Beginning a Life of Faith

Use this for a first conversation

Set aside about forty minutes with a new believer or someone who wants to understand Christian faith. A trusted mature believer can use this tool with the support of a local pastor. The aim is a clear conversation about Jesus, room for honest questions, and one agreed next step. Bring a Bible and a copy of the response sheet below.

Begin by asking what brought the person to the conversation. They may be confident, uncertain, or unfamiliar with church language. Listen before choosing how much to explain. Offer to read aloud. A person who cannot read comfortably should receive the same patient welcome as someone who knows the Scriptures well.

Keep the Gospel clear

Read Ephesians 2:1 to 10 together. Notice the movement of the passage. Sin is a serious problem, God acts in mercy, salvation comes through grace and faith, and a changed life follows. Good works in verse 10 are the result of salvation. They do not purchase it. Keep verses 8 and 9 beside verse 10 when explaining Christian obedience. ¹

PCG teaches salvation by grace through faith in Christ, repentance, and new birth. ² Explain these ideas with the passages in front of you. Avoid making membership, money, family background, or an impressive public testimony the basis of acceptance by God.

A forty minute conversation

These timings are suggestions. A thoughtful question may need more time than the printed outline. If the person is overwhelmed, stop and arrange another conversation rather than rushing through every item.

1. First five minutes: welcome the person and ask what they already understand about Jesus.
2. Next ten minutes: read Ephesians 2:1 to 10. Ask what God does in the passage and where faith and good works appear.
3. Next ten minutes: explain the death and resurrection of Jesus using Luke 24:44 to 49. Invite questions about repentance and forgiveness.
4. Next ten minutes: ask whether the person wants to respond to Christ, continue exploring, or discuss a particular uncertainty.
5. Final five minutes: agree on one useful next step and ask permission for future contact.

A Gospel explanation you can adapt

You can say: “The Christian message begins with what God has done through Jesus. Sin separates us from God, and we cannot repair that separation by proving that we are good enough. Jesus died and rose again. He calls us to turn from sin and trust him. His grace gives us a new beginning, and following him changes the way we live.” ¹

Then ask: “Which part of that is clear, and which part would you like to talk about?” Give the person time to answer in their own words. Do not treat the sample explanation as a formula that must be repeated exactly. Use a shared language, explain unfamiliar words, and keep returning to the Scripture.

Explain four important words

These are plain English explanations for this conversation. They are not a substitute for every way Scripture uses each word.

1. Grace: God gives what we could not earn. In Ephesians 2, salvation is his gift.
2. Faith: trusting Christ rather than relying on personal achievement to save us.
3. Repentance: turning from sin toward God. Acts 2 connects this response with receiving the Gospel.
4. Discipleship: learning to follow Jesus in belief, conduct, and relationships, in the company of his people.

Make room for an honest response

Ask: “Would you like to turn to Christ today, or is there something you still need to understand?” A willing response matters more than repeating words under pressure. If the person asks to pray, invite them to speak honestly to God about sin, trust in Christ, and the desire to follow him. A leader can help with simple language without claiming that a particular wording saves anyone.

If the person is uncertain, write down the actual question. Do not reduce every hesitation to rebellion. Arrange a conversation around the relevant Scripture. If the question concerns baptism or the baptism of the Holy Ghost, involve a pastor who can explain PCG teaching and the relevant biblical passages carefully. ²

A next step sheet to copy

Complete only what the person wants to share. This sheet belongs in a private conversation rather than on a public noticeboard. Its purpose is to remember an agreed next step, not to measure someone’s spiritual worth.

1. My question about Jesus or Christian faith is: ____________________.
2. The passage we read together was: ____________________.
3. What I understand more clearly now is: ____________________.
4. My next step will be: ____________________.
5. The person I can ask for help is: ____________________.
6. I would like another conversation: yes, no, or later.
7. My preferred contact method and suitable time are: ____________________.

Help the person find a place to grow

Read Acts 2:41 and 42. The new believers enter a shared life of teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. ¹ Offer a specific welcome to a local congregation. Tell the person where to go, what time to arrive, and who will meet them. If they prefer to attend with a friend or relative, make room for that.

Ask about language, transport, work hours, caring responsibilities, and accessibility rather than assuming these are simple. In India, a congregation may include several languages and family situations. Find out what this person needs. Discuss water baptism with the local pastor. Continue making space for questions after the first meeting.

A leader’s closing check

Before ending, ask the person to explain one thing they heard in their own words. This is a way to notice unclear communication, not a test. If the explanation is confused, return to a short part of the passage. Thank them for the conversation. A small, clear next step is better than a crowded list that will be forgotten.

1. I explained Jesus and grace without promising an easy or wealthy life.
2. I allowed questions and did not force a response.
3. I connected the next step to a real person or congregation.
4. I asked permission before arranging further contact.