Gather Lynchburg utilizes a multi-week course, "First Things First: Foundations For New Believers" as a guide for providing initial discipleship for new believers.
Discipleship is the intentional process of mentoring new believers to grow in their faith, understand scripture, and live out Christ-like principles. Early discipleship is essential for protecting new Christians from confusion, establishing healthy spiritual habits, and equipping them to share their faith and serve their church and community.
The journey of faith requires more than an initial commitment; it requires lifelong learning. The core importance of discipleship for new believers includes:
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Foundational Growth in Scripture - Many new believers do not know how to engage with the Bible. Discipleship provides guidance on how to read, study, and meditate on scripture so they can understand God's will and apply it daily.
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Lifelong Accountability and Support - The early stages of faith can be difficult to navigate alone. The "First Things First" discipleship provided by Gather Lynchburg offers a safe space to ask questions, work through struggles, and build healthy, supportive relationships within the church.
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Developing Spiritual Disciplines - Beyond just gaining knowledge, discipleship teaches new Christians how to pray, worship, and engage in regular fellowship. These habits are vital to preventing spiritual burnout and fostering a growing, intimate relationship with God.
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Equipping for Evangelism and Service - The final command of Jesus to His followers was to "go and make disciples". Discipleship trains new believers to recognize their unique spiritual gifts, share their faith, and serve others, turning them into active participants in the faith.