Former non-denominational minister giving me grief about becoming Catholic

[jatkins29]

My former minister in a non-denominational Christian Church emailed me through Facebook telling me I need to be back in the Christian Church and asked why I was in the Catholic Church. I was heavily involved in the music ministry and played piano there and he thinks I should be doing that. How do I tell him to back off without being rude and at the same time defending my conversion to the Catholic Church?

 

[Javl]

My former minister in a non-denominational Christian Church emailed me through Facebook telling me I need to be back in the Christian Church and asked why I was in the Catholic Church. I was heavily involved in the music ministry and played piano there and he thinks I should be doing that. How do I tell him to back off without being rude and at the same time defending my conversion to the Catholic Church?

Tell him the reason why you became Catholic. You can tell him also that the CC is the Church that was founded by Jesus. It has been faithful to Him for 2000 years. Jesus gave full authority to the Church in His name and He has stood by it as promised. If the minister
argues with you, tell him to log onto this forum and we will answer all his questions and objections. If he refuses to do so, then he is wrong in his beliefs.

PAX DOMINI

Shalom Aleichem

 

[Departed_Light]

You can tell him of your continued conversion experience. What lead you to the Catholic Church? Give him your testimony. How did the Spirit of Truth lead you in this direction? How did you discern that? What joys and graces have you already experienced as you perceive God’s calling for you in the direction you are heading? You can also thank him for the leadership he offered you on your spiritual path and ask him for his continued prayers for you as you continue to walk with Christ in the Catholic Church. Just some ideas. May God bless you as you follow Christ.

 

[MercyMia]

This guy is already delusional if he calls himself a non-denominational minister…because every group is part of denomination; some are just in more denial than others

 

[jatkins29]

I emailed him back this morning and asked him how he thought I WASN’T in the Christian Church? I explained to him that Catholics are Christians. I also explained that he shouldn’t be pressuring me to leave the Catholic Church (where Christ has CLEARLY led me) just because he thinks I should be playing the piano. I wrote a lot of songs that they still use in their services and he told me that they are still singing them. Was this a threat to pull my music from their services because I’m Catholic now?

 

[Bob_Crowley]

My former minister in a non-denominational Christian Church emailed me through Facebook telling me I need to be back in the Christian Church and asked why I was in the Catholic Church. I was heavily involved in the music ministry and played piano there and he thinks I should be doing that. How do I tell him to back off without being rude and at the same time defending my conversion to the Catholic Church?

Are you going to make up your own mind, or let him make up your mind for you? When you joined the Catholic Church, you would have done so for a reason, namely Truth. It’s up to you to tell him what the truth is, and if he persists in nagging you, just ignore him. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.

 

[DOShea]

I think you should offer him the same deal he is offering you.

You will direct his life up to including what happens to his immortal soul in exchange for allowing him to direct yours. If he’s not willing to give you control of what he is allowed to believe, do, how to act, where to go, etc. than don’t give him control over your life.

It’s as simple as that. Your soul is your responsibility, and nowhere did Jesus teach that it had anything to do with the piano.

 

[jatkins29]

I made up my own mind a year ago when I started RCIA and got confirmed in February. In no way did anyone else other than God have any influence of that decision. I am fully prepared to respond to his questions and seemingly nagging comments and I do expect him to challenge my Catholic beliefs. RCIA did a good job fully educating me for situations like this so once he questions anything I have a firm background to properly respond. I expected this news to reach him eventually. If the piano was personally responsible for my salvation and eternal life, I might think differently

 

[twopekinguys]

I made up my own mind a year ago when I started RCIA and got confirmed in February. In no way did anyone else other than God have any influence of that decision. I am fully prepared to respond to his questions and seemingly nagging comments and I do expect him to challenge my Catholic beliefs. RCIA did a good job fully educating me for situations like this so once he questions anything I have a firm background to properly respond. I expected this news to reach him eventually. If the piano was personally responsible for my salvation and eternal life, I might think differently

Just be polite, firm and consistent. Who knows, you may be the one who ends up planting the seed.

I wouldn’t worry about the statement about them still singing the songs you have written. He could have brought that up for several reasons. 1. To show you that they think highly of your music. 2. They may be worried that you don’t want them to use them. 3. They may be conceerned about paying you royalties (I hope not).

We’ll pray for you

 

[jatkins29]

Hopefully they won’t think that I’d stoop so low as to make them pay me royalties–it wasn’t the reason I wrote the music to begin with. I am being as polite and respectful as I can. He knows I have a good head on my shoulders so I’m hoping this blows over easily and quickly.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Hopefully they won’t think that I’d stoop so low as to make them pay me royalties–it wasn’t the reason I wrote the music to begin with. I am being as polite and respectful as I can. He knows I have a good head on my shoulders so I’m hoping this blows over easily and quickly.

Sounds like you told him what you should have. He may be without a good musician and is trying to entice you back. That’s a pretty low trick, but I doubt he thinks of it that way. Just assure him that you are praying for him and the members of your former church. If he continues and isn’t content with just an occasional 'how’s the family?" update, than you can certainly tell him the conversation is going nowhere and you’d prefer he stopped contacting you. Then ignore his messages.

 

[jatkins29]

I’ll make sure to do that if that continues. He is very respectful but being a minister I’m sure he is doing his duty in looking out for me – if only he knew the Catholic Church wasn’t evil like the congregation believes

 

[twopekinguys]

I’ll make sure to do that if that continues. He is very respectful but being a minister I’m sure he is doing his duty in looking out for me – if only he knew the Catholic Church wasn’t evil like the congregation believes

I’m sure you’re right. I’m sure he is doing his pastorly duty, and you have to give him credit where credit is due.

Like I said earlier, you may be planting a seed. Share some of the things you’ve learned that could dispel some of the misinformation your previous congregation believes. Share with him how much closer you feel to the Lord, that sort of thing.

One of the luxuries that you have right now corresponding by email is that you don’t have to provide a response to any theological discussion instantly. Take your time, do your research and answer…should it come to that.

There are 2 Catholic Churches. 1. The real one 2. The one people think it is.

 

[PJM]

=jatkins29;5838855]My former minister in a non-denominational Christian Church emailed me through Facebook telling me I need to be back in the Christian Church and asked why I was in the Catholic Church. I was heavily involved in the music ministry and played piano there and he thinks I should be doing that. How do I tell him to back off without being rude and at the same time defending my conversion to the Catholic Church?

Here is a suggestion.

Tell him ONLY in the Catholic Church can I say the words of Mt. 8:8, and know that they are the truth, "Matt.8:[8] “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only say the word, and my servant will be healed”

The Catholic Profession of faith and the LOVE of God, that we proclaim before we receive Christ in Holy Communion. Really and actually receive Christ!

The Catholic Church alone can make this claim in TRUTH!

Love and prayers,

 

[imkingdad]

I’ll make sure to do that if that continues. He is very respectful but being a minister I’m sure he is doing his duty in looking out for me – if only he knew the Catholic Church wasn’t evil like the congregation believes

---

You can always ask him how would he like it if you came back as a Catholic & played for him & slowly converted his flock… That should get him to back off.

In fact perhaps you should at least let him know that you feel so motivated in your Catholic zeal that you wish to engage his ministry & inform them about the Truths of Catholicism.

Good Luck & Welcome Home!.

 

[rev_kevin]

Just tell him straight up. If it hurts his feelings so be it. Its not his decession its yours. Just tell him and don’t hold back. If he can’t accept it thats his problem. If he is a good minister he would understand and respect your decession.

 

[jatkins29]

I agree. Thank you all for the comments. If he continues to fight it I will just ignore his messages.

 

[Bill_Pick]

My former minister in a non-denominational Christian Church emailed me through Facebook telling me I need to be back in the Christian Church and asked why I was in the Catholic Church. I was heavily involved in the music ministry and played piano there and he thinks I should be doing that. How do I tell him to back off without being rude and at the same time defending my conversion to the Catholic Church?

Tell him you are going to be playing music in the CC because it is the Church start by Jesus Christ and if you are playing music the CC will welcome you

 

[neweyes]

Perhaps he is worried about you. You should give him the benefit of the doubt and offer to have a real conversation (rather than a Facebook thread).

 

[SingleMomMonica]

My former minister in a non-denominational Christian Church emailed me through Facebook telling me I need to be back in the Christian Church and asked why I was in the Catholic Church. I was heavily involved in the music ministry and played piano there and he thinks I should be doing that. How do I tell him to back off without being rude and at the same time defending my conversion to the Catholic Church?

Tell him that you ARE in the Christian Church as Catholics are the Original Christians and then invite him to join you.