What Does It Mean to be a Christian?

Greetings! 

 

Did you know that 95% of the Christians living in the United States have never actually led another person into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Many people identify fear as the number one reason they never take the opportunity to share their faith. They don't know how. They're afraid to make a mistake or they are afraid of what other people might think.

 

This lesson series is designed to give you the confidence you need to share Christ with another individual. It is also an opportunity for you to grow in your own faith as you mentor someone else.

 

Each week you will be receiving a letter just like this. You will also receive a copy of the weekly Bible study prepared for new Christians. Read over the material and be prepared to meet regularly with the person you are mentoring. Here are a few tips to help you get started: 

  1. Be faithful. It is critical that you set the example of consistency and faithfulness. Contact the person you are mentoring immediately. Set up a regular time to meet. Arrange your schedule so that there are no conflicts. Always be on time and do your best never to cancel your meetings together.
  2. Be a good example. Always come to the Bible study prepared. Make sure you have studied all the material.
  3. The person you are discipling will be looking to you to set the example of what a follower of Christ is like. Always make sure to ask the Lord to reveal ways that you can set an example and live as a follower of Christ.
  4. Be a good listener. Throughout this series of lessons you will need to develop the skill of asking probing questions. Listen carefully to the person you are mentoring. Guide him/her gently as he/she explores his/her faith.
  5. Don't feel like you need to have all of the answers. If you are unable to answer a question simply say you don't know, then do your best to find out later. Always make sure to follow up and and report what you have learned the next time you are together.
  6. Encourage openness. Do your best to provide a very safe environment where the person you are discipling feels confident that he is being heard and that you can be trusted.
  7. Accountability is very important. There will be times when the person you are discipling may become discouraged and want to give up or begin to fall back into some of his old habits. Be aware, and always be ready to gently encourage him to remain faithful.

 

The first lesson is entitled, "What Does it Mean to be a Christian?"

 

As you meet together for the first time it will be important for you to discover where your friend is in his personal walk with the Lord.

    • Is this person familiar with Christianity? Does he understand what it means to be a follower of Christ?
    • Has this person been a Christian for a long time, but is just now making new commitments to the Lord?
    • Perhaps this individual has had some sort of spiritual experience but he is not exactly sure what happened.
    • The person may be reluctant or shy.  If so, you may need to consider an approach that will be more appropriate for the situation.

This is a good time for you to share your own story. How did you come to know Jesus as your personal Savior? What was it like the first few days, weeks and months after you first decided to become a disciple of Christ? As an assignment for the coming week, ask the person you are mentoring to write out their own story and share it with you when you are together again.

 

Make sure your friend has a Bible.  If necessary, purchase a Bible for him.  Choose a version or language that is best suited and present it as a gift.

 

Make sure you pray together some time during every session.