Follow-up: Nurturing New Believers in the Faith

Follow-up increases the effectiveness of a previous decision or action made, by building on, continuing, and reinforcing it. It is a critical component in the process of spiritual growth and development, ensuring that initial commitments translate into lasting transformation and deepened faith. Like nurturing a newborn natural baby, follow-up provides the essential care, protection, guidance, and nourishment that new believers need to grow strong in their relationship with Christ.

Biblical Examples of Follow-up

Follow-up is an essential part of evangelism after a person has become a Christian. It involves connecting with the new believer to answer their questions, encourage, nurture, teach, and travail in prayer for them, that they will be transformed by Christ (Gal 4:19; Col 4:12; 2 Tim 1:3–4).

Jesus demonstrated follow-up throughout His ministry. After calling His disciples, He spent three years teaching, correcting, and preparing them for ministry. He didn't leave them after their initial decision to follow Him—He walked with them daily (Mk 3:14; Jn 15:4–5).

Philip the evangelist practiced follow-up with the Ethiopian eunuch. After baptizing him, Philip continued to guide him in understanding the Scriptures before being taken away by the Spirit (Acts 8:26–40).

Follow-up is the spiritual work of shepherding—the grounding and stabilizing of a new believer in the faith.

Discipleship and Accountability

It involves protecting, training, guiding, and holding them accountable in both everyday matters and in their relationship with God, so their character and lifestyle come into conformity with that of Jesus (Rom 8:29).

There is a profound contrast between the Kingdom of darkness and God's Kingdom, with the Bible stating we become new creations when we turn to Christ (2 Cor 5:17; Col 1:13).

It is extremely beneficial for a new believer to have someone who has already walked this path to help them navigate the way ahead. This process should evolve into the lifelong journey of becoming mature in Christ, making other disciples, and utilizing their spiritual gifts as they are assimilated into the church.

Jesus said, "Make disciples, by teaching them…" (Mt 28:19–20). Jesus instructed His disciples, and it was a requirement for those in church leadership to be capable of passing on sound doctrine as contained in the Bible (Mt 11:1; 2 Tim 3:16; Tit 1:9).

A vital aspect of evangelism

Being a Christian disciple involves a growing relationship with God, the development of Christlike character, and fruitful service for Him.

Establishing New Believers

It is not enough to gain converts and let them flounder; rather, it requires instructing them in the basics of the Christian faith and supporting them as they become established and knit into a church family (Acts 11:26).

Paul revisited the converts made on his first missionary journey, and later, when he was unable to return, he sent Timothy to teach and establish them (Acts 15:36; 1 Thes 3:1–2).

Reflection and Application:

Consider how you can personally invest in the spiritual growth of new believers through encouragement, prayer, and teaching.
Reflect on your own discipleship journey—what foundational truths strengthened you most in the early stages of your faith?
Identify ways your church can create intentional follow-up systems to ensure new converts are nurtured and integrated into community.
Ask God to reveal how you can grow in Christlike character and accountability, and where He is calling you to make disciples.