Next Steps

Question: Are you on God’s team?

The Bible is God’s playbook for human life. In it, we know how we can be on his team. Find out more on the Eternal Gameplan page if you haven’t already joined the team. Otherwise, continue on here…

You've signed. You've joined the team. Now what?

Every athlete knows that signing with a team is only the beginning. The real work starts after you say yes: the training sessions, the relationships, and learning the coach's system. Starting a relationship with Jesus is the same. The decision is real and it matters, but it opens a door to something that takes a lifetime to explore.

Here are eight things to know as you get started.

1. You're really on the team

Your first question might be: did that actually count? You didn't feel lightning. You didn't hear a voice. Maybe you're wondering if you said the right words.

Here's the thing: you don't make a team by feeling like you belong. You make it when the coach puts your name on the team. God promised that everyone who puts their faith in Jesus becomes his child, full stop. You're not trying out for the team. You're already part of it. Your place isn't based on your performance; it's based on what Jesus already did.

2. Your coach is speaking — learn to listen

No athlete gets better by ignoring the coach. God speaks primarily through the Bible. The Bible helps you understand God's character, his purposes, and how he wants you to live. Spending time in it shows you how the game is played, what your coach values, and who you are as a player.

Start with the Gospel of John. Read a little each day. You don't need to understand everything at once. Even the best players take years to fully master a system.

3. Training is a daily thing

Prayer is your training session with God. Like training, it doesn't need to be complicated or perfect. It's simply showing up and talking with him about what's going on, what you're struggling with, and what you're grateful for.

The best athletes don't train only when they feel like it. They build a habit. Find a time that works for you, whether that's morning, lunch, or before bed, and start small. Even ten minutes a day will change things.

4. You have a new power source

One of the first things many new Christians discover is that they can't follow Jesus through willpower alone. Trying to live the way Jesus calls you to live in your own strength is like trying to play a full game without any fitness training. You'll run out of energy fast.

The Holy Spirit is God living inside you. He isn't a force or an energy. He's a person, and he's on your side. The Christian life was never meant to be lived on your own. The Holy Spirit is the strength behind your growth.

5. You're a different player now

When a player joins a new club, their jersey changes. Their training changes. Their environment changes. Something similar has happened to you.

You're forgiven. You're part of God's family. You have the Holy Spirit in you. You're not the same person you were before — even if you don't feel different yet. The old habits and struggles don't disappear overnight, but God has begun a process of shaping you into someone new. That's a lifelong journey, not a one-time fix.

6. Find your team

No one makes it as a solo athlete. Even individual sport athletes have coaches, training partners, and support staff. Faith works the same way.

The Church is a community where you learn, grow, and follow Jesus together. Finding a local church means finding people who are also in training, who will encourage you when you're struggling and challenge you to keep growing. It's one of the most important things you can do as a new follower of Jesus.

7. Keep Jesus at the center

Every day, you'll be faced with choices about what matters most. The best teams have a clear identity, and everything they do flows from a shared commitment to the same goal. For a follower of Jesus, he is that center. He isn't a good addition to your life or one priority among many. He's the whole game plan.

It's easy to drift, to start making decisions based on comfort, performance, or what others expect. The daily practice of giving Jesus control is what keeps you on course.

8. You have something worth passing on

The people around you are watching your life more than your words. Think about a teammate who once showed you something that genuinely changed your game: a technique, a mindset shift, a piece of advice. You didn't keep it to yourself.

Following Jesus is the same. You're not expected to be an expert. You won't have answers for every question, and that's okay. Start by sharing what Jesus has done in your life. The people around you, your teammates, family, and friends, matter to him too.

Want to go deeper?

The eight articles above are part of a full series called Your Life With Jesus on TheLife.com — each one goes further into what it means to know and follow Jesus. Read the full series here.

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Every rookie needs a veteran in their corner. If you have questions, or you'd just like someone to walk alongside you as you get started, fill out the form below and one of our chaplains will reach out. It's free and confidential.

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