New believers and members must be well established in the Word of God otherwise they could become malnourished or fall prey to false doctrines. It is important that every believer is well established.
There are two levels of teaching:
- The “milk” level and the “meat” level. It is important that new converts get regular “milk” but they must eventually move to the “meat” of the Word.
- 1 Corinthians 3:2“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.”
- Hebrews 5:12-13 “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! (13)Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.”
- 1 Peter 2:2 “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…”
What are the foundational doctrines that should be taught? Issues like baptism, communion, tithing, the Body of Christ, the Holy Spirit, hearing the voice of God, the Fatherhood of God, and End-times, should be taught from day one.
Discipleship
Teaching must result in discipleship. Paul said to Timothy, “…and the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2.2) NIV
The things to teach discipleship include:- Salvation, What is sin?, Water baptism, Beginning your relationship with God, Building your relationship with your new family, Growing in God’s Word, Prayer – Your vital communication with God, Forgiveness, The Lord’s Supper, The Lordship of Christ and Our Statement of Faith.
New converts can never be discipled through attending church services. Just like a new baby needs constant care so a new convert needs constant help in growing up to be a mature disciple.