Short answer

Turn to Jesus in a simple prayer, then take five first steps: talk to God every day, read the Bible (start with Mark), tell someone what you have done, join a church family, and be baptised. You do not have to do it perfectly or alone; the Holy Spirit will help you and so will we.

Step one: turn to Him

Following Jesus starts with a decision, not a programme. Jesus said, Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). If you have not yet done so, tell Him honestly that you need Him, that you are sorry for going your own way, and that you trust Him as your Lord and Saviour. That prayer is the beginning of a new life (John 1:12).

Five first steps

Talk to God every day. Prayer is just conversation. Thank Him, ask Him, tell Him how you feel. Use the Lord’s Prayer if you are stuck (Matthew 6:9-13).

Read the Bible. Start with Mark’s Gospel, a few verses a day, in whatever language is easiest for you (the free app at bible.com has hundreds). Ask God to speak as you read.

Tell someone. Jesus said, Everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 10:32). Telling a friend or family member makes it real and gives you support.

Join a church family. Not neglecting to meet together (Hebrews 10:25) is God’s way of keeping us growing. Come on a Sunday, come to Friday Bible Study, and let people know you.

Be baptised. Jesus asked His followers to be baptised in water as a public sign of the new life He has given (Acts 2:38). Speak to a leader and we will help you prepare.

Ask to be filled with the Spirit

God has more for you than a set of habits. Jesus promised His followers the Holy Spirit, and the Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask him (Luke 11:13). Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit and with power to live for Him. And when you stumble, and you will, remember that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9). Get up, and keep following.

How this connects across the Bible

The Bible is one story. Here is how this theme runs from the Old Testament to Jesus:

  • Abraham left everything when God called him (Genesis 12:1-4); Jesus calls fishermen with the same word, “Follow me” (Mark 1:17).
  • Israel was rescued from Egypt first and then taught how to live (Exodus 20:2-3); in the same order, we are saved by grace and then walk in the good works God prepared (Ephesians 2:8-10).
  • Joshua called the people to choose whom they would serve (Joshua 24:15); Jesus says whoever wants to follow Him must take up their cross daily (Luke 9:23).
  • God promised to write His law on His people’s hearts (Jeremiah 31:33); the Spirit now leads God’s children from the inside (Romans 8:14).

What we believe at Spring Valley

Our vision is to equip God’s people by fostering a relationship with Christ, to enrich everyone to mature in Christ, and to enlarge the Body of Christ through witnessing. We will walk with you from your first step.

Our full Statement of Faith

Your next step

Tell us! Message us on WhatsApp or come on Sunday and say you have just started following Jesus. We will pray with you, answer your questions and help you find your feet.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Read the Bible free in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, English and many more languages at bible.com.