Ten Essentials for New ChristiansSample

#4: Love the Church

God wants you in a church because that’s where Christians love one another sacrificially (John 13:34). The Church is a family with brothers and sisters in Christ. It is one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). It is Christians celebrating baptisms (Matthew 28:19) and communion (1 Corinthians 11:23-25). God wants you to be a part of all this. He doesn’t want you on the sidelines. He wants you in the mix with other Christians. God is going to use them to work in you, and he is going to use you to work in them and love them.

Q&A

What Church Does God Want Me to Attend?

Let’s start by asking: What is God’s purpose for your life? Here is a good verse to get you started:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

God wants an intimate relationship with you. He wants you to know him so well that you can put your complete trust in him and know his will for your life. So, as a new Christian, you might want to find a church that will help you get to know God better and fall deeper in love with Jesus. Look for a church that will help you grow and mature as a Christian through:

• Sermons that are firmly rooted in the Bible.
• Times of worship where you focus on God’s character.
• Times of prayer during which you can praise God but also speak openly with him about your concerns.
• Discipleship groups where you can be mentored by Christians with a long track record of walking with the Lord.
• Opportunities for you to serve others in your church and your community.

Look for a church that will accept you as you currently are but cares enough to help you receive the conviction of the Holy Spirit in manageable doses to become more like Christ. Do not hesitate to ask if there is someone who would be suitable to help you learn more about what it means to be a Christ-follower. The best church for you will be the one that helps you know Christ better and understand the love and grace he has for you.