Q: I have a friend who recently became a Christian. What steps should she take now? I have invited her to come, but she has other things to do during fellowship times and Sunday mornings. So as much as she wants to come, she cannot. Any advice?

A:  Firstly, we rejoice in the fact that your friend has become a Christian!  What a wonderful and exciting time this is for you to witness a transformation and a soul won for God!

Secondly, what you are facing right now is the issue of discipleship.  When we become a Christian, we can consider that the "conversion".  But after the conversion, must come the discipleship part.  This is the part where a person grows in their faith through reading God's Word, being part of a community and having accountability through their brothers and sisters.

It is very difficult for a new Christian to know what to do after they accept Christ.  There are a lot of unknowns; we are essentially starting a new life!  That's why the discipleship process is so important - it directs and guides them to grow in their faith.

For your friend, I suggest to utilize the power of the Internet!  Go to splat.rhccc.ca to listen to the sermons we preach at SPLAT and Doxa.  Our Daily Bread (odb.org) has good daily devotions that may help your friend with their faith and understand the Scriptures.  Encourage your friend to read through the Bible.  A good one is this one from Mars Hill.


In addition to this, minister to her outside of church times.  Dedicate one lunch a week to discuss a topic (Christian dating, baptism, specific passages are all engaging topics). Check your school to see if they have a Christian fellowship she can attend on a weekday.  Most high schools and some elementary school around the area have one.

Lastly, keep her in prayer.  It is only through the Holy Spirit that your friend came to know God and only through the Spirit will she continue her journey as a Christian.  Pray for her often and commit her to the Lord.


[answered by Pastor KJT]

Q: What is the significance of Sunday School and Fellowship? Is possible to be a Christian by just going to service?

A: To be a Christian means to believe Jesus Christ is your personal Saviour and Lord. So fundamentally, you can be a Christian without having to go to any of the things that you mentioned. However, I don't someone could be taking their faith seriously and growing as a Christian without having the support of the church family.

If someone is to say "I can be a Christian without going to church," I think they are lacking the maturity and commitment to continue as a disciple of Christ. It's hard to be a Christ follower and disciple of Christ. God doesn't call us just to believe and then be stagnant in our growth, but He calls us to believe and make disciples of others (Matthew 28:18-20).

Our church offers Sunday School to teach the Word and Fellowship to build community. Sunday Service is to have corporate worship. All of these are integral aspects of church life and help facilitate the growth of a Christian. I believe that if you are serious about your faith, then you need to be apart of a community to learn and grow.

[answered by Pastor KJT]