The Orthodox Church's Path to Lifelong Discipleship
A Different Kind of Christian: Why the Orthodox Church Takes Its Time with New Converts
The Orthodox Church’s use of the catechumenate—both the formal process of catechesis and the designation of individuals as catechumens—may seem unusual in today’s fast-paced world, where instant decisions and quick results are the norm. However, this ancient practice is deeply rooted in both Scripture and Tradition and reflects the Church’s careful, pastoral approach to spiritual formation. It recognizes that becoming a Christian is not merely a matter of intellectual agreement or a one-time emotional experience but a transformation of the whole self.
So why does the Church insist on having catechumens, and why is catechesis such a central part of the journey toward baptism and full communion? The answer lies in the Church’s mission: to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). True discipleship requires more than knowledge; it demands a reshaping of how we live, think, worship, and see the world.
Catechumenate: An Ancient Institution
The catechumenate has been a part of the Church from its earliest days. While we don’t know the exact point at which it became a formal institution, there’s clear evidence that instruction and preparation preceded baptism from a very early period. St. Justin Martyr, for instance, writing around AD 150, describes how those seeking baptism first underwent a period of teaching and examination. The goal was to ensure these individuals understood the faith and were ready to commit to it fully.
The best example of immediate baptism—without formal catechesis—comes from the Acts of the Apostles, where St. Peter baptized 3,000 people on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). However, it’s important to remember that these were Jews who already lived within the covenant of Israel. They knew the Scriptures, adhered to a disciplined way of life, and had long been awaiting the Messiah. For them, accepting Christ didn’t mean abandoning an entirely foreign way of life but fulfilling their covenant relationship with God.
In contrast, when the Church began to spread among Gentiles—pagans with no background in the God of Israel—things changed. Becoming a Christian wasn’t just about agreeing to a set of ideas. It required a radical departure from a worldview built on idolatry, deeply ingrained cultural practices, and moral frameworks entirely at odds with the Gospel. The early Church understood that this transformation couldn’t happen overnight, which is why the process of catechesis became more formalized and essential.
Catechumens: The First Step in Becoming a Christian
The first official step in this process is becoming a catechumen, someone who is learning and preparing for baptism and/or chrismation. In the early Church, this step marked a serious public declaration of intent. By becoming a catechumen, an individual severed ties with their old religion and proclaimed that they were turning toward Christ.
This shift wasn’t merely intellectual or emotional—it was existential. A catechumen was beginning a new way of life. Instruction wasn’t just about learning theological concepts but about embracing the disciplines of prayer, fasting, repentance, and worship. For example, catechumens in the early Church would attend the Liturgy of the Word—traditionally called “Liturgy of the Catechumens”—but leave before the Eucharistic prayers, a tangible reminder of their ongoing preparation for full inclusion in the life of the Church.
Catechesis—the instruction given during this time—was not a shallow overview of Christian beliefs. It was a deliberate and immersive process, designed to build a foundation for living as a follower of Christ.
Why Catechesis Matters
Catechesis is essential because the Christian life is not merely about believing certain doctrines—it’s about becoming like Christ. When someone comes to the Church, particularly from a background that is not shaped by Christian values or practices, their entire way of thinking, living, and perceiving reality often needs transformation.
We see this struggle in the New Testament itself. St. Paul’s letters are filled with guidance for Gentile converts (ex-pagans) who were learning how to live as Christians. From divisions in the Church (1 Corinthians) to questions about food sacrificed to idols (Romans 14), these converts often faced challenges in aligning their lives with their new faith. Catechesis wasn’t—and still isn’t—just about theology for theology’s sake. It was and is about learning how to live the Christian life.
Even today, catechesis serves the same purpose. In a post-Christian or secular culture, many people coming to Orthodoxy are unfamiliar with our worldview, practices, and expectations. They may bring assumptions shaped by cultural Christianity, modern secularism, or other religions. Catechesis provides the space and time needed to unlearn those frameworks and begin forming new habits of prayer, worship, and living in Christ.
A Slow and Intentional Journey
Orthodoxy approaches conversion slowly, and that’s intentional. Modern life pushes for quick decisions, but the Church knows better. Rushing someone into baptism without proper preparation risks reducing it to a superficial ritual. True conversion is an act of synergy, where human effort cooperates with God’s grace. As such, catechesis gives room for people to grow into their faith—not just intellectually, but through a lived relationship with Christ and His Body, the Church.
This process also strengthens the Church as a whole. By carefully teaching catechumens, the Church ensures that new members enter the community not as outsiders who barely understand the faith, but as fully formed brothers and sisters in Christ. By the time a catechumen is baptized, they are prepared to live as a Christian and contribute meaningfully to the life of the Church.
Conclusion
The catechumenate and its associated catechesis aren’t relics from the past—they are essential tools of the Church’s mission to make disciples. From the earliest days of the Church, converts have been invited into a process of transformation that prepares them for the fullness of life in Christ.
It takes time to learn, to grow, and to change. Becoming a Christian isn’t just about deciding to believe in Jesus; it’s about learning to live in Him. Catechesis provides the tools, the community, and the grace-filled space for that transformation to happen. By embracing this ancient tradition, the Church continues to proclaim the Gospel with wisdom and care, forming disciples who are ready to take up their cross and follow Christ fully.
Loved this post. Very meta (catechism about the nature of catechism). Looking forward to the panel discussion.