Author Q&A with Krisan Marotta
Author of Start Strong: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Christianity
Krisan Marotta is a Bible teacher and host of the Wednesday in the Word podcast. With over 20 years of experience teaching Scripture to adult learners, Krisan has a passion for making deep theological truths understandable to new believers. Through her writing and podcasting, she helps readers connect the dots of their faith—one verse at a time.
She sits down to talk about her new book, Start Strong: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Christianity.
Q: Why did you write Start Strong?
I’ve been teaching the Bible for over 20 years, and I kept hearing the same question: “I just became a Christian. Where do I start?” Many new believers feel overwhelmed. They want to follow Jesus, but they don’t know where to begin. This book is my answer to that question. It’s the book I wish I could hand to every new believer in my Bible studies, small groups, or Sunday school classes.
Q: Who is this book for?
This book is for anyone who’s new to Christianity or returning after a long time away. It’s for people who are curious about the Bible but don’t know how to start. It’s for those who worry, “Maybe I’m not really saved,” or “What if I’m doing this wrong?”
It’s also a helpful tool for mentors, small group leaders, and churches who want to disciple new believers with clarity and compassion. I wrote Start Strong to offer a clear, step-by-step foundation—to walk readers through the essential truths of the Christian faith assuming they’ve had very little exposure to the Christian faith.
Q: Do I need to know anything about the Bible before reading this?
Not at all. You don’t need a theology degree or a church background to get started. If you’re brand new to faith—or just finally ready to understand what you’ve believed for years—this book is designed for you. All you need is a Bible and a willingness to learn.
Q: How is Start Strong different from other books for new believers?
A lot of books for new believers tell you what to do: join a church, read your Bible, pray. And those are certainly good things to do. But this book focuses on the why. It explains the Christian worldview and gives you a foundation to build on. Think of it as a map, not a checklist.
Each chapter explains one core concept—like sin, grace, faith, or the Holy Spirit—in a way that’s easy to understand and biblically grounded. It’s meant to be theologically solid, understandable and reassuring.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from Start Strong?
I hope readers come away with confidence and a solid understanding of the basis of the Christian faith. I also hope they walk away with a deep desire to keep learning—to open their Bibles, seek answers, and grow in their love for God.
Q: How should I use this book?
You can read it on your own, but it works even better with a friend or a small group. Each chapter includes reflection questions, and there’s a free downloadable small group discussion guide. I’ve also included links to podcast episodes that expand on key ideas in each chapter.
Q: Can I use Start Strong to disciple a new believer one-on-one?
Absolutely. That’s one of the main reasons I wrote it. Each chapter gives you a clear topic to walk through, plus discussion questions to spark conversation. The goal isn’t to cover everything at once—it’s to provide a framework for long-term growth. Just take it one chapter at a time.
Q: What if I’m not a trained teacher or Bible scholar?
You don’t need to be. You just need a Bible, a willingness to show up, and the courage to say, “Let’s figure this out together.” This book is designed to make the core truths of Christianity clear—even if you’ve never led a study before. And if you’re unsure about something, the Wednesday in the Word podcast is there to help.
Q: How long should a group spend on each chapter?
Most groups will take one chapter per week, but feel free to go slower if there’s good conversation. The chapters are packed, and the goal is not to rush—it’s to help people see how the pieces of the gospel fit together. If someone is new to faith, it may take time for these truths to click. That’s okay. I think it would make a really interesting book for a book club discussion.
Q: What’s the best way to support someone hearing about Christianity for the first time?
Be patient. Let them ask questions, even the hard ones. Don’t worry about having all the answers. The best thing you can do is model faithfulness: keep showing up, keep pointing them to Jesus, and keep reminding them they’re not alone. Seek answers in Scripture together.
Q: I’m not sure I believe in God. Is this book still for me?
Yes. This book does assume that God is real and Christianity is true. It’s not an apologetic the way, say Lee Strobel’s Case for Christ is. But if you want to know what Christianity, if you’ve got real questions and want real answers, you’ll find this book helpful.
Q: What if I’ve been burned by religion before?
You’re not alone. All of us our sinful, including Christians. It’s not surprising that we hurt each other at times. Start Strong isn’t trying to sell you a version of Christianity that glosses over that. It’s an honest look at what the Bible teaches, not what broken people sometimes do in its name.
Q: I have a lot of doubts. Is that a problem?
Not at all. Doubt isn’t the opposite of faith. It’s often where real faith begins. This book doesn’t ask you to turn off your brain. It invites you to bring your questions and wrestle with them honestly. You don’t have to agree with everything to read it. You just have to be willing to consider whether it might be true.
Q: What makes Christianity different from other religions?
When I was considering Christianity, the difference that impressed me was this: When you boil it down, ever other religion offers some version of “try harder.” But I knew that I had tried my best and it wasn’t working. Christianity is the only religion that acknowledges trying harder doesn’t work. We need a savior instead.
Q: What if I get to the end and still don’t believe?
Then I’d say thank you for reading and keep seeking. Truth can handle your questions. If you’ve honestly considered what the Bible says, you’re already further along than many people who never take the time to ask. My prayer is that something in these pages will stick with you. And when it does, you’ll know where to turn.
Q: What’s next for you?
I plan to continue teaching through the Wednesday in the Word podcast, where I walk through books of the Bible verse-by-verse. I’m also working on additional books to help people understand the Bible better, especially those who want more theology without needing a seminary degree. I believe that every Christian can study Scripture for themselves and grow in confidence. My goal is to come alongside them and help make that possible.
Photo of the author in Studio Ghibli style, created by Brendon Marotta and Chatgpt.