional experience; it’s about a daily reliance on God’s power working within you. This "Spirit-empowered" life is what allows us to reflect the character of Jesus to the world around us.

Step 5: Dealing with the "Old You"

You might find that some old habits or thoughts don't disappear instantly. Don't let the enemy use that to make you feel like your salvation wasn't "real." Growth is a process.

In the church, we call this "sanctification." It’s the lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. When you mess up: and we all do: don't run from God; run to Him. His mercies are new every single morning. If you want to learn more about the history of the movement you've joined and how we view this walk of faith, you can read about the beginnings of the Assemblies of God.

Moving Forward

This is just the beginning. Your faith will have seasons of mountain-top highs and valley-lows. The goal isn't to stay on the mountain; it's to stay with the Shepherd.

Keep showing up. Keep talking to God. Keep reading His Word. And keep connecting with your church family. If you're curious about what it means to truly "belong" to this community, we invite you to look into Membership 101.

We are so excited for you. The journey ahead is full of purpose, hope, and the unconditional love of a Savior who will never let you go.

A Prayer for Your Journey

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me by name. Thank You for the gift of new life. As I take these first steps, I ask for Your guidance and Your peace. Help me to hear Your voice as I read the Bible and to feel Your presence when I pray. Surround me with a community that will help me grow. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can live a life that honors You. I trust You with my past, my present, and my future. Amen.

Next Steps

We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online. If you have questions about your new faith or just need someone to talk to about these first steps, we are here for you.

Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.