Throughout the years I have seen many Christians who possessed a great passion to share their faith in courageous ways. They would seize every opportunity the Lord would bring across their paths to be faithful witnesses for Him. I embrace this same passion wholeheartedly! What a thrill it is to share God’s wonderful message of salvation with someone and then see that person make a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. That one decision changes his life and eternity forever!

However, as a soulwinner, I need to ask myself some heart-wrenching questions regarding the people that the Lord has allowed me to influence for Christ:

1. How are the people I led to Christ doing in their spiritual walk?

2. Are these new believers learning about the Christian life?

3. Are they growing in their devotion to the Lord?

4. Are they experiencing the joy of knowing Jesus as their Saviour?

5. Have I left them behind to grow on their own?

Before someone comes to the conclusion that I am not for reaching people with the gospel, let me say I am for reaching everyone with the gospel. But I am also aware of the verse that convicts me so many times in the Gospel of John: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (John 15:16).

My heart’s desire is to lead as many as I possibly can to the Lord, but also, I have a deep burning passion to see them grow in the knowledge of the Lord! I believe the Apostle Paul embodied this desire.

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;—Colossians 1:9–10

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,—Galatians 4:19

The following are a few thoughts that I pray will help you see more of your fruit remain:

1. Spiritual growth is God’s desire for all of His children.

2. Realize that God wants to use you not only to lead others to Christ, but also to bring them into a deeper relationship with Him.

3. Accept the challenge.

4. Pray for wisdom as you mentor these new believers.

5. Introduce them to other growing Christians. Never underestimate the value of relationships.

6. Use scheduled church events to aid you in their growth process.

7. Continue to share biblical truths with them.

8. Allow them to see Christianity in action through your life.

9. Be their friend!

10. Believe God! Not only can the Lord save someone, but believe He can also transform a life.

Personally, I would like to see every new Christian experience the joy that fills our lives when we allow the Lord to work in our hearts. It is my desire that some of these thoughts will challenge and equip you so that, together, we will see more fruit that remains!