New to Faith: Take Your First Steps
Every journey begins with a single step. These 10 steps will help you discover Jesus, begin your walk with Him, and grow in faith. Use the 10 Waypoints to explore the foundations of Christianity in greater depth.
You Are Not Alone
No matter where you've been or what you've done, you are welcome here. God's love is not something you earn — it's something you receive. Take the next step, however small it feels.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son."
Where Do I Begin?
Coming to faith can feel overwhelming. There's no perfect starting point — just an open heart and a willingness to take the next step. Here are some simple, meaningful places to begin your walk with God.
Believe
Begin by believing that Jesus is who He says He is — the Son of God, the Savior of the world. Open your heart to God and trust that He is real, that He loves you, and that He is drawing you to Himself. This is where every faith journey starts.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Start with a Simple Prayer
You don't need fancy words. Talk to God like you'd talk to a trusted friend. Tell Him where you are, what you're feeling, and that you want to know Him. That's it. He hears every word.
"Call to me and I will answer you."
Get a Bible You'll Actually Read
A readable translation makes all the difference. The NIV, ESV, or NLT are great starting points. The YouVersion Bible App is free and includes reading plans designed for new believers.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Read the Gospel of John and Learn About Jesus
If you're new to Christianity or the Bible, start with the Gospel of John. It introduces who Jesus is, why He came, what He taught, and what it means to follow Him. Read a little at a time, ask questions, and use what you learn as a foundation for your growing faith.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God."
Join a Bible-Centered Church Community
Faith grows in community. Look for a local church where you feel welcomed and where God's Word is taught clearly and faithfully. You don't need to have everything figured out before you walk through the door. Church may feel unfamiliar at first, but it is where we find encouragement, biblical teaching, worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Look for a Bible-centered church that provides opportunities for meaningful relationships, discipleship, accountability, and small-group fellowship.
"And let us not neglect meeting together, as some people do."
Tell Someone About Your Decision
Sharing your faith journey with even one trusted person makes it real and keeps you accountable. It could be a friend, a family member, or a pastor. You were never meant to walk this road alone.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come."
Turn From Sin and Pursue a Life That Honors God
As you grow in your faith, you'll learn what the Bible teaches about sin and why it matters. Following Christ often means turning away from behaviors and habits that pull you away from God, choosing instead to live according to His truth and wisdom.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Learn About Baptism
Baptism is an important step in following Jesus and a public expression of faith in Him. As you grow in your understanding of Christianity, take time to learn what the Bible teaches about baptism, why Jesus commanded it, and how it represents a new life in Christ. Talk with a trusted pastor or church leader and prayerfully consider what your next step should be.
"Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Build Healthy Relationships
The people around you influence your growth. Surround yourself with believers who encourage your faith and help you grow closer to Christ. While you can still care for friends from your past, be mindful of relationships that consistently lead you away from God or encourage unhealthy choices.
"Walk with the wise and become wise."
Practice Grace and Forgiveness
As Christ has forgiven us, we are called to forgive others. Learning to extend grace, let go of bitterness, and trust God with past hurts is an important part of spiritual maturity.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another... Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Start Reading Today
The YouVersion Bible App is free, easy to use, and packed with reading plans made for people just starting out. Download it and begin your first plan today.