Conversion is one of the most radical transformations people can experience. Spiritual transformation is replacing the very core of our being with the presence and power of Christ Himself. But for adults who come to Christ, such spiritual transformation can be disorienting. Without proper guidance from more mature disciples, the new Christian can become so confused that he or she feels the need to move apart from the Christian family to figure out what's happening.
Educational leaders suggest that when a person experiences a radical transformation, a gap develops that needs immediate attention. In the educational arena, this could be more information or merely help in assimilating the new information based on prior knowledge. Discomfort and tension develops within the new learner with the new information, and this discomfort and tension must be resolved for the growth to continue.
We can apply this in many ways to how Adult Sunday School classes - indeed, all educational and evangelistic organizations in the church - respond and relate to anyone who makes a profession of faith. Consider these options.
Assign new Christians to an active, growing class
Involve new Christians in a class that is growing and touching others' lives. This class is one that takes outreach, ministry and fellowship seriously. Have a plan in place that assures that someone is responsible for assigning new Christians to a class even before the new Christian attends the class. Then have a definite plan for assimilating the new Christian into the class.
Mentor new Christians
A mature believer who can and will spend time weekly - or as often as needed - with the new Christian can provide an accurate understanding of what being a Christian means. Equip two or three persons in your class to mentor new Christians. Identify resources that can be used in one-on-one, relational study and discipleship activities. When a new Christian is assigned to your class, have a mentor ready to respond immediately.
Guide toward service
Serving Christ is a natural response many new Christians feel for their new life in Him. Mission projects and service activities in the church and community are ways we should be demonstrating our faith.
Develop relationship networks
New Christians need to develop new friendships to help avoid the potentially damaging influence of older friends. Failing to provide an environment of Christian support and encouragement opens the door for Satan to pull the new Christian back into old habits and patterns. Building relationships with new Christians will be easier when leaders know what a newcomer's interests, experiences and hobbies are. Pair learners with similar interests to newcomers. Plan informal get-togethers with the new Christian and others in the class in groups of two or three people or couples.
Change is good when a person comes to Christ, but if we who already know Him fail to help new Christians grow, we are failing to full the Great Commission in ways that can have devastating effects on people who truly want to allow Christ and His church to become part of their lives.