New Christian? How to Start Following Jesus

The Short Answer

If you have recently put your trust in Jesus Christ, start right where He meets you: with Him. Your first steps are simple. Keep trusting Jesus, read one of the Gospels, talk with God in prayer, join a biblically faithful local church, take the step of baptism, and begin obeying what you learn.

You do not need to master theology this week. Growth is a lifelong walk, and Scripture promises that God will finish the work He started in you (Philippians 1:6).

Step 1: Rest in Jesus, Not Your Performance

Christianity is not a self-improvement program. It is a relationship with a Savior. Salvation is God’s gift, received through faith and not earned by good works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Your standing with God does not rise and fall with a good or bad day.

Scripture describes anyone in Christ as “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Real change will come, but it flows from staying connected to Jesus, the way a branch draws life from the vine (John 15:5). For a clearer picture of the One you now follow, read our overview of who God is according to the Bible.

Step 2: Start Reading the Bible

Where to Begin

Protestant Bibles contain 66 books, while Catholic and Orthodox biblical canons include additional books. Wherever you begin, starting at Genesis can feel overwhelming. Many new believers begin with the Gospel of Mark, the shortest account of Jesus’ life, or the Gospel of John, written so that readers “may believe that Jesus is the Christ” (John 20:31). After a Gospel, try Acts to see how the early church grew, then a short letter like Philippians or James.

How to Make It Stick

Pick a consistent time each day, even 10–15 minutes.
Read a short passage rather than attempting a marathon.
Ask three questions: What does this show me about God? About people? What should I do?
Choose a readable translation such as the ESV, NIV, or CSB.
Write down one verse to think about throughout the day.

💡 Tip: Consistency beats volume. The four Gospels have 89 chapters combined, so reading one chapter five days a week takes you through all of them in about four months.

Recommended Resource

If you would like a guide alongside your Bible, Now That I’m a Christian: What It Means to Follow Jesus by C. Michael Patton walks through foundational beliefs and practices in an accessible way. Treat it as a helpful companion, never a replacement for Scripture itself.

View Now That I’m a Christian on Amazon

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Step 3: Learn to Pray

Prayer is simply talking with God, and you do not need special words. Jesus gave His followers a model in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13): honor God, seek His will, ask for daily needs, confess sin, and ask for help against temptation.

Paul encourages believers to bring everything to God with thanksgiving instead of staying anxious (Philippians 4:6–7). Start with a few honest minutes each day. When you fail, confess it, because God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9).

Step 4: Find a Biblically Faithful Church

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. The first believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42), and Hebrews 10:24–25 urges believers not to neglect meeting together.

What to Look For

Preaching that explains the Bible and submits to its authority
Clear teaching of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus
Leaders who are accountable and live with integrity
Small groups, mentoring, or classes for new believers

Visit a few times before deciding. Introduce yourself to a pastor and mention that you are a new Christian. Many churches are glad to pair you with a mature believer.

Step 5: Baptism and Discipleship

Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He commanded (Matthew 28:19–20). In Acts, many people are baptized after hearing and receiving the gospel (Acts 2:41; 8:36–38). Christian traditions differ over whether baptism primarily expresses personal faith or also communicates God’s grace, and over whether infants should be baptized.

Churches differ on some details of baptism, so ask your pastor what your church teaches and why. Discipleship means learning from Jesus over time, often with the help of someone further along in faith.

Step 6: Live Out Your Faith

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Obey

Be a doer of the word, not a hearer only (James 1:22). Apply one thing you read each week.

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Serve

Use your time and gifts to help others in your church and neighborhood.

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Tell a friend what Jesus has done for you. Your story matters.

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Forgive

Extend the grace you received, as God forgave you in Christ (Ephesians 4:32).

Common Struggles New Christians Face

“I still struggle with sin.”

Every believer does. Ongoing struggle is not automatic proof you were never saved. Confess it, turn from it, and keep following Jesus.

“I have doubts.”

Bring honest questions to God, to Scripture, and to mature believers. Doubt examined in community often leads to deeper, steadier faith.

“My family doesn’t understand.”

Respond with patience and kindness. Let your changed life speak, and pray for them consistently.

If you want a little more structure while you learn to follow Jesus, you can see the new-Christian guide here. Keep Scripture itself at the center as you grow.

Frequently Asked Questions for New Christians

Where should I start reading the Bible?

Begin with Mark or John. Our Bible reading guide offers practical steps.

Can I attend church while I am still learning?

Yes. Church is a place to learn, worship, and grow with other believers.

What if I still struggle with sin?

Confess it to God, seek wise support, and keep following Jesus.

Your Next Step Starts Today

Trust Jesus, open the Gospel of Mark, pray honestly, and find a faithful church. Then keep learning about the God who saved you.

Learn Who God Is According to the Bible