My Initial Growth

I was at university when I accepted Jesus. I found Jesus through a group called 'The Navigators.' The guy who took me to the evangelistic meeting where I accepted Jesus, gave me a Bible and I began to read it each morning. He gave me a booklet with a reading program which I have used ever since. This program was not copyright as the author wanted it spread far and wide. That same program is on this site under Devotions. He also got me to begin learning verses from the Bible. That program, The Navigators Topical Memory System, is copyright so I have a different scripture memory program here. This guy met with me every week for a one on one man to man session. I also joined a Bible Study group and attended a fellowship group meeting every Saturday night.

We were also expected to attend church as the Navigators did not consider itself as a church and did not want to be in competition with the church. I started going to a Church of Christ church that was not too far from the university. We didn't have cars and had to walk. Being a university student living in a college of residence meant I was living in close contact with the other Navigator people. We could have breakfast together and discuss what we had read during our daily devotions. We were all reading from the same plan. Also, mentoring sessions and Bible Study groups were all within the college. Uni students think they are really busy with lectures and study but really, we had a lot more time than someone in a full time job with a family to support.

Much of what I am sharing here came from my experience at university. I learned a lot about Jesus. I led another man to Jesus and mentored him. He then led another man to Jesus and mentored him. Then it was all over. I was in the 'real' world, married and working full time.

Initially, I had no one to mentor me. I had no one to mentor. I was no longer in any small group. I did not find any good church. I did, however keep up with my daily devotional time. It took some time but I eventually went to church, started a Bible Study group and found a group of people committed to Jesus.

Many people have busy lives and may not be able to spend an hour a week being mentored, another hour mentoring someone else, an hour or an evening in a Bible Study group and all Sunday morning at church or some other large group. Each person will need to work out what is realistic within their own situation. If you take on too much, you may get overloaded and give it all up later. On the other hand, we will spend eternity with Jesus but our place and status in Heaven will be determined by how much we achieve here for Jesus before we die.

Most people who call themselves Christians are only involved in one Christian activity. They go to church on Sunday morning and spend the rest of their week living normal, unrepentant lives, just like those who do not go to church.

Most books and other sources will tell you that the most important thing you can do as a Christian is go to church and yet most people who go have not repented and have no realistic relationship with Jesus. I am going to be controversial here and say that it is essential to repent and be baptised (Acts 2:37-38) and then be involved in a small group. This can be a small church or a micro church. If you attend a large church then you must be in a Bible Study group or connect group. It is important that the group be full of people passionate about Jesus. In third world countries where Christianity and churches are illegal, people meet in independent micro church groups. You cannot normally grow or even survive for long as a follower of Jesus by yourself.

Your Motivation

In creating a plan, you must first have an objective. Ask yourself:

1. How important is Jesus to me?
2. Do I want to play my part in changing this world?
3. What if my role is only a 'behind the scenes, support role?
4. Am I happy to just do my religious duty by going to church each Sunday but nothing else?

If you answered 'yes' to question 4, then you don't need a plan. If you answered 'no' to question 4 but 'yes' to some of the others, then a plan will be very beneficial.

As everyone's situation is different, please accept what I say here as a recommendation only.

The first thing I would recommend is daily devotions. Start small and increase as time permits. See the devotions page.

Being in a small group is the most important activity but it is not one to rush into. If you were led to the Lord by someone who is now mentoring you, you may already be in a small group. If not, see my page on small groups.

Being in a large group provides opportunities that a small group may not be able to provide such as praise and worship in a larger group, teaching series on important topics and visiting speakers. Some also provide conferences. If you join a small group that is run by a church, then you should consider becoming a member of that church as well. See my page on large groups.

Learning some key verses from the Bible is a great idea. Get the Navigators Topical Memory System or follow the plan here.

Having a mentor can be of enormous benefit but it may also be something you have little control over. If you were led to Jesus by an individual who continues to spend time with you, helping you get started, you are one of the lucky ones. If not, you may be able to find someone who can give you some one on one help. If you go down this path, don't take it lightly. If you expect someone to spend time with you, value it and take to heart what you are taught. See my page on mentoring.