Youth leader: Your student became a Christian - now what?

“How do I follow up with a student who became a Christ follower during YEC?”

This question came from a youth leader following BCNE’s winter Youth Encountering Christ conference. A few simple steps can be key in affirming a decision and setting a new believer on their spiritual journey.

Talk it out

I am drawn to the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3. Asking questions, sharing answers, working it out. Every student will process differently. Ask questions and allow a dialogue to occur. “Tell me about what you heard God say to you.” “Was today the beginning of God speaking to you or has this been more of a process?” Follow the initial conversation with a more direct conversation in the days to follow. Open Scripture and walk through the Gospel message. The Roman Road, One Verse Evangelism, and The ABC’s of the Salvation are a few options. Have the student communicate back to you their understanding of the Gospel message. Establishing deep roots spiritually will bring assurance of salvation found in Christ.

Disciple

For the journey of faith, having a disciple and mentor to walk alongside is key and the biblical example. Worship, youth group, and a small group are all of great value, but a personal spiritual guide can bring clarity, offer support, and challenge to deeper steps. Paul and Timothy are obvious examples of this relationship: “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14).

Scripture

Scripture illiteracy is real. The pandemic has not helped, but for many “church kids” familiarity and foundation in scripture are a struggle. Students who intersect with your ministry may have a greater deficit. Falling in love with the Bible is a life changer.

Encourage time in scripture using a physical Bible. Apps are great and we all use them but they are no replacement to familiarity with a physical Bible. Assist students in finding a version they can understand for themselves. If they don’t understand, in all honesty, they will most likely not spend time reading. Explore various options when purchasing a Bible (here’s one way apps can be useful).

A discipler or mentor can offer an orientation to scripture. The Old and New Testaments, Gospels, letters, the law, and topics will help introduce the living Word of God. Ask questions to discover their level of understanding and where to focus. 

Holy Spirit

New believers need to know that they are not alone. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16). From the very first steps of faith, know that God will give wisdom and provide comfort among other aspects.

Fellowship

Time with other believers is important as we navigate our earthly spiritual journey. 1 John 1:7 tells us, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” The church is a body and functions in unity with Christ as the leader. Time together in teaching, worship, and sharing joys and trials enhance the earthly journey and reflect Christ to the world.

Service

God has gifted each believer and we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. To take the Gospel to all people. His purpose is our purpose. Daily living as light in darkness. Loving our neighbor. Finding a place of service in the local church. Going and serving all nations.

This is not an exhaustive list but rather opening a map to begin the journey. The key is to start.

Allyson Clark serves as Next Generation Co-Director of Youth Ministries at the Baptist Convention of New England.