New Believer Interview # 1

My first new believer interview was with Chad, who was baptized January 17, 2009. Some answers are paraphrased.

Questions:

1)Tell me about your journey to faith in Christ?

Chad always went to church when he was younger, but got away from it. He always had a belief in God, but wondered, while he was using (drugs), why he had that lifestyle.
He had been in rehab, ran out of funding, and ended up coming to Freedom House.

2)What helped you the most to step over the line and make the commitment?

Chad said that he knew he needed a change in life. Rehab and detox didn't work. Coming to Freedom House and making a commitment for Christ seem to be working (he's only been there a short while). He wanted to make the change for himself, but he also wanted to make the change for his daughter, who is due March 9th.

3)What has been the best part of becoming a Christ follower for you?

Chad says that the best part has been that it has given him a new outlook on life. "You don't know if you'll be here tomorrow. You live your life one day at a time. Don't dwell on the past."

4) What has been the most challenging part of following Christ?

"Getting my belief back that God still loves me. Building my faith back."

5)What do you think is helping you grow the most in your faith?

Chad said that the guys at Freedom House have been the most helpful to him in his faith. They help him, pray for him, answer his questions, and encourage him to pray.

6)What advice do you have for me in helping others like you to grow in their faith?

"Believe and pray." Chad believes that you have to have support. He thinks that it would be helpful to offer a place, either a house or homes, where people can learn and build their faith. He feels that one-on-one or small groups are especially good for users because they have a tendency to want to hide themselves from public view. Chad believes encouragement is also vital in helping others grow in their faith.

I enjoyed interviewing Chad. I am reminded that many of us, who were raised in church and knew OF God, but did not know that He desires a loving and tender relationship with us, tend to go astray. We often have to try every thing we can think of first, and fail miserably at it, before we're willing to give up control and try the one thing that is best for us: belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Relationship that changes everything.

I guess I never saw the importance before of small groups or home churches. They are perhaps more beneficial to some than a larger church setting in that they foster closer relationship among its members, fewer places to "hide" spiritually, much needed support and encouragement, and time for discussion and prayer of personal issues that you wouldn't normally have time for in a church with many members. Small groups give another chance to "put skin on Jesus" as you minister to one another on a more one-to-one basis. I guess I'll be joining (or starting?) a small group. It is my great desire to be one who "puts skin on Jesus" for others who either don't know Him or only know OF Him. I want to make Jesus REAL for people.