How to reject invitation

[4ever_Learn3r]

A Protestant friend invited me for a drink today.
I never thought that he will bring out the topic about Christianity because he never did in the past few years.
He was inviting me to join his church, stating all his experience and spiritual growth after joining the church.

I am not interested to join any Protestant service at all. I didn’t know how to respond either as I do not want to get into the argument which Church should we go, why should we go to certain church, and I’m very certain Catholic Church is the only Church, there’s no doubt or second guessing for me. So I just smile at him most of the time, agreeing anything that I think as the truth that came out from his mouth. (e.g we must not only think about ourself, we must not only rely on our own strength to accomplish task, etc)

So, my main question is, is there I can reject his invitation without getting into argument of Catholic vs Protestant? Because I wanted to show Catholic’s way by my lifestyle, not by debating.

edit:
another question is… how do I “get out” from this topic politely next time? I would rather talk about topics that two of us won’t have any disagreement on each other. Because I cannot help but disagreeing silently. I can’t even consider becoming a Protestant

 

[1ke]

Simply tell him, “I am very happy that you are growing spiritually in your church. I am very happy in my own church and also growing spiritually there.”

“Thank you for the invitation, but I’m not interested in going to another church.”

If he continues to press the issue after you’ve told him no, simply tell him, “I value our friendship but where I go to church is not up for discussion. Please don’t ask me again.”

If necessary, end the conversation, walk away, etc., until he respects that you are not interested in changing churches.

 

[06convert]

I would encourage informed discussion on the topic, but If you’re trying to avoid debate, I would just say,

“I love being Catholic and going to a Catholic Church. The only place I feel right is in a Catholic Church. We are good friends, but I can’t switch what I believe”

If he presses on say,

“God gives each of us a way to follow him. If you told me that you feel that your Church is right, I wouldn’t ask you to change. I just feel that where I am is the right place for me”.

If he starts trying to debate, you can say,

“Catholics and Protestants disagree on a lot of things and those things have been debated for centuries. I think we should just focus on the fact that we are both Christians, we both love God and we are both doing what we feel we need to do to get to heaven. I don’t want to debate, because I don’t think either one of us is going to change the others mind, so lets just have a good time”.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

You should be honored that your friend wants to share such a good part of his life.

My response would be that I have a church that completely fulfills me so I’m not looking to go elsewhere. But I would thank him for thinking of me and wanting to share this with me.

Depending on how the conversation is going you might ask questions about what he likes so much about his church. There may well be things you agree on. “I know what you mean about good preaching. I love it when the homily really connects with my life and I can see how I’m being called to live out the gospel.”

If the conversation is turning into a case of his criticizing your church or not listening to you then you can address that. “I love my church and wouldn’t consider leaving it. I’m asking you to respect my decision.” And then change the subject.

And think about sharing your joy at being Catholic with your friends. We’re blessed, but we’re often silent on the subject.

 

[kamalayka9]

A Protestant friend invited me for a drink today.
I never thought that he will bring out the topic about Christianity because he never did in the past few years.
He was inviting me to join his church, stating all his experience and spiritual growth after joining the church.

I am not interested to join any Protestant service at all. I didn’t know how to respond either as I do not want to get into the argument which Church should we go, why should we go to certain church, and I’m very certain Catholic Church is the only Church, there’s no doubt or second guessing for me. So I just smile at him most of the time, agreeing anything that I think as the truth that came out from his mouth. (e.g we must not only think about ourself, we must not only rely on our own strength to accomplish task, etc)

So, my main question is, is there I can reject his invitation without getting into argument of Catholic vs Protestant? Because I wanted to show Catholic’s way by my lifestyle, not by debating.

edit:
another question is… how do I “get out” from this topic politely next time? I would rather talk about topics that two of us won’t have any disagreement on each other. Because I cannot help but disagreeing silently. I can’t even consider becoming a Protestant

Scream the following at the top of your lungs:

“Silence, heretic, be silent!”

 

[graceandglory]

He was inviting me to join his church, stating all his experience and spiritual growth after joining the church.

You need to know what you believe and why you believe it. You say you want to show your friend “the Catholic’s way” by your lifestyle and not debating. I agree. A Catholic’s lifestyle is also a lifestyle of continued conversion and intimacy with Christ. That is what your friend is looking for. He is looking for evidence in your life of intimacy with Christ and spiritual growth.

 

[4ever_Learn3r]

thanks everyone for advise, but I also don’t want to make the situation awkward.

suscipemedomine - I’ll try to share my part next time.

kamalayka9 - that will make the situation very awkward

graceandglory - thanks. will take note.

I gtg now! see ya guys

 

[Lutheranteach]

Tell him you would be happy to visit his church, but you are very happy where you are. Also tell him you will only visit if he returns the favor.

 

[Ignatius]

another question is… how do I “get out” from this topic politely next time? I would rather talk about topics that two of us won’t have any disagreement on each other. Because I cannot help but disagreeing silently. I can’t even consider becoming a Protestant

I will say, “no thanks, but I would be very happy if you would attend Mass with me instead.”

 

[Drawmack]

A Protestant friend invited me for a drink today.
I never thought that he will bring out the topic about Christianity because he never did in the past few years.
He was inviting me to join his church, stating all his experience and spiritual growth after joining the church.

I am not interested to join any Protestant service at all. I didn’t know how to respond either as I do not want to get into the argument which Church should we go, why should we go to certain church, and I’m very certain Catholic Church is the only Church, there’s no doubt or second guessing for me. So I just smile at him most of the time, agreeing anything that I think as the truth that came out from his mouth. (e.g we must not only think about ourself, we must not only rely on our own strength to accomplish task, etc)

So, my main question is, is there I can reject his invitation without getting into argument of Catholic vs Protestant? Because I wanted to show Catholic’s way by my lifestyle, not by debating.

edit:
another question is… how do I “get out” from this topic politely next time? I would rather talk about topics that two of us won’t have any disagreement on each other. Because I cannot help but disagreeing silently. I can’t even consider becoming a Protestant

How about something like, “I thank you for the invitation and I’m humbled over your concern for my well being in Christ – but I have already found the right church for me.” You know, the same way you’d handle any invitation you didn’t want to accept.