5 Ways to Mentor a New Christian
1. Keep learning.
Teachers are always looking for new ways to learn. Mentors are naturally
doing the same thing. If your goal is to mentor a new Christian, it is
imperative that you are working, growing, and strengthening your own
wisdom. New Christians will likely have questions about the Bible, and
while you may not know everything they ask you, you will want to have a
strong foundation.
¨The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me,
practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.¨
Phillipians 4:9
2. Help them learn their spiritual gifts.
In Romans 12, we learn about spiritual gifts. ¨Ẅe have different gifts,
according to the grace given us….let [us] use [them] in proportion to
[our] faith.¨
By pointing new Christians to learn their spiritual gifts, it will allow
them to find a place to serve in the church. Through service within the
church, they will build relationships. It is these relationships that
will keep people connected and wanting to stay more in His word. For
people that may be shifting lifestyles, making new friends in the church
can be a major point in helping them stay focused on their Christian
identity.
It may take some time for them to learn their spiritual gift, but it
allows them to feel valued, connected, and safe. ¨But the Helper, the
Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all
things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.¨ John
14:26
3. Point them to useful study tools.
For many new Christians, reading the Bible can be intimidating. Pointing
new Christians to study tools that present God's word to them in easier
to understand ways can be invaluable. Share resources that you enjoy.
These resources may be apps, books, blog posts, or podcasts. Encourage
them to dig in and get in His word daily.
¨Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a
righteous man and he will increase his learning.¨ Proverbs 9:9
4. Pray for them.
As you work with new Christians, pray for opportunities. Time and
conversation will lend nicely to the mentoring process, but it is also
important to pray for the new Christian. The power of prayer cannot be
overlooked through this process.
"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord
will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore
confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may
be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
(James 5:15-16)
5. Determine how they learn and grow.
To point the new Christian in the right direction, take the time to learn
about him or her. How do they learn? Are they driven by goals? Do they
seek change or resist it? Helping the new Christian is easier when you
understand who they are as a person.
¨Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations….¨ Matthew 28:19
Choosing to mentor a new Christian is a rewarding process. It can be very
rewarding for you as a mentor, and it can be very helpful for the new
Christian.
¨Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.¨ Proverbs 27:17