Pastor's Corner: A Journey Worth Beginning

By Paul Hathcoat

Imagine standing at the edge of a path you’ve never noticed before—one that stretches into the unknown. This path represents the Christian faith. Maybe you’ve never given much thought to God, or you’ve only heard whispers of Jesus Christ in passing.

The journey to knowing God doesn’t require prior experience—just a willing heart, an open mind, and a little curiosity. Let’s look at this process, from a pastor’s perspective.

Curiosity: The Spark of Something New

For many, the first step toward faith begins with curiosity. Maybe it’s a quiet longing for answers to life’s big questions: Why am I here? What happens after I die? Is there more to life than what I can see?

Questions like these have stirred hearts for thousands of years. If you find yourself asking them, know this— you are not alone.

It is perfectly fine—and even healthy—to start with doubt or skepticism. Not believing in God isn’t a barrier; it’s a starting line. When you genuinely seek truth with an open heart, you are taking the first step toward something far greater than yourself. The Bible even says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”(Jeremiah 29:13, NIV).

The Search: Resources to Begin Your Journey

So where do you go from here? Fortunately, we live in a world rich with resources that can guide you as you explore the Christian faith.

1. The Bible: The Bible is the foundational text of Christianity, often described as God’s love letter to humanity. If you’ve never read it, start with the New Testament—specifically, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. These books recount the life of Jesus Christ, His teachings, and His incredible message of love, forgiveness, and redemption.

2. Conversations with Christians: Faith is not meant to be explored alone. Talk to someone you know who is a Christian—maybe a friend, neighbor, or coworker. Ask questions about their faith journey. What led them to believe in God? How has their relationship with Jesus impacted their life? Just ask.

3. Church Community: Visiting a local church can feel intimidating at first, but it is one of the best ways to experience Christianity firsthand. Churches are more than buildings; they are communities of people who are on this faith journey together. Many churches have resources for beginners—small groups, classes, or even one-on-one mentoring to help you grow in understanding.

4. Books and Online Resources: There are countless books and websites designed for people exploring Christianity. “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis is an excellent starting point, as it provides a logical, relatable explanation of the Christian faith. Websites like BibleGateway.com or apps like YouVersion allow you to read the Bible in modern, easy-to-understand translations.

Taking the Leap: Building Your Faith

Faith in God is not built overnight; it develops like any meaningful relationship—one step at a time. As you read the Bible, ask questions, and explore the church, something profound happens. You’ll begin to see how God’s story intersects with your own life. You may notice a quiet sense of peace or purpose emerging. Jesus invites everyone to this journey. He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV). Whether you carry doubts, worries, or past mistakes, God meets you where you are and invites you to walk with Him.

From Skeptic to Believer

Some people hesitate to explore faith because they fear it will require blind belief. But Christianity encourages you to seek truth. Jesus Himself welcomed questions and conversation. When the disciple Thomas doubted His resurrection, Jesus didn’t scold him—instead, He invited Thomas to touch His hands and see for himself (John 20:27). Your doubts are not obstacles; they are opportunities to ask, explore, and discover.

As you engage with Scripture, the church, and God’s people, your faith will begin to take root. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just keep showing up. Keep reading. Keep asking questions. Over time, you’ll come to understand God’s immense love for you and His desire for you to experience a life full of hope and purpose.

Start Today

If you’re feeling a pull to begin this journey, don’t ignore it. Take a small, intentional step today—open a Bible, visit a church, or talk to someone who has walked this path. You might be surprised at what you find: a God who has been patiently waiting for you to seek Him, and a community ready to welcome you with open arms.

Remember, every believer once started as a seeker. You don’t have to have all the answers; you just need the willingness to ask, “What if?” From there, God will take your hand and guide you step by step into a life more beautiful than you can imagine. Be blessed today!

Do you have a thought, idea or information that you would like to see in this section in an upcoming issue? Email Paul Hathcoat at phathcoat@wrcc.org