With around 1.4 billion baptised Catholics worldwide, it’s not surprising to meet one during open-air outreach. If you’re involved in this work, you’ve likely encountered Catholics regularly. Having grown up as a practising Catholic but only clearly hearing and responding to the gospel in an evangelical setting at the age of eighteen, I long for more Catholics to come to know God’s full and free salvation through faith in Jesus.
I’ve recently written a short book to help evangelical Christians share the gospel clearly, lovingly and helpfully with Catholic friends. In the first chapter, I highlight three common wrong turns we can take:
1. It’s All Bad
We can wrongly assume that Catholic theology is entirely false. This isn’t true. I’m thankful for essential truths I learned growing up: that God is Triune, and that Christ truly lived, died and rose again. I’m also grateful for the moral framework I received, partly shaped by my Catholic upbringing.
2. It’s All Good
On the other hand, we may be tempted to believe that differences between Catholic and evangelical/biblical teaching are minor or unimportant. But the differences—particularly concerning grace, justification and authority—are vital.
3. They’re All the Same
It’s easy to assume that someone identifying as Catholic is fully aligned with the official teachings of the Church. But Catholics are as diverse in their beliefs as in any other tradition. While some adhere closely to the Catechism, many—often unknowingly—differ from it significantly, both in doctrine and morality.
I wish I could introduce you to the five different “types” of Catholic friends you might encounter, but I’m afraid you’ll have to read the book for that!
Although the book focuses on sharing the gospel with Catholic friends, the same wrong turns can occur in open-air settings—perhaps even more so when time is short and we’re eager to be faithful. So how might these errors play out on the streets?
It’s All Bad
We spend the whole conversation warning of the dangers of Rome. While we may speak from genuine concern, if we lack relationship and immediately seem to attack someone’s tradition, they’re unlikely to stay engaged.
Where possible, look for common ground. For example:
“I see you’re wearing a crucifix. Can I ask, what’s your understanding of why Jesus died?”
This can naturally lead into a conversation about the cross and what Christ accomplished at Calvary.
It’s All Good
If we assume there are no significant issues, we may pass over someone who says they’re Catholic, thinking they already know the gospel. However, in doing this we may leave them holding to their good works to ensure they are welcomed by Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates, rather than entrusting themselves fully to the One who cried out “It is finished” from the cross.
They’re All the Same
On hearing someone say, “I’m Catholic,” we might launch into what we think is a relevant gospel message—only to find it doesn’t connect at all. This was my own experience when first visiting an evangelical church. I had no idea what the person was talking about, and left the conversation unchanged.
That well-meaning believer might have been theologically sound and personally sincere—but without knowing what I actually believed, his challenge couldn’t land. If we want our words to be heard, we must ask questions and listen carefully first. Then we can share the gospel in ways that are both faithful and understandable.
If we want our words to be heard, we must ask questions and listen carefully first.
One Example: Speaking About Mary
Catholic teaching holds that Mary was without sin, both original and actual. Suppose you say, “Jesus is the only sinless person who’s ever lived,” and your friend replies, “No—Mary is sinless too!”
You might be tempted to quote Romans 3:23 (“All have sinned…”) and add, “That includes Mary, just like Hitler.” But consider: if I said that about your mum—would you keep listening? Probably not.
Try this instead:
“Mary is amazing—she’s the mother of our Lord and deserves great honour. Have you read the song she sings in Luke’s Gospel? Let’s take a look together.”
Reading Luke 1:46–55 opens space to explore what Mary herself says. Then you might gently ask,
“When Mary calls God her Saviour in verse 47, what do you think she needed saving from?”
Now you’ve opened a conversation about sin and salvation—without dishonouring Mary.
In many cases, we can share the gospel with a Catholic without ever needing to discuss Catholic distinctives. That’s fine! The Holy Spirit works through the simple, faithful proclamation of Christ. We don’t need to dismantle every objection in a single sitting.
May the Lord help us avoid these wrong turns, and give us grace to clearly and lovingly share the gospel. And may many Catholics come to trust in Christ alone.
Richard is Pastor for Outreach at Carey Baptist Church, Reading. His book, Sharing the Gospel with a Catholic Friend, is available at 10ofthose.com.