Next Steps After Baptism

What It Looks Like to Be a Christian: Next Steps After Baptism

Congratulations on your baptism! Baptism is an incredible step of obedience and a public declaration that your life now belongs to Jesus. Now that you’ve taken that step, here’s what the Bible shows us comes next.

We’ve broken it down into Public Life (how we live in community with other believers) and Private Life (how we grow in our daily walk with Jesus).

Public Life

1. Regular church attendance

The Bible is clear that we should not neglect gathering together with other believers.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)

“And let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

This is why we gather every weekend to encourage one another and spur each other on in faith.

2. Get plugged into a Small Group

Small Groups typically meet once a week or biweekly. Small groups are where real-life change happens through fellowship, accountability, and sharing meals, just as in the early church. Other options are to join a weekly Bible study (Women’s Wednesday AM or Wednesday PM, and Men’s Saturday AM).

Acts 2:46-47 (NLT)

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity, all the while praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Meeting in homes (small groups) was a normal part of the early church’s life, and it still is today at Canyon Springs.

3. Set apart a portion of your earnings to give to the church.

This is what we call an offering or a tithe.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’”

Giving is an act of worship and trust that God will provide for your needs.

4. Consider becoming a member of our church

Acts 2:41 (NLT)

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”

In the early church, new believers didn’t just believe; they were “added” to the community. Membership is simply saying, “I’m committing to this local family of faith.”

5. Look for a place to serve in the church

Serving is using the gifts God has given you. A few examples of our serving opportunities include Hospitality Team, Care Ministry, Tech Ministry, Children’s Ministry, and Youth Ministry.

1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

Every believer has a part to play. Serving is how we use what God has given us to bless others and grow ourselves.

Private Life

1. Invest in a great study Bible

We recommend The Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation (NLT). A study Bible like this helps you understand what you read and shows you exactly how to put it into practice with helpful notes and application questions.

2. With your new study Bible, create a habit of daily time reading your Bible.

Start with the New Testament book of John. Why John? The Gospel of John was written for one main purpose: to help you clearly know who Jesus is.

John 20:31 (NLT)

“But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.”

John includes Jesus’ powerful “I Am” statements and the miraculous signs that prove He is God in the flesh. It’s the perfect starting point for every new believer to fall more in love with Jesus.

3. Download the YouVersion Bible app

YouVersion is tremendously helpful for staying accountable with reading plans. It has thousands of plans (including many that start with the book of John), audio versions, and reminders.

4. Finish your time reading God’s Word by praying and confessing sins

Confessing our sins is a way we may have hurt God or others throughout the day. Use the Lord’s Prayer to start: See Matthew 6:9-13. Other helpful prayer apps, like Lectio365, are wonderful for guiding you and helping you start your prayer conversation with God each day.

We would love to encourage you in your walk with Jesus! You’ve already taken a huge step! Keep going! Jesus is with you every single day. We’re cheering you on!

Opportunties to Connect at Canyon Springs!

Small Group Ministry – Our small groups are a meaningful way to connect with others, build relationships, and grow in your walk with Jesus.
Adult, Youth, and Children’s Ministries – These ministries provide opportunities for every stage of life. There is something for everyone!
Membership – At Canyon Springs Church, membership is more than attending—it’s about actively living out your faith and being part of what God is doing here.
Giving – The Bible says that tithing is a reminder that God is the supplier of everything. It teaches us to always put God first in our lives.