New Convert Program
Whether you accepted Islam yesterday, years ago, or you’re returning after time away, this program offers structured mentorship, foundational learning, and real community integration — with dignity, privacy, and care.
🌿 What you’ll receive
A year-long support pathway that helps you move from “new” to “confident and connected.” This program is open to anyone in the Myrtle Beach area — including returning Muslims who want a fresh start.
Personal mentor
Same-gender mentor for weekly check-ins, encouragement, and practical guidance.
Prayer help & worship routines
Hands-on support with wudu and salah, plus habit-building that fits real life.
Foundations course (24 weeks)
Weekly sessions covering Aqeedah, worship, daily life, character, and resilience.
Community connection
Light social time built into sessions so relationships form naturally and safely.
Support with family/work
Guidance for navigating family dynamics, workplace realities, and common questions.
Integration & growth
Volunteer pathways, confidence-building, and a simple graduation milestone.
📘 Program phases
Each phase has a clear purpose, clear next steps, and gentle accountability. The program is flexible — but never vague.
1⌄
✅ What happens
- Friendly intake + next steps within 48 hours.
- Same-gender mentor assigned and first check-in scheduled.
- Welcome orientation at the masjid (how things work).
- Wudu + salah basics coaching (practical, step-by-step).
🎯 Goals by day 30
- Comfort attending Jummah and community spaces.
- Basic salah routine started (even if imperfect).
- Knows who to contact for help, questions, and support.
- Feels seen, welcomed, and not alone.
2⌄
📚 Weekly format (90 minutes)
- 60 min lesson (clear, practical, no overwhelm).
- 20 min open Q&A (safe space for real questions).
- 10 min social time (tea/snacks, conversation).
🧭 Core modules (overview)
- Foundations of faith (Aqeedah basics).
- Worship essentials (wudu, salah, dhikr, du’a).
- Living Islam (family, work, halal basics).
- Character & resilience (habits, patience, growth).
3⌄
🤝 Integration pathways
- Choose a volunteer role that fits your comfort level.
- Attend community events with mentor support if needed.
- Optional: join a reading circle or study group.
- Optional: public speaking / shahada story (only if desired).
🏁 Graduation milestone
- Simple completion recognition and dinner.
- Mentor appreciation.
- Invitation to serve future cohorts (optional).
- Clear next step: continued learning track at GSIS.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is this only for people who took shahada at GSIS? ⌄
What if I feel overwhelmed or behind? ⌄
How private is this program? ⌄
What does a mentor do exactly? ⌄
🌱 Phase 1: Welcome & Stability (Your First 30 Days)
Immediate Actions After Shahada
Within 48 hours:
- Personal phone call
- Private meeting with Imam or Convert Coordinator
- Welcome kit presentation
📦 Welcome Kit Contents
Estimated Cost: ~$45 per kit
- Qur’an (clear English translation)
- Simple prayer guide
- Wudu & Salah step card
- Ramadan basics pamphlet
- GSIS program guide
- Personal handwritten welcome letter
- Prayer rug
- Small du’a booklet
Optional (if needed):
- Modest clothing assistance voucher
🧑🤝🧑 Mentor Assignment
- Same gender
- Background screened
- Trained in confidentiality & sensitivity
- 1 year commitment
Mentor Responsibilities:
- Weekly check-in first month
- Attend first 3 Jumu’ah together
- Sit together at masjid events
- Be accessible for questions
📘 Phase 2: Foundations Track (Months 1–6)
Weekly structured class
Duration: 90 minutes
Curriculum Overview (24 Weeks)
Module 1: Foundations of Faith
- Who is Allah?
- What is Tawheed?
- Who is Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?
- What is the Qur’an?
Module 2: Prayer Mastery
- Wudu workshop (hands-on)
- Salah step-by-step
- Common mistakes
- Khushu development
Module 3: Living Islam
- Halal & Haram basics
- Dealing with non-Muslim family
- Workplace Islam
- Ramadan readiness
Module 4: Character & Growth
- Patience
- Dealing with doubts
- Mental health in Islam
- Building habits
Each session format:
- 60 min teaching
- 20 min Q&A
- 10 min social tea
🤝 Phase 3: Integration & Leadership (Months 6–12)
Goal: Move from “student” to “community member.”
Participants choose:
- Volunteer team (events, cleaning, youth support)
- Masjid project involvement
- Public speaking opportunity (optional)
- Assist next convert cohort
By Month 12:
- Graduation dinner
- Certificate
- Mentor recognition
- Invite to become mentor next year
3️⃣ Leadership Structure
Program Director (Volunteer or Stipend)
Responsibilities:
- Oversee mentorship assignments
- Coordinate curriculum
- Track attendance
- Report quarterly to board
Time: ~5 hrs/week
Mentorship Team (4–6 mentors initially)
Commitment:
- 1 year
- Background check
- Training session (2 hrs annually)
Imam Advisory Role
- Curriculum review
- Monthly presence in class
- Sensitive issue support
4️⃣ Annual Timeline (Implementation Plan)
Month 1–2 (Preparation)
- Board approval
- Recruit mentors
- Develop printed materials
- Prepare welcome kits
- Announce program publicly
Month 3
- Launch first cohort
- Assign mentors
- Begin weekly classes
Month 9
- Evaluate retention
- Adjust curriculum if needed
Month 12
- Graduation ceremony
- Board report
- Recruit next cohort
5️⃣ Budget Projection (Year 1)
Assuming 8 converts per year
Welcome Kits
8 × $45 = $360
Printing & Materials
$250
Refreshments (weekly for 24 weeks)
$25/week × 24 = $600
Graduation Dinner
$400
Emergency Assistance Fund
$1,000 (optional but powerful)
Total Estimated Annual Budget:
$2,610
Even rounding up:
Under $3,000 annually.
This is extremely manageable for the impact.
6️⃣ Risk Management & Safeguards
- Confidentiality policy
- Mentor training required
- No private unsupervised home meetings
- Clear reporting line to Program Director
- Female mentors for sisters only
- Boundaries training
7️⃣ Measurable Outcomes
Quarterly Board Report Will Include:
- Number of new converts
- Attendance rate
- Retention after 6 months
- Volunteer participation
- Feedback surveys
- Mentorship engagement rate
8️⃣ Website Page (Final Polished Copy)
🌿 New Convert Program
Roots & Belonging Initiative
Accepting Islam is not just a moment — it is the beginning of a lifelong journey.
At GSIS, we believe no new Muslim should ever feel alone.
Our New Convert Program provides structured mentorship, foundational education, and community integration over a full year of guided support.
Through this initiative, participants receive:
✔ A personal mentor
✔ A structured 24-week foundations course
✔ Prayer and worship workshops
✔ Community integration support
✔ Safe space for questions
✔ Ongoing social connection
This program is open to:
• New Muslims
• Returning Muslims reconnecting with faith
• Anyone seeking structured foundational guidance
Islam is a community. And you belong here.
[Apply to Join the Program]
[Volunteer as a Mentor]
[Support the Program]
9️⃣ Strategic Impact for GSIS
This program:
- Strengthens retention
- Prevents silent drop-off
- Builds future leadership
- Improves masjid culture
- Shows organizational maturity
- Attracts serious community members
- Strengthens fundraising credibility
This is not just support.
This is long-term masjid growth strategy.