Base Camp: Your Field Guide for Following Jesus

You said yes to Jesus! Now what?

Starting a relationship with Jesus is the most important decision you will ever make, but it can also raise a lot of questions.

• What does it mean to follow Jesus in everyday life?
• How do you read the Bible?
• Why does prayer feel awkward sometimes?
• What is baptism?
• Do I really need the church?
• And how do I keep growing when life gets hard?

Base Camp is a simple, practical guide for new believers and anyone who wants to build a stronger foundation of faith. Written with the heart of Hillcrest Church in Bremerton, Washington, this book helps you take your next steps with Jesus in a clear, honest, and approachable way.

Like any great journey, following Jesus begins with preparation. Base camp is where climbers get grounded, gather what they need, and get ready for the trail ahead. In the same way, this book is designed to help you understand the essentials of Christian faith—not as dry information, but as a way of learning to love Jesus, love people, and love life.

Inside, you’ll discover what it means to:

• Follow Jesus with your whole life
• Understand the good news of the gospel
• Read Scripture with confidence
• Pray in a real and personal way
• Take your next step through baptism
• Find your place in the church
• Grow through community, service, worship, and everyday obedience

Whether you are brand new to faith, returning after a long time away, or helping someone else begin their journey, Base Camp will give you a clear starting point and a steady path forward.

This is not a book for perfect people. It is a guide for real people taking real steps with Jesus—one day, one decision, one act of faith at a time.

Welcome to the journey. Welcome to Base Camp.