Growing as a New Christian: Essential Steps for New Believers
Beginning Your Journey as a New Believer
If you're wondering how to grow as a new christian, here are the essential first steps:
Read the Bible daily - Start with the Gospel of John
Pray regularly - Develop a consistent prayer routine
Join a church community - Connect with other believers
Be accountable - Find a mentor or small group
Serve others - Put your faith into action
Share your story - Tell others about your faith journey
Welcome to the family of God! Taking your first steps as a new believer can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Much like a newborn baby needs nourishment and care to develop properly, your spiritual life requires intentional habits to flourish.
According to a 2020 Barna Group study, 65% of new Christians say having a mentor or spiritual friend is "very important" to their spiritual growth. This highlights that you're not meant to walk this journey alone.
As one pastor wisely noted, "Following Jesus is a beautiful, lifelong process, not a one-and-done moment." Your spiritual growth will happen gradually, sometimes in ways that are hard to notice day by day. But over time, with consistent spiritual practices and community support, you'll find yourself becoming more like Jesus.
If you're feeling uncertain about what comes next in your faith journey, this is completely normal. Everyone who follows Jesus started as a beginner. The good news is that growth happens naturally when you put yourself in the right environment with the right spiritual habits.
At Share The Struggle, we believe coaching can be an invaluable support for new believers. Our faith-based coaches can help you establish strong spiritual foundations and steer the challenges of your new walk with Christ.
What Does Spiritual Growth Look Like?
Imagine watching a time-lapse video of a plant growing from seed to full bloom. You'd see dramatic changes that happen so gradually in real life that they're almost invisible day by day. Spiritual growth works much the same way. This process—theologians call it sanctification—is your journey of becoming more like Jesus in your heart, mind, and daily life.
When you first come to faith, you don't instantly transform into a spiritual giant. God designed spiritual growth as a beautiful, lifelong journey with natural stages of development.
Stages of Christian Maturity
Just as we develop physically from infancy to adulthood, your spiritual life follows similar patterns:
Spiritual Infancy - Remember your first days as a believer? Everything feels new and exciting, but you need lots of guidance. Like a baby needs milk, you need the simple, foundational truths of Scripture and support from mature believers who can answer your questions.
Spiritual Adolescence - As you grow, you'll start taking ownership of your faith. You'll ask deeper questions and maybe even experience some spiritual "growing pains" as your faith is tested. Don't worry—this is normal and healthy!
Spiritual Adulthood - With time and consistent spiritual habits, you'll bear more visible fruit in your life—things like patience, kindness, and self-control. You'll develop wisdom and discernment, and eventually, you'll find yourself helping others in their early faith steps.
Lane Adams beautifully captures this in his book "The Incredible Patience of God," comparing new believers to spiritual babies who "need a specific kind of spiritual food but cannot yet feed themselves." This highlights why finding community and mentorship is so crucial when you're learning how to grow as a new christian.
Physical Growth Spiritual Growth Infancy: Depends on parents for everything New Believer: Needs guidance for basics of faith Childhood: Learns fundamentals Growing Christian: Builds foundation in Scripture Adolescence: Tests boundaries Maturing Believer: Works through doubts and questions Adulthood: Takes responsibility Mature Christian: Disciples others, exhibits fruit
Here's the beautiful truth: spiritual growth isn't about achieving perfection. As Jerry Bridges wisely reminds us, "We will never be perfect in this life." The goal isn't flawless behavior—it's a heart that's increasingly surrendered to Christ and a life that more and more reflects His character.
According to a 2019 Lifeway Research survey, 62% of Protestant churchgoers identify Bible reading as the most crucial factor in their spiritual growth. Yet only 32% read the Bible daily. This gap highlights something important: knowing what promotes growth and actually practicing it are two different things.
That's why at Share The Struggle, we believe coaching can be transformative for new believers. A spiritual growth coach can help you establish those critical daily habits, process your questions, and provide accountability as you steer your new faith. Having someone walk alongside you makes the journey not just easier, but richer and more meaningful.
For a deeper dive into what Christian maturity looks like and how to pursue it intentionally, check out our article on Christian Growth and Maturity.
How to Grow as a New Christian
Growing in your faith isn't complicated, but it does require intention. Like a garden that needs regular tending, your spiritual life flourishes when you cultivate specific habits and relationships. The beautiful thing about this journey is that you don't have to figure it out alone—God has provided everything you need.
Daily Bible Intake: The Foundation of how to grow as a new christian
Think of God's Word as your spiritual nourishment. Just as you wouldn't go days without eating, your spirit needs regular feeding through Scripture. The Bible itself makes this comparison:
"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." (1 Peter 2:2)
If you're wondering where to begin, the Gospel of John provides an ideal starting point. This book paints a vivid picture of Jesus—who He is, what He did, and why it matters for your life. After John, consider moving to Acts to see how the early church lived out their faith, then to James for practical wisdom you can apply immediately.
Don't feel pressured to read for hours. Starting with just 10-15 minutes each day creates a sustainable habit that will bear fruit over time. Many new believers find success with a simple reading plan through apps like YouVersion, which offers guided journeys specifically designed for those new to faith.
"I started by reading just one chapter of John each day and writing down questions that came to mind," shares one new believer. "My mentor and I would discuss these questions weekly. This simple habit completely transformed how I understood God's love for me."
The goal isn't just head knowledge but heart change. As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand and apply these truths to your everyday life.
For more guidance on scripture that can help you grow in Christ, check out our article on Grow in Christ Scripture.
Prayer Habits: Talking with God Fuels how to grow as a new christian
Prayer is simply conversation with your heavenly Father—both talking and listening. Many new Christians worry about "praying correctly," but God cares more about authenticity than eloquence.
The ACTS method offers a helpful framework when you're not sure how to structure your prayers:
Adoration: Express wonder at who God is
Confession: Acknowledge areas where you've fallen short
Thanksgiving: Express gratitude for specific blessings
Supplication: Bring your needs and the needs of others before God
Try starting each morning with a moment of gratitude, thanking God for three specific things. This sets a tone of awareness of His presence throughout your day. Many believers also find that keeping a prayer journal helps them stay focused and provides encouragement when they look back and see how God has answered.
"I was skeptical about prayer until I started writing down what I prayed for," one new Christian shares. "Looking back at all the answered prayers months later convinced me God was really listening."
Remember to leave space for listening too. God speaks through Scripture, through the gentle promptings of His Spirit, and often through the wisdom of mature believers in your life.
For more helpful devotional practices, explore our article on Devotions for Growing Christians.
Fellowship & Church Connection
Faith was never meant to be a solo sport. We need each other—for encouragement when we're down, for accountability when we're tempted, and for perspective when we're confused.
A 2022 Pew Research Center report revealed that 54% of new Christians said joining a small group or Bible study helped them feel more connected and supported in their faith journey. This connection isn't just nice to have—it's essential for healthy growth.
When looking for a church community, seek one that:
Teaches the Bible faithfully and clearly
Welcomes questions without judgment
Offers specific support for new believers
Provides pathways to meaningful relationships
"I was hesitant to join a small group because I felt I didn't know enough," admits one new believer. "But my group welcomed my questions and never made me feel judged for being new to faith. Those relationships have been crucial for my growth."
At Share The Struggle, we understand the power of supportive community. Our group coaching sessions offer another avenue for meaningful Christian connection. For just $40/month, you can join weekly gatherings with others on similar faith journeys while receiving guidance from a trained coach who understands the unique challenges new believers face.
For more insights on growth specific to men in their faith journey, see our article on How to Grow as a Christian Man.
Spirit-Led Obedience & Service
Knowledge alone doesn't produce growth—applying what you learn does. Jesus made this clear when He said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). This isn't about earning God's love but responding to it from a heart of gratitude.
As you grow, the Holy Spirit will gently guide you toward changes that align your life more closely with God's design. You might sense Him prompting you to develop more patience, let go of harmful habits, seek reconciliation in a broken relationship, or find how your unique gifts can serve others.
Service acts as a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth. When you give of yourself to others, you experience the joy of being used by God, develop deeper compassion, and build meaningful connections with those you serve alongside.
"I started serving in the church nursery just a month after becoming a Christian," shares one new believer. "Caring for those children taught me more about God's love than any sermon could. Plus, the relationships I built with other volunteers helped me feel like I truly belonged."
The beautiful truth is that you don't have to rely on willpower alone—God is actively working in you "to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13).
For a deeper understanding of biblical spiritual growth principles, read our article on Biblical Spiritual Growth.
Sharing Your Story Early
One of the most effective ways to strengthen your new faith is surprisingly simple: talk about it. Many new Christians hesitate to share their story, feeling they don't know enough yet. But your fresh experience of coming to faith often resonates powerfully with others who are seeking.
Jesus himself instructed a newly healed man: "Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" (Mark 5:19). Your story matters, just as it is.
Sharing your faith journey offers multiple benefits: it strengthens your own convictions as you articulate them, builds your confidence with each telling, creates natural accountability, and may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
Start by writing your testimony in three simple parts: your life before Christ, how you encountered Him, and how your life has changed since. Practice sharing this in 2-3 minutes, and watch for natural opportunities in conversations to mention your journey.
"I was nervous to tell my friends about becoming a Christian," one new believer confesses, "but their questions actually helped me understand my own faith better. And to my surprise, two friends asked to come to church with me after hearing how my life had changed."
You don't need theological degrees or perfect answers. Simply sharing what you've experienced can be incredibly powerful. As Peter wrote, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (1 Peter 3:15).
For more guidance on helping new believers grow in their faith, check out this helpful resource from Cru: Helping New Believers Grow | Cru.
Overcoming Obstacles on the Journey
Let's be honest—the path of spiritual growth isn't always smooth sailing. Every Christian faces obstacles, and learning how to steer these challenges is essential for your continued growth in faith.
You might encounter some common roadblocks as a new believer:
Doubts and questions often surface when your initial spiritual excitement fades. This is normal! Even the most dedicated Christians experience seasons of uncertainty.
Temptation will continue to knock at your door. Those old habits and desires don't magically disappear when you become a Christian.
Relapse into sin can feel especially discouraging. When you find yourself falling back into patterns you're trying to leave behind, growth isn't linear.
Mental health challenges like depression or anxiety can complicate your spiritual journey, making it hard to feel God's presence or experience joy in your faith.
Disappointment with other Christians happens when believers don't live up to your expectations—or worse, when they hurt you.
These challenges don't mean you're doing something wrong. As Matt Brown wisely notes, "We will never be perfect in this life." Understanding this helps us approach obstacles with grace rather than shame.
When doubts creep in (and they will), don't push them away in fear. Instead, bring them honestly to God in prayer, research answers from trusted sources, and discuss them with mature believers who won't judge you for asking hard questions. Many spiritual giants throughout history wrestled deeply with doubt.
Regarding temptation, it's crucial to understand that being tempted isn't sinful—even Jesus was tempted. The key is developing awareness of your personal triggers and vulnerable moments. One new believer shared with me: "I kept falling back into my old habit of lying when under pressure. My mentor helped me identify the fear driving my lies and develop specific prayers and responses for those moments. Having someone who didn't shame me but helped me grow made all the difference."
You can read more about the concept of God's patience with our growth process in Lane Adam's book The Incredible Patience of God on Amazon.
Practical Tools for Setbacks
We all experience setbacks on our spiritual journey. When (not if) you stumble, these tools can help you get back on track:
Confession and repentance provide a fresh start. The early church understood this power: "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed" (James 5:16). There's something profoundly healing about bringing our struggles into the light.
Accountability partnerships create safety nets for the inevitable tough days. Having someone who regularly checks in—not to police you but to support you—can make all the difference when temptation feels overwhelming.
Structured prayer offers words when your own feel inadequate. Don't be afraid to use written prayers during dry seasons—they've sustained believers for centuries.
At Share The Struggle, we've seen how Christian coaching provides vital support during challenging times. Our coaches are specifically trained to help you take your thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ, especially when facing setbacks or persistent struggles.
For more insights on growing in grace through challenges, explore our article on How to Grow in Grace as a Christian.
Pornography & Thought Life Healing
One common struggle for many Christians—both new and mature—is maintaining purity in their thought life, particularly regarding pornography and sexual temptation.
The battle begins in your mind. Scripture instructs us to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). This principle isn't just a nice idea—it's a practical strategy that forms the foundation of our approach at Share The Struggle.
To begin healing your thought life, start by becoming aware of your thought patterns. Notice when your mind begins wandering toward temptation. Then actively replace negative thoughts with truth—this is where Scripture memorization becomes incredibly practical.
Creating accountability is also crucial. Consider using filtering software on your devices and establishing regular check-ins with someone you trust. But technology alone isn't enough—you need human connection.
One Christian shared this powerful testimony: "I struggled with pornography for years, even after becoming a Christian. What finally helped wasn't just blocking websites but working with a coach to understand the loneliness and stress that triggered my behavior. Learning to address those root issues changed everything."
This highlights why our Captive Thoughts coaching model at Share The Struggle is so effective. We don't just address surface behaviors but help you identify and heal the underlying thought patterns and emotional triggers. Our weekly one-on-one coaching sessions provide personalized support for $180/month (for weekly 25-minute sessions), giving you a dedicated ally in your journey toward freedom.
Healing isn't just about stopping unwanted behaviors—it's about addressing the deeper wounds that fuel them and celebrating every step of progress along the way. You don't have to struggle alone.
For a comprehensive approach to overcoming pornography addiction through a faith-based lens, see our complete guide: How to Quit Porn: A Complete Guide.
Moving Toward Maturity: Serving, Witnessing & Calling
As your faith journey progresses, you'll find God leading you toward greater spiritual maturity—not just for your own benefit, but so you can help others grow too. When Jesus gave His final command to "make disciples" (Matthew 28:19-20), He established a beautiful cycle where those who are growing help others do the same.
Recognizing the Holy Spirit's Leading
Learning to recognize the Holy Spirit's guidance is like developing any relationship—it takes time and attentiveness. The more you practice listening, the clearer His voice becomes.
The Spirit often speaks through an inner peace or conviction about a decision. One new believer shared with me: "When I was considering a job change, I felt an unexplainable peace about one option despite it being less prestigious. Following that peace led to relationships that strengthened my faith tremendously."
God's Spirit always guides in ways that align with Scripture. He'll never lead you to do something that contradicts His written Word. This is why daily Bible reading is so foundational for discerning His voice.
You might also notice the Spirit speaking through confirmation from others. When multiple mature believers independently share the same insight or encouragement, it's often the Spirit confirming His direction.
Perhaps the most reliable sign of the Spirit's work is the fruit He produces in your life. As Galatians 5:22-23 describes, when you see increasing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in your life, you can be confident the Spirit is actively working.
Pay attention to open and closed doors as well. Sometimes God guides through circumstances that either facilitate or prevent certain paths. A door that consistently remains closed despite your best efforts might be the Spirit's protection.
For more insights on developing a growth mindset in your spiritual journey, check out our article on Spiritual Growth Mindset.
Discerning God's Will for Your Life
Many new Christians wonder anxiously about God's specific will for their lives—their unique calling or purpose. While God does have plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11), finding them usually happens gradually, not in one dramatic revelation.
Pray specifically for guidance, but don't be surprised if clarity comes through a series of small steps rather than one big vision. God often reveals just enough light for the next step.
Exploring your spiritual gifts through serving in different areas can provide important clues. Pay attention to what energizes you and where others affirm your effectiveness. One believer told me, "I tried serving in four different ministries before finding my gift for mentoring teenagers. The joy I felt—and the fruit I saw—confirmed this was where God wanted me."
Notice what brings you joy and seems to bear fruit. God's calling often emerges at the intersection of your gifts, your passions, the needs around you, and confirmation from trusted community.
Don't underestimate the value of wise counsel from mature believers who know you well. Sometimes they can see gifts and callings in you that you haven't recognized yet.
God can use you in any vocation or life situation. Your calling isn't just about what you do for work but how you represent Christ wherever you are. The stay-at-home parent, the business executive, the artist, and the missionary can all fulfill God's purpose equally when they serve from a heart aligned with His.
One believer shared: "I kept waiting for a dramatic revelation about my calling, but instead, God gradually led me through a series of small decisions. Looking back, I can see how He was guiding me all along, even when I wasn't sure of the big picture."
At Share The Struggle, we've seen how valuable coaching can be during this discernment process. Our coaches are trained to help you identify the Spirit's leading and take steps toward your calling with confidence. Whether through weekly 50-minute sessions ($360/month) or bi-weekly sessions ($180/month), our coaches provide a safe space to explore God's unique purpose for your life and help you understand how to grow as a new Christian in the direction He's leading.
For more guidance on spiritual growth lessons that can help you mature in your faith, explore our article on Lesson on Spiritual Growth.
The journey toward spiritual maturity is both personal and communal—you'll need both private disciplines and supportive relationships to flourish. As you continue growing, you'll find the joy of not just being discipled, but becoming someone who disciples others too.
To learn more about our coaching approach and how it can support your spiritual growth journey, visit our coaching services page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Growing as a New Christian
Why don't I feel like I'm growing fast enough?
If you've ever watched a plant grow, you know it's nearly impossible to see changes happening in real time. Spiritual growth works much the same way—it's difficult to notice day by day, but looking back over months or years, the change becomes evident.
One pastor shared this relatable analogy: "When I went camping with my cousin, I didn't notice he had grown taller until someone pointed it out. We don't see gradual changes in those we see daily. Similarly, you might not notice your own spiritual growth until you reflect on where you started."
Remember these truths when you feel discouraged about your pace of growth:
Growth happens in seasons—sometimes you'll experience rapid change, while other times growth seems painfully slow. God isn't in a hurry with your development. He's patient, knowing that lasting change takes time. Comparing your journey to others only leads to discouragement, as everyone's path with God is unique. Most importantly, small, consistent steps of faith lead to significant long-term growth.
As Matt Brown wisely explains, "Spiritual growth is often hard to see up close." Give yourself grace, stay faithful to the practices we've discussed, and trust that God is working even when you can't see it.
Do I need to get baptized right away?
Baptism represents a beautiful, public declaration of your new faith—a symbolic identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19), and the early Christians practiced it as their first step of obedience after believing.
While there's no mandatory timeline in Scripture, we encourage new believers to be baptized relatively soon after coming to faith. Think of baptism as your spiritual "coming out party"—a meaningful milestone where you declare to your community, "I'm all in with Jesus!"
If you're feeling hesitant about baptism, that's completely normal. Talk with a pastor or mature Christian about your questions. Many churches offer baptism classes that can help you understand its significance more fully and prepare you for this meaningful step.
Your baptism doesn't need to be perfect or Pinterest-worthy—whether it happens in a church baptismal, a swimming pool, or a lake, what matters is your heart's commitment to follow Jesus.
Which Bible translation should I start with?
Opening the Bible for the first time can feel intimidating—all those thin pages and ancient language! For new believers, we recommend starting with a translation that balances readability with accuracy.
The New International Version (NIV) offers clear, accessible language while maintaining good accuracy. Many find the New Living Translation (NLT) extremely readable, though it's slightly more paraphrased. The English Standard Version (ESV) is a bit more formal but still readable, while the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) strikes a nice balance between readability and precision.
Many new Christians benefit from using a study Bible with notes that explain difficult passages. The NIV Life Application Study Bible and the ESV Study Bible provide helpful context and application points that can deepen your understanding.
Bible apps like YouVersion or Bible Gateway have become invaluable tools for new believers, allowing you to compare different translations when a passage seems confusing. These apps also offer reading plans specifically designed for those new to faith.
At Share The Struggle, our coaches often help new believers establish effective Bible reading habits. Through our one-on-one coaching sessions, we can help you find approaches to Scripture that work with your learning style and spiritual needs. Whether through weekly 50-minute sessions ($360/month) or bi-weekly sessions ($180/month), our coaches provide personalized guidance for your spiritual growth journey.
Conclusion
The journey of growing as a new Christian is exactly that—a journey. It's not a sprint but a beautiful, lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus. While there will be bumps and detours along the way, the joy of drawing closer to Christ makes every step worthwhile.
As you continue forward in your faith, hold these essential truths close to your heart:
Growth takes time. Just as a mighty oak doesn't spring up overnight, your spiritual maturity develops gradually. Be patient with yourself—God certainly is! Even the most mature believers you admire once stood exactly where you stand today.
Community isn't optional. We simply weren't designed to grow alone. Your spiritual family provides the encouragement, accountability, and diverse perspectives you need to flourish. When you feel like pulling away, that's often when you need others most.
God's Word nourishes your soul. Make Bible reading a daily priority, even if it's just a few verses. Scripture is the foundation that everything else builds upon—the soil in which your faith takes root and grows strong.
Prayer keeps your connection to God vibrant. Just as any relationship withers without communication, your relationship with God needs regular conversation. Prayer isn't about perfect words but authentic connection.
Service accelerates your growth. Something beautiful happens when you begin to focus outward. Using your gifts to serve others not only blesses them but transforms you in the process.
Setbacks are part of the journey. Everyone stumbles. The difference isn't in whether you fall but in how you respond when you do. Let your setbacks become setups for deeper growth and dependence on God.
As Paul beautifully describes the change process: "We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). This change happens gradually, often in ways we can't immediately see—but it's happening nonetheless.
At Share The Struggle, we believe no one should steer their faith journey alone, especially when facing emotional or mental health challenges alongside spiritual growth. Our faith-based coaching offers compassionate support through our unique Captive Thoughts model, which helps you apply the biblical principle of taking thoughts captive and making them obedient to Christ.
Whether you're looking for the community support of our weekly group sessions ($40/month) or the personalized guidance of one-on-one coaching (starting at $180/month), our trained coaches walk alongside you as you establish strong spiritual foundations and overcome obstacles in your faith.
How to grow as a new christian doesn't have to be a mystery you solve alone. Reach out today to find how our coaching can provide the guidance, accountability and encouragement you need on your journey toward spiritual maturity.
