There are five essentials a new believer needs to develop as he launches into being a disciple. At the top of my list is love. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8, we learn that Paul was willing to give his very life for people, not because of what they could do for him, but simply because he loved them.
The second need of a new Christian is protection. The apostle Paul protected his flock in five ways: prayer (Colossians 1:9,10), visits (Acts 15:36), sending others (1 Corinthians 4:15–17), writing (2 Corinthians 2:9), and assuring them of their victory in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5).
The third essential is food. We can open the Bible and feed new Christians ourselves (1 Peter 5:2). And we can teach them to feed themselves (Jude 20,21). We all need to spur our spiritual growth through obedience and personal application of Scripture.
The fourth need is fellowship with other believers. Several years ago a hurricane flattened every tree in a forest outside London. Why? The trees were planted too far apart, so the roots of one tree could not intertwine with the roots of another, making them weak.
The fifth essential is training. Don’t just tell them what to do and leave them on their own. Show them, walk with them, and enjoy their progress. New Christians need someone—not something—to help them. That’s you!