By Myra Bean

Curtis McCrites remembers seeing 12 people give their lives to Christ one day. Three months later he does not see any of them still in church.

This is a common occurrence in many churches, McCrites,55, said. “You ought to have somebody there to help you move along,” he said, explaining why he felt called to write and publish a guide for new Christians as they begin a new journey.

Basic Training: Nine Biblical principles to start your Christian life, was the result of that inspiration. The first-time author is a member of Calvary Baptist Church and works for Coca-Cola in Memphis.  He and his wife Karen have five children.

The principles he outlines in the booklet are not new material, but McCrites has organized and arranged the nine principals in a way that is easy to read and cross referenced with scripture for each point.

The principles discussed in the book include:

1. What does it mean to be a Christian?

2. How to study God’s word

3. Prayer

4. Gifts of the Spirit

5. The Holy Spirit

6. Fruit of the Spirit

7. Trials and Temptations

8. What is sin?

9. Tithing

McCrites likens new Christians to babies, and said older Christians need to do something to help new ones grow and get them from a baby to a mature Christian.

“This training is no different than starting a new career. When we start a new career, there is training that we go through before our employer lets us start working on our own,” McCrites writes in his forward.

There is no certain time period to finish these steps. Churches can use the book as a guide to help those who recently join the congregation as new Christians.

He highly encourages anyone who is a new Christian to have a mentor as they go through the book for accountability reasons and to answer any questions.

“Each person will be different. If you have accountability you will do more. If you just say, ‘here is a book, read it, it will help you grow.’ Then they may put it to the side and may not read it at all,” McCrites said.

Calvary Baptist Church pastor Dr. Paul Middleton recommends the book, expressing the same sentiments as McCrites about the need for the publication.

“Curtis possesses a passion for helping new believers begin their life of faith on solid ground. Far too often people who respond to the Gospel become defeated or distracted in their new flight beach they have not been adequately prepared for the Christian journey,” Middleton said.

“Churches are famous for decisions without discipleship. Curtis introduces basic spiritual disciplines that enable every disciple of Jesus to experience dynamic life-change. With practical insight into daily issues, this small book will prove to be a help for new Christians seeking to grow toward spiritual maturity,” he said.

Basic Training is available directly from McCrites by calling 934-2299 or emailing him at  basictrainingcalvary@gmail.com, or from major booksellers like Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Christianbookstore.com.

McCrites is also available to speak to groups and churches.