AREA — Alfred Rawls Evangelical Association

New Believers

Welcome to the Family

You've taken the most important step of your life. Receiving Christ is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey — and you don't have to walk it alone.

You Are Not Alone

A New Life Has Begun

The Bible says that when you receive Christ, you become a new creation — old things have passed away and all things have become new. This page is your first step into that new life. We want to walk with you, equip you, and connect you to a community of believers who will love and support you.

New believers studying the Bible together

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

— 2 Corinthians 5:17

Your Next Steps

Four Steps to Growing in Christ

01
STEP 01

Read the Bible Daily

God speaks to us through His Word. Start with the Gospel of John to learn about Jesus, then move to the Psalms for worship and prayer. Even 10 minutes a day will transform your life.

TIPStart with John 3:16 and read one chapter each day.
02
STEP 02

Pray Every Day

Prayer is simply talking to God. He wants to hear from you — your fears, your hopes, your gratitude. There is no perfect formula. Just speak from your heart and listen for His voice.

TIPTry the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.
03
STEP 03

Find a Local Church

God designed us to grow together. A local church provides community, teaching, accountability, and the sacraments of baptism and communion. Use the finder below to locate a church near you.

TIPLook for a church that preaches the Bible and loves people well.
04
STEP 04

Get Baptized

Baptism is your public declaration that you belong to Christ. It is an outward sign of the inward change that has taken place in your heart. Talk to your local pastor about taking this step.

TIPBaptism doesn't save you — it declares that you are saved.

Find a Church Near You

Connect With a Local Body of Believers

Enter your zip code below to find Bible-believing, Christ-centered churches in your area. We believe every new believer needs a local church family to grow, be discipled, and serve.

Results show Christian churches within 10 miles of your zip code, powered by Google Maps.

Discipleship Resources

Tools to Help You Grow

Bible Reading

Where to Start in the Bible

A simple guide to reading the Bible as a new believer — which books to start with, how to understand what you read, and how to apply it to your daily life.

Prayer

Learning to Pray

Prayer is a conversation with God. This guide walks you through different types of prayer, how to build a daily prayer habit, and how to pray with confidence.

Community

Why You Need the Church

God never intended for us to follow Christ alone. Discover why the local church is essential to your growth, your protection, and your purpose.

Identity

Who You Are in Christ

The Bible has over 100 statements about who you are as a child of God. This resource helps you understand your new identity and stand firm in it.

Baptism

Understanding Baptism

What is baptism, why does it matter, and how do you take that step? This guide answers your questions and prepares you for this important milestone.

Discipleship

Finding a Mentor

Every new believer benefits from a more mature Christian who can walk alongside them. Learn how to find a mentor and what to look for in a discipleship relationship.

We Are Here for You

The AREA team is committed to walking with new believers. If you have questions, need prayer, or want someone to talk to, reach out to us. You are not alone.