New Cars and New Christians

A woman bought a car from a dealership. While the salesman was having her sign a stack of papers, workers carefully hid her trade-in behind the building. When she finished signing the papers she received the keys to her new car and happily drove off the lot.

What is the first action of a new car owner? She inputs her favorite radio stations. This lady was surprised to find that every button was already programmed with her favorite radio station. She called the salesman and expressed her surprise about the coincidence. But he told her that they took her trade-in to the back and took the settings off her radio and programmed them into her new car. The woman was thrilled and told everyone about what they did.

They were smart to treat her that way. They created excitement and received free advertising from her as a result. The reason they had such success was because they asked a simple question: "What is the first thing this person is likely to do with her new car?"

Why was that important? It was not necessary in order to sell the car because she already bought it. It was a simple act that showed the lady that the car company cared about her. That ensures repeat business and encourages her to tell other people. Being thoughtful is a great way to show you care.

That is a great idea to consider when dealing with new Christians. Why not ask the question: "What is the first things a new Christian does?" When you discover the answer, help meet their needs by helping them do those first things.

I've found that one of the first things a Christian does is tell friends and family about his baptism. New Christians are naturally enthusiastic! They have many reasons to rejoice and they usually want to tell people about what they just experienced! So if you want to help them in their first steps, help them tell their friends and family! Here is a list of ways to accomplish that:

Joyous New Christian

1. Ask them if you can take them to see friends and family and be there when they spread the news. This will encourage them to do what they would naturally do later.
2. Give him a certificate or some piece of paper explaining baptism, what he did, and why he did it. That way when family and friends ask, he will have an answer that he might not normally have. Many times new converts know what they did and why, but they have trouble expressing themselves. They are sometimes easily confused by parents or friends who may not share their initial enthusiasm themselves. The information will help keep confusion to a minimum.
3. Throw a party and invite the person's friends and family. Have snacks and other things. Then announce the baptism to them and explain why he is so happy and why they might be seeing some pretty dramatic changes in his life as a result.
4. Ask him to invite friends and family to his home within a few evenings and have a "cottage meeting". Simply tell the person to invite everyone he knows to his home so that you can explain how they can also become Christians. You are likely to have a few new people to teach when you arrive.

When we think ahead we can help build on the excitement that new converts naturally project. They are some of the best people for inviting others to hear the Gospel! By following this we will not only help our new brother or sister do what comes naturally, but we will also be more effective at reaching more people.

What do you think a new Christian does first? How can we help them in their first steps?