If you’re a new Christian, then congratulations! Welcome to the family! I’m sure you have questions and want to know what to do next.

There are many resources online that provide a lot of information for the new Christian. I think there’s a lot of good information out there, and I welcome you to search for it. However, I like to provide you with a shortlist of what I think are the most important next steps as a new follower of Christ.

Find a community of other Christians

I know that there are some places in the world where there are very few, if any, Christian churches. This suggestion is not for those who live in places where it’s illegal to be a Christian. However, if Christianity isn’t illegal where you live, then I recommend finding a church to attend. While there is a multitude of online communities available to Christians, I believe the best way to engage in a relationship with other people is in person. 

How do you find a church? 

There are myriad ways to find a local church to attend. The best way is to ask God first. It may feel intimidating to talk to God in prayer, so just be straightforward, and honest about it. You could try something like this.

God, I’m looking for a church to attend so I can get to know you better. Please help me to find the place where you want me to go. Thank you. Amen. 

God might bring something to your mind right away, or a church might stand out in some other way. I know you can find churches by searching online or looking in a phone book. If you know anyone who is a Christian, then ask them where they go! 

Start reading the Bible

Reading the Bible can be intimidating. I know people who have been Christian for years and find it hard to read. It can also be confusing to read since there are so many different translations. Which one do you read? Is one translation better than another? Where do you start?

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, so when you go to read it in English, you’re going to want to read a translation that is as close to the original as possible. You also want to read something that you’re going to be able to understand. If you want to read a comprehensive analysis on Bible translations, then you can do so here. However, if you’re looking for a shortlist of the most popular translations, then here you go.

1. New International Version (NIV).

2. King James Version (KJV).

3. New Living Translation (NLT).

The NIV was the Bible translation I first started with, and I still read it daily. The King James Bible was translated in 1611, so the English in it is from that time. The NLT is an easy-to-read translation. 

In this age of digital Bibles, we don’t have to be tied to any one particular translation. While I have a few printed Bibles, the majority of my time is spent reading from the Bible application, You Version. If you’re using this application, then you can pick a primary translation but easily change it whenever you want to. You can also compare versions, etc. This may be the best way to find out what works for you. 

If you don’t know where to begin in the Bible, then here’s a reading plan that will not only get you started but will also provide information to you as a new Christian. This link is a web link to the online version of You Version. However, you can also download the application onto your smartphone and read the plan from there. 

Plan to get water baptized

Getting water baptized isn’t essential for salvation. However, it is an act of faith that is a public witness to your becoming a Christian. Once you’ve gotten connected to a community of Christians, you can inquire about getting water baptized. 

I’ve only covered a few important next steps for the new Christian here. If you have any questions about any of this or would like to know more, then please let me know in the comment section, and I’ll do my best to help you. 

Once again, welcome to the family! 

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