Get Started

Get Started: Your First Steps

Welcome! This page will help you take your first steps in living out Jesus’ teachings. You don’t need to do everything at once—start with one thing and build from there.

“Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.” - Matthew 7:24

Step 1: Understand the Foundation

Before you take action, understand what you’re acting on. Start with these foundational pages:

  1. The Sermon on the Mount - Read Jesus’ most comprehensive teaching
  2. The Beatitudes - Understand the foundational principles
  3. Matthew 25 - Learn about serving the marginalized

Action: Read at least one of these pages this week. Take notes on what stands out to you.

Step 2: Choose One Area to Focus On

Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick one area and focus on it:

Action: Choose one area. Commit to focusing on it for the next month.

Step 3: Take Your First Action

Every area has a “Getting Started” section. Pick one concrete action:

If You Chose Serve the Poor:

  • Donate to a food pantry
  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen
  • Visit someone who is sick
  • Start a small food drive

If You Chose Forgive Debts:

  • Forgive a small personal debt
  • Support a debt relief organization
  • Learn about predatory lending in your community
  • Advocate for debt relief policies

If You Chose Reject Materialism:

  • Simplify one area of your life
  • Give away something you don’t need
  • Reduce your spending
  • Practice generosity

If You Chose Practice Mercy:

  • Forgive someone who has wronged you
  • Show mercy to someone in need
  • Practice humility in a situation
  • Resolve a conflict

If You Chose Political Engagement:

  • Research candidates’ positions on poverty
  • Vote with values in mind
  • Contact a representative about an issue
  • Join a community organizing effort

Action: Pick one action from your chosen area. Do it this week.

Step 4: Build a Practice

Action is not a one-time thing—it’s a way of life. Build a regular practice:

Daily:

  • Read from the Gospels
  • Pray for guidance
  • Look for opportunities to act
  • Reflect on your actions

Weekly:

  • Take one concrete action
  • Connect with others taking action
  • Reflect on your progress
  • Adjust your approach

Monthly:

  • Evaluate your progress
  • Set new goals
  • Share your story
  • Support others

Action: Create a simple practice. Start with daily reading and weekly action.

Step 5: Connect with Community

You don’t have to do this alone. Connect with others:

Action: Reach out to someone. Join a chapter or start one.

Common Questions

Where do I start?

Start with understanding the foundation (Step 1), then pick one area (Step 2), then take one action (Step 3). Don’t try to do everything at once.

What if I’m not sure what to do?

Start with Serve the Poor. It’s the most straightforward and has clear, concrete actions you can take today.

What if I fail?

Failure is part of the process. Learn from it, adjust, and try again. The important thing is to keep trying.

Do I have to do everything?

No! Focus on one area at a time. Build gradually. Sustainability is more important than doing everything at once.

How do I know if I’m making progress?

Set simple, measurable goals. Reflect regularly. Ask others for feedback. Measure your actions, not just your feelings.

Your First Week Plan

Day 1: Read The Sermon on the Mount or The Beatitudes

Day 2: Choose one action area to focus on

Day 3: Read the page for that action area

Day 4: Pick one concrete action from that page

Day 5: Take that action

Day 6: Reflect on what happened

Day 7: Plan your next steps

Your First Month Plan

Week 1: Understand the foundation and choose an area

Week 2: Take your first actions in that area

Week 3: Build a regular practice

Week 4: Connect with community and plan next steps

Next Steps

Once you’ve taken your first steps:

  1. Go Deeper - Explore your chosen area more deeply
  2. Add Another Area - When ready, add another action area
  3. Build Community - Connect with others
  4. Engage with Policy - See how actions connect to policy
  5. Share Your Story - Encourage others

Resources

See Also

Categories:
Action