If you recently decided to become a follower of Christ, figuring out what to do next can be overwhelming. Check out these practical, Biblical tips for next steps:
1. Get Baptized
Any time the language of becoming a follower of Christ was used in Scripture, baptism closely follows, as we see in Acts. Peter preached to “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). Although the act of baptism does not save you and the water is not different than any other water, baptism was commanded by Jesus as an act of obedience. Baptism shows the transformation that has occurred in a person’s life, and therefore should not be delayed. If you recently made the decision to follow Christ, baptism should be your first step of obedience as a Christian. Talk with a pastor or go to woodridge.org/baptism and fill out a form today.
2. Join a Bible-based Church
The Church is the body of Christ. It is difficult, if not impossible, for a Christian to thrive outside the local church. The church is a place of encouragement, teaching, and worship, and as such, is essential to the Christian walk. Make sure to join a congregation that holds God’s Word in high regard and follows it faithfully. Do your research on denominations to find the best one for you. Take the steps necessary to become a member and get connected in Sunday school or other discipleship classes. To learn about our beliefs, check out woodridge.org/our-beliefs or go to woodridge.org/discover to see when our latest Discover Woodridge luncheon will be.
3. Get Plugged In
Going to the main worship service can be fulfilling and meaningful. However, you often lack human connection and conversation if you only choose to listen to worship and the sermon each week. At Woodridge, we encourage everyone to try a Sunday School class. We have classes for every age and life stage, including classes for the deaf and those with special needs. Small group classes allow for real connection and dialogue to occur. It’s also a great place to meet new friends who share common interests and values. Check out our website to find a full list of classes, or ask our greeter team on Sunday for more info.
4. Read Your Bible
Getting in the Word is important, especially as a new Christian. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the Bible, but don’t feel like you must read through the entire thing in order. The Old Testament can be especially intimidating, so make sure you have a good Bible-reading plan and resources that can guide you through difficult passages. Take it at your own pace. Consistency will be the key to continuing a healthy Bible-reading habit. The Word of God can and will change your life, so it is important to make it a part of your daily routine.
5. Live Out Your Faith
While going to church and classes and learning about the Bible are all important, Jesus calls us to live out our faith. This means practicing our faith more often than on Sundays alone. Members of Woodridge are encouraged to serve in various ways, using the talents they have been given. There are plenty of ways for people of all ages and abilities to serve the church, whether it is by greeting, serving with the kids or students, or helping run the service. In addition, living out your faith can mean going on local or international mission trips or volunteering for missions opportunities. If you are interested in helping at Woodridge, check out woodridge.org/volunteer
Navigating your new faith doesn’t have to be difficult! The staff, ministers, and members of Woodridge would love to help you through these steps if you recently made a decision for Christ. Be sure to reach out to us if you have any questions. Don’t take this journey alone!