Baby christians are just like newborns, they need lots of attention and care.

The animal kingdom that God created is amazing. There are truly some fascinating creatures out there. In contrast to human babies who need constant care during the first few years of life, most animals become independent much earlier. A group of animals called precocial animals, are even able to walk and feed themselves shortly after they are born.

Check out these amazing baby animal facts:

• A type of iguana, called a marine iguana, is able to run - as soon as it hatches!

• Baby giraffes take their first steps 30-60 minutes after making their entrance into the world.

• Baby pigs are able to stand and walk almost as soon as they’re born AND have full control of their motor skills when they are about 8 hours old!

• Guinea pigs are able to walk AND eat solid food the day they are born. They are also able to have babies when they are just one month old!

Unlike baby animals, human babies take much longer to grow up and need parents to care for them and guide them for many years. Young, newly saved Christians are the same way.

When one of the kids we serve is saved, they need people like you and I to continue to teach them about Jesus so they can learn to live like Him. The more they get to know Jesus and walk with Him through their lives, the more they will trust Him and grow in Him. We need to think of these kids as “baby Christians” and guide them and care for them like parents do newborns.

One definition I read for what it means to grow in Christ is to increase in your knowledge of Christ and become more constant in your love for Him and your obedience to Him. That sounds good, but how do we help our newly saved, immature in Christ teens do that?

1. We need to encourage them to go to God in prayer daily. Communication is key in developing any relationship, including and especially the one they have with God.

2. We need to encourage them to get into the Word of God daily. In the Bible they will discover God’s character and they will learn how to imitate Him and follow His example.

3. We need to encourage them to be in constant communication and fellowship with other Christians so they will be encouraged in their faith and held accountable.

There are so many ways to come alongside new believers, and I welcome your thoughts and ideas as to how we can best do this with our kids.

The front row seat that we all have as we watch these kids grow and mature into amazing children of God is humbling and I am honored to be there with you. I am so thankful for you and the dedication to the work that God has called you to do!