How Should New Converts Proclaim the Faith?

When someone experiences a life-changing conversion to Christianity, their enthusiasm is often contagious. They want to shout their joy from the rooftops,and who could blame them? But it raises an important question: Should new converts immediately proclaim the faith, or should their zeal be tempered with formation?

This topic sparked debate recently when a tweet suggested the issue lies with Protestantism, which often emphasizes personal testimony over structured formation. While this critique of Protestantism has some merit, it invites a broader reflection relevant to all Christians: How do we balance the zeal of conversion with the need for spiritual growth and grounding in the faith?

Let’s dissect this from a Catholic perspective.

What’s the Role of Zeal in Proclaiming the Gospel?

Zeal is a powerful and beautiful aspect of conversion. Think about St. Paul,after his dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, he immediately began preaching in the synagogues (Acts 9:20). His passion was undeniable.

But even St. Paul didn’t rely on zeal alone. In Galatians 1:17–18, he describes spending years in reflection and formation before embarking on his full missionary journey. Why? Because zeal without formation can lead to confusion, pride, or even theological error.

Does this mean new converts should be told to keep quiet? Nope. Their personal testimonies are incredibly inspiring. But there’s a difference between sharing how Christ transformed your life and teaching or proclaiming the faith in its fullness.

What About Protestantism?

The original tweet identified Protestantism as the root issue. Why? Many Protestant traditions,especially evangelicalones,encourage new converts to immediately share their testimony, often without a structured process for catechesis or spiritual formation.

This emphasis on personal experience can be powerful, but it can also lead to challenges. Without grounding in Scriptureor theology, a convert’s testimony might unintentionally overshadow the broader truths of the Gospel or reflect individualism over communal faith.

In contrast, the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of both personal witness and formation within the Church community. The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) provides converts with the time and guidance to learn about the faith, grow in their spiritual life, and prepare to proclaim the Gospel authentically.

Why Formation Matters

Haven’t we all seen someone whose faith fizzled out because it wasn’t rooted in something deeper? Conversion is only the beginning of the journey. Formation ensures that zeal doesn’t fade but deepens over time.

The Church has always understood this balance. St. Paul warned against appointing new converts to positions of authority too quickly:

“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6).

Formation helps new Christians grow in humility, wisdom, and understanding. This way, their witness is not just emotional or temporary but grounded in the truth of Christ and His Church.

The Power of Testimony

Does this mean new converts shouldn’t share their stories? Not at all! Testimonies are some of the most powerful tools for evangelization. Think of St. Mary Magdalene, who proclaimed the Resurrection to the apostles (John 20:18), or St. Augustine, whose Confessions continues to inspire millions.

But here’s the key: testimony is personal. It’s not the same as teaching doctrine or publicly representing the Church. Converts should be encouraged to share what Christ has done in their lives while continuing to grow in their understanding of the faith.

How Do We Balance Zeal and Formation?

As Catholics, we need to strike the right balance between encouraging enthusiasm and ensuring solid spiritual growth. Here’s how:

1. Celebrate Their Zeal

New converts remind us of the joy of encountering Christ. Let’s not stifle their enthusiasm but celebrate it! Their energy can inspire others to seek Christ.

2. Focus on Formation

Formation isn’t just for converts; it’s for all of us. Are we deepening our understanding of Scripture, the Catechism, and the sacraments? St. John Paul II said it best:

“Faith that is not made explicit through an informed and enlightened adherence will be only too easily shaken” (Catechesi Tradendae, 22).

3. Model Humility

Evangelization isn’t about self-promotion; it’s about pointing others to Christ. Converts (and the rest of us) should focus on God’s work, not their past achievements.

4. Lean on the Church

The Catholic faith is communal. Converts should be encouraged to share their faith within the parish, where they can grow and be supported by the Church’s sacramental life and tradition.

Why This Matters for All Christians

While the tweet critiques Protestantism, the real issue isn’t confined to one tradition. It’s a universal challenge for all Christians: How do we evangelize in a way that is authentic, effective, and rooted in the truth?

The Catholic Church offers a model that integrates the zeal of conversion with the depth of formation. Testimony is powerful, but it’s just the beginning. Zeal is beautiful, but it must be guided by wisdom.

The Takeaway

So, what’s the answer? It’s simple: encourage, guide, and form. When someone encounters Christ, their testimony is a gift to the Church,but it’s only the start of a lifelong journey. As Catholics, we can walk with new converts, helping them balance their joy with the depth and richness of the faith.

Because at the end of the day, isn’t that what we all need? A faith that’s joyful, grounded, and ready to transform the world.

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