The Bible likened faith in Jesus Christ to giving birth to a baby. It is called spiritual birth. Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again John 3:3, 5-8. Therefore, just as a baby born into the physical world needs a lot of help and support so is someone newly born into God’s family.

Also, the experience of a believer at the time of spiritual birth will lay the foundation for his/her Christian experience throughout his/her life. The righteous can run into a crisis if the foundation is faulty. This is why a new believer needs proper and utmost spiritual attention at the time of spiritual birth. The following are some things that can be done to help a new believer:

Help Them Understand Their New Identity in Christ

People tend to trivialize their spiritual experience because it doesn’t feel spectacular. Not many believers will go through a dramatic conversion experience like that of Paul on the road to Damascus. All a person needs to do to be saved is acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Lord and confess Him with your mouth Romans 10:9-10. This is why it is important to help new believers understand the implications of their commitment and who they are in Jesus Christ. For example, in 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul teaches that anyone in Christ is a new creation, with old things passing away and new things coming. Helping new believers understand their new identity in Christ is key to helping them overcome past struggles and live out their faith boldly.

Feed Them With the Right Spiritual Diet.

There is a scriptural prescription for the kind of spiritual food a new believer should eat. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” The ultimate goal is to help a new believer grow in his knowledge of God and this requires “the pure milk of the word.” Hebrews 5:12-13 also confirmed that what a new believer needs is the milk of the word. It says, “…you need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.” New believers must be helped to find this milk so that they can grow.

Encourage Fellowship, Community and an Environment of Love and Support 

In Hebrews 10:24-25, the writer of Hebrews encourages believers to not forsake assembling together but to encourage one another. New believers need a community where they can grow, receive support, and be encouraged. Helping them connect with a church or small group is essential for their spiritual growth.

Pray and Intercede for Them Consistently

In Ephesians 1:16-18, Paul consistently prayed for the believers he discipled, asking God to give them wisdom and revelation to know Him better. Praying for new believers is crucial, asking God to strengthen their faith, protect them from spiritual attacks, and guide them in their journey. In Galatians 4:19, Paul’s prayer for the Galatians highlights the kind of prayer that ought to be prayed for new believers. He said, “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” Seeing believers become mature until Christ is formed in them should be at the center of the prayer for new believers.

Avoid Condemnation When They Make Mistakes

Just like growing-up kids, new believers are bound to slip as they learn to walk with God. The way the situation is handled by mature believers around them can determine the quality of their experience in their journey as Christians. Galatians 6:1 instructs, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Instead of condemnation, the goal should be restoration in the spirit of gentleness.

Avoid Giving Responsibilities Beyond the Ability of the Believer

Sometimes, the church tends to make the mistake of showing off new believers with spectacular testimonies of deliverance from the kingdom of darkness when they ought to sit down and learn the tenets of the faith. Such unripe exposure to spiritual responsibilities may be harmful to their spiritual experience.

Teach the Basics of the Faith

In the early church, new believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer Acts 2:42-47. You can help new believers by teaching them the foundational truths of the faith, such as understanding who Jesus is, the significance of His death and resurrection, and the importance of prayer and Scripture.

 Model a Christlike Life

Paul told the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitates Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:1. New believers often learn by observing more mature Christians. By living out your faith authentically, you provide an example for them to follow in their own walk with Christ.

Provide Ongoing Discipleship and Accountability

Jesus’ Great Commission instructs us to make disciples, teaching them to observe everything He commanded, Matthew 28:19-20. Discipleship isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process. Walk alongside new believers, guiding them through the Scriptures, answering their questions, and helping them apply biblical principles to their lives. Hold them accountable until they begin to observe all the commandments of Jesus.

Encourage them to Share Their Faith

The Samaritan woman at the well immediately shared her encounter with Jesus, leading many in her town to believe in Him as recorded in John 4:28-30, 39. Encourage new believers to share their faith with others, as it strengthens their own belief and helps spread the gospel.

By applying these biblical principles, you can effectively support and encourage new believers in their journey with Christ.

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