Acts 2:42, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
My good friend Pastor Henry expressed to me his need. The village churches in Uganda, like his, needed some resources to help in the discipleship of new believers, as they didn’t have any books in their language. I took that concern back with me to America and decided to write a book which I entitled “First Steps with Jesus.” The book focuses on the spiritual disciples mentioned in Acts 2:42. Spiritual disciplines I like to call “Spirit-led disciplines.” I wrote of the things I’d like to have known when I was a young Christian. God providentially led me to a man in the Seattle area who knew Lugandan, who agreed to translate the book into that language. Our mission teams eventually delivered about two thousand copies of the book to churches and believers in Uganda. I used to joke that I was the bestselling author in that region. Of course, it helps when you’ve got the only book, and you give it away for free!
Not surprisingly, there’s no verse between Acts 2:41 and Acts 2:42. In Acts 2:41, we read of the thousands that were saved. In Acts 2:42, we find them right-away engaged in these four things— “the apostle’s teaching,” “the fellowship,” “the breaking of bread,” and “the prayers.” As newly saved persons, they knew instinctively (they were Spirit-led) to engage in these disciplines. The same was true for you when you were saved, as you were Spirit-led to do so. Notice something else about these four things. They all have to do with Jesus: to listen to Him through His Word; to experience Him in the fellowship of His people; to remember Him in the breaking of bread; and to talk with Him in prayer. These Spirit-led disciples all have to do with knowing Jesus better and growing in Him together with other believers. We neglect these disciplines to our spiritual peril and delight in them to our spiritual growth and well-being.
How are you even now doing with these four important fundamentals of the faith? Are you devoted to them, as were those early believers? Are you in the Word and in prayer? Do you delight in gathering together with your fellow believers? Are you consistently reminding yourself of the price Jesus paid to save you from your sins (Galatians 2:20; 1 John 3:16)? Are these disciplines a burden, or are you being led by the Spirit to delight in them for the sake of knowing and growing in Jesus? These disciplines go beyond our first steps in our walk as Christians. They are the practice of those both young in the faith and those who have journeyed far!
“I must take care above all that I cultivate communion with Christ, for though that can never be the basis of my peace – mark that – yet it will be the channel of it.” ― Charles Spurgeon
MORE ABOUT JESUS More about Jesus would I know, More of His grace to others show; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love who died for me.
Refrain: More, more about Jesus, More, more about Jesus; More of His saving fullness see, More of His love who died for me.
More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God, my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me. [Refrain]
More about Jesus in His Word, Holding communion with my Lord; Hearing His voice in ev’ry line, Making each faithful saying mine. [Refrain]
More about Jesus on His throne, Riches in glory all His own; More of His kingdom’s sure increase; More of His coming, Prince of peace. [Refrain]
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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