Ministry to New Believers - Programs

I could write so much more about foundational issues related to minisering to new believers, but I'm not writing a book here.

For us at Palm Valley Church, we currently have three programs that are geared specifically to new believers.

First, our Fresh Start ministry is the front line ministry where people interact directly with those who accept Christ or rededicate their lives in our weekend services. We have a table set up where people can come. We have a resource kit that includes a New Believer's Bible, a CD (soon we'll ad a DVD as well) which has a message from pastor Greg which is basically a summary of our Fresh Start Class. The kit also includes a basic "Steps to Peace With God" tract, and an outline of what's on the CD. At the table our coaches begin to build a relationship with the new believers, hear their stories, give them the kit, and pray with them. They attempt to answer questions the person has, then they follow up on them for the next ninety days to encourage them toward their next steps in their Spiritual growth.

Second, our Fresh Start Class is a one time class that lasts the length of one of our services. It is designed to answer three basic questions that new believers ask. Those questions are, "What decision did I make?", "How can I know that I'm saved?", and "What do I do now?"

Third, we have a New Believer's Growth Group, which is a six week Home Team (small group) that Paige and I host at our home. I have a couple of our Fresh Start Coaches co-lead the group so that they can host the group after the series is over (They currently take them through "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren). The NBGG focuses on basics for a new believer to have the tools needed for them to grow in their faith. We cover inductive Bible study, prayer, community, worship, and Spiritual growth.

In the future we are planning to convert the curriculum into a video based series. Our plan is to include our membership material and have all of our new home teams go through it as well as the new believer groups.

Next week I'll write about the ministry coordinator and the coaches. They rock and we couldn't do what we do without them!