Ex-Catholics in Christian Churches
Don M. Hamilton reflects on how churches can welcome and disciple people coming from Catholic backgrounds. He encourages leaders to listen with patience, teach Scripture clearly, explain worship differences, and extend grace to newcomers and their families.
- Many ex-Catholics carry painful experiences and need space to process them without โCatholic bashing.โ
- Clear Bible teaching and careful explanation of terms can help newcomers grow in confidence and understanding.
- Churches should respond with humility, gratitude, and grace toward both those leaving Catholicism and those who remain in it.
by Don M. Hamilton
โI grew up Catholic so this is all new to me.โ
Iโve heard this statement, or ones like it, many times over the past 27 years. Capital Area Christian Church is in the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania area, where Catholicism is strong. A significant portion of our church family traces its spiritual roots to the Catholic church. Dozens from this background show up in our services and small groups. Iโve found these folks to be some of the most enjoyable and eager souls to walk through our doors. Having worked with so many from this faith background through the years, I offer some suggestions for helping them along their spiritual journey in Christ.
Trauma
Many Catholics have experienced what they consider serious โtraumaโ from their church experience. I led a Bible study group for several years comprised entirely of ex-Catholics. The group frequently joked about being โrecovering Catholics.โ What they were saying is they were angry on several fronts.
Here are a few of their complaints. Their church had taught them the heavy hand of guilt-filled living, short on grace. Their church had discouraged them from studying the Bible. Their church had disfellowshiped them because of divorce. Their church was devoid of spiritual vitality and loving relationships. Their church seemed to do more to keep them from God than to draw them to God.
As the group leader, I simply allowed them to vent and was very careful not to โCatholic bash.โ These were their issues, not mine.
On the other hand, I simply taught the Bible and occasionally reminded them that their heritage had started them on their journey in Christ. For that they could be thankful.
I also frequently reminded myself that dozens of other newcomers sought out a new church home at Capital Area as the result of bad experiences in all kinds of churches, including independent Christian churches. And Iโm sure other churches are dealing with fallout from my church as well.
Ignorance
More than any other issue, Iโve heard my ex-Catholic friends complain that they were not taught the Bible. Most indicate they were discouraged from studying Godโs Word. They felt the church was more interested in Catholic indoctrination than teaching the Scriptures. Some said there was a subtle suggestion that lay people are not capable of discerning scriptural teaching.
What a great opportunity to teach Godโs Word! Iโve found those from this background are often like sponges, soaking up Godโs Word, eager to learn and apply biblical teaching. However, Iโve also found I must be careful to explain biblical terms and concepts thoroughly and to translate Catholic terminology into biblical language.
For instance, when we speak of the priesthood, we mean something quite different than what they have been taught. Catholics generally have a high view of Scripture, but little knowledge of its content. Opening the Bible is a fresh adventure for them and the idea of devotional reading is a welcome challenge.
Differences
โIt took me a while to get used to your services.โ โWow, the music was really different.โ โPeople are so friendly. They actually talk to each other.โ
I remember the first time I attended a full-blown Pentecostal service. The atmosphere was loud and expressive. People ended up dancing in the aisles, and it seemed to go on forever. The preacher was red-faced and others were speaking a strange language. Finally, some folks went forward at the altar call and ended up on the floor. Wow, I was blown away.
The difference between a traditional Catholic service and one of our more contemporary services is equally profound. It is helpful to explain why we worship the way we do and to note the similarities between a Catholic Mass and Christian church worship.
Mass is built around the Eucharist. Although we do not share the same understanding of the substance of Communion elements, we do share a high view of the Lordโs Supper. Most Catholics understand and appreciate our practice of weekly Communion more than other faith perspectives.
Catholics are also accustomed to more meditative worship, something sorely missed among churches of our persuasion. Perhaps we can learn a few lessons from them as well.
Push-Back
โSally has joined a cult.โ โThey are brain-washing her.โ โWhy didnโt your first baptism count?โ โWho are these people?โ
Many expatriate Catholics receive a lot of push-back from family members, especially mothers. They simply cannot conceive of anyone leaving the Catholic church, and they donโt appreciate us โstealingโ their adult children. What will happen to their grandchildren? How will they ever get to Heaven?
To one who has been thoroughly indoctrinated into a contrary religious system, these are valid questions.
This makes for tough going when a family member breaks ranks and starts attending a โgenericโ church like ours. In these situations we encourage newcomers to assure family members that they have not become anti-Catholic. We invite them to express gratitude to those who helped develop their faith background. We encourage them to invite their family members to appropriate services and events, and when they attend, we make an effort to build relationships with them. We donโt consider ourselves more spiritual, more intelligent, or more enlightened.
Time heals most wounds, and most family members of ex-Catholics finally get over itโmostly. Meanwhile, this mild persecution tends to galvanize the newcomersโ faith and makes them seek out biblical answers to their questions. They end up stronger from the opposition.
Like anyone else, those who have converted from the Catholic faith to simple Christianity need plenty of time and space to grow. They have made a life-altering decision and they are some of the most committed followers of Christ. Theirs was a decision born of struggle and thoughtfulness.
Restoration Movement churches provide an excellent new home for those who find Catholicism untenable. Our independence and autonomy are refreshing. Our authenticity and strong community are encouraging. Our solid biblical teaching, weekly Communion, and conservative view of baptism provide security and authority.
Many ex-Catholics express a deep appreciation for our understanding and expression of Godโs graceโsomething they sense their spiritual experience lacked. We should continue to express Godโs grace both to those journeying out of their Catholic heritage and to those who remain part of the Catholic church. In this manner we may continue to draw all people to God in Christ Jesus.
โBe completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in loveโ (Ephesians 4:2).
Don M. Hamilton is pastor with Capital Area Christian Church, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
