DEAR DR. GRAHAM: I haven't been a Christian very long, and going to church is kind of intimidating to me. In fact, I've almost quit going because I'm afraid I'll stand at the wrong time or won't know what to say when everyone is repeating a prayer. Can I be a Christian without going to church? -- N.S.

DEAR N.S.: It's possible to be a Christian without going to church -- but you will be missing out on an important part of what God wants to do in your life. Just as we need a balanced diet to be strong physically, so we need a balanced "diet" to be strong spiritually -- and part of that "diet" is the Church.

Let me explain. What you have done by accepting Christ into your life is very important -- in fact, it's the most important decision you will ever make. But becoming a Christian is only the beginning -- the beginning of a whole new life with Christ. Now God wants you to grow and become strong in your faith, so you can resist temptation and become more like Jesus.

One of the ways we grow spiritually is through our fellowship and worship with other believers -- in other words, through a church where Christ is honored. Not only do we learn from the Bible as it is taught, but we also learn from other believers who can help and encourage us. The Bible says, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another" (Hebrews 10:25).

Don't be embarrassed or feel awkward because you haven't been in church much; you'll soon become familiar with its ways. And remember: You are now part of the family of God, and no one is going to look down on you if you make an occasional mistake.

Contact the Rev. Billy Graham c/o Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201, phone 877-247-2426, or see the Web site billygraham.org.