Mechanics of Follow Up

Summary

This session covers the essential steps for nurturing new Christians in their spiritual growth. It explores the stages of justification, sanctification, and glorification in a believer's journey. The speaker emphasizes the importance of follow-up, providing guidance on how to establish new believers in their faith through biblical teaching, spiritual discipline, and community support. Practical tips are offered for setting up follow-up meetings, building rapport, and encouraging growth in Christ. The session concludes with a call to dedicate efforts towards helping others achieve spiritual maturity.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The process of spiritual growth in Christianity involves three key stages: justification, sanctification, and glorification.
• ✝️ Justification is the moment when a believer is declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, breaking the penalty of sin.
• 💪 Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more Christ-like, where the power of sin is broken, and believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
• 🌟 Glorification is the final stage at Christ's second coming, where believers are fully sanctified and free from the presence of sin.
• 👥 Follow-up with new believers is crucial for their growth in sanctification, helping them build a strong foundation in their faith.
• ❤️ New believers need nurturing, community, and spiritual discipline to grow in their relationship with Christ.
• 📖 One key goal in follow-up is to help new believers establish confidence in the Bible as the foundation of their faith.
• 🛤️ Teaching new believers involves guiding them on the path of righteousness, correcting them when they stray, and training them to stay on course.
• 🤲 Building relationships with new believers through fellowship is essential for their spiritual growth and integration into the Christian community.
• 🎯 The ultimate aim of follow-up is to help new believers become multiplying disciples, sharing their faith and leading others to Christ.

Q & A

What is the significance of justification in the Christian faith?

Justification is the stage in Christian growth where God declares believers as righteous due to Christ's righteousness being imputed to them. It signifies the moment when the penalty of sin is broken, and believers are at peace with God, no longer subject to His wrath.

How does sanctification differ from justification?

Sanctification is the ongoing process of becoming more Christ-like, involving the growth towards holiness. Unlike justification, which is a one-time event declaring righteousness, sanctification is a continuous journey where the power of sin is progressively broken, allowing believers to live victorious lives through the Holy Spirit.

What is glorification, and when does it occur?

Glorification is the final stage of Christian growth, occurring at the second coming of Christ. It represents the ultimate state of holiness where believers are in eternal holy communion with God, completely free from the presence of sin.

Why is follow-up important for new believers?

Follow-up is crucial for new believers because it helps them begin their journey of sanctification. It provides the nurturing, community, and spiritual discipline they need to grow in their faith and avoid confusion or discouragement after making the significant decision to follow Christ.

What are the key goals of follow-up with a new believer?

The key goals of follow-up include helping new believers establish confidence in the Bible, understand biblical principles of spiritual growth, develop spiritual disciplines, build relationships within the Christian community, and begin their journey as disciples who can eventually multiply by leading others to Christ.

How can one effectively motivate a new believer to attend the first follow-up session?

To motivate a new believer, it’s important to seek an appointment within 48 hours, emphasize the importance of growing in their relationship with Christ, use relatable examples like friendship or a baby’s needs, and clearly communicate the time and place for the meeting. Additionally, expressing genuine care and ensuring the new believer doesn’t feel abandoned are crucial.

What role does prayer play in the follow-up process?

Prayer is essential in the follow-up process. It involves thanking God for the opportunity to guide the new believer, asking for protection against spiritual attacks, and seeking wisdom to effectively help the new believer grow in Christ. Consistent prayer fosters a dependence on God’s guidance throughout the follow-up.

What is the importance of building rapport during follow-up sessions?

Building rapport is vital because it helps new believers feel cared for and understood. By asking questions, actively listening, and being genuinely interested, the follow-up leader can establish a trustful relationship, making the new believer more receptive to learning and growth.

Why is it important to balance between studying the word and meeting personal needs during follow-up?

Balancing between studying the word and addressing personal needs is crucial because while spiritual growth is important, new believers also have immediate felt needs. By addressing these needs, the follow-up leader shows genuine care, which strengthens the relationship and makes the study of the word more impactful.

What are the 'three hearings' and 'seven touches' principles mentioned in the script?

The 'three hearings' principle suggests that a person typically attends church 3.4 times before making a significant decision for Christ, similar to making an informed purchase decision. The 'seven touches' principle emphasizes the importance of multiple contacts (at least seven) with a new believer to encourage continued engagement with the church and solidify their decision for Christ.