Michael Brooks
The Catholic speaking circuit is a challenging field to break into, with a long list of Catholic celebrities falling victim to scandals. To become a Catholic speaker, one must first establish an intimate relationship with Jesus and lead a life that flows from that relationship. It is also important to find a mentor who embodies these qualities and to be humble and patient in your journey. While it may be tempting to focus on the financial rewards, it is crucial to remember that serving God is a calling rather than a job. Most speakers have two jobs, and only a small handful of the biggest names can make a full-time career out of speaking. To succeed, one must be willing to start small, be open to learning, and view each opportunity as a chance to spread their message.
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What You'll Learn
Build a reputation
Building a reputation as a Catholic speaker is a long-term project. You will have to start small and be prepared for the challenges that come with a career in public speaking. Before you begin, ensure that you have an established and intimate relationship with Jesus and that you are passionate about your faith. This passion will be the driving force behind your speaking career.
To build a reputation, you must first understand the industry and your place in it. Research and understand the fundamentals of Catholicism and other recognised religions. The Virtual Religion Index, maintained by Professor Mahlon H. Smith at Rutgers University, is a comprehensive guide to different religions. Understanding the basics will help you develop your message and ensure it aligns with your audience's expectations.
Next, find a mentor or someone who is already preaching the gospel and is a disciple of Jesus Christ. Spend time with them, travel with them, and learn from their experiences. St. Paul is a great example of a Catholic speaker who travelled extensively, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. He faced many challenges, including danger from bandits and sleeping in wayside inns. Learning about the realities of life on the road will help you prepare for the potential difficulties of being a Catholic speaker.
As you build your reputation, be prepared to take every opportunity to speak, regardless of monetary compensation. Each opportunity allows you to spread your message and better the world. Remember, only a small handful of the biggest names can make a full-time career out of Catholic speaking, so you may need to consider having multiple sources of income, like St. Paul, who was both a tentmaker and a speaker/writer.
Finally, stay humble and grounded in your faith. Ask God for the grace to remain humble and focused on your calling. Building a reputation as a Catholic speaker takes time, dedication, and a strong relationship with God.
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Understand the realities of the Catholic speaking world
The life of a Catholic speaker may seem glamorous, but it is important to understand the realities of the job. Firstly, few people can make a living solely as a Catholic speaker. It can be challenging to find enough speaking engagements to support yourself financially, and most speakers have two jobs or other sources of income. Additionally, building a reputation and a following takes time and hard work. You may start with a local or regional audience and gradually expand your reach.
Another reality of the Catholic speaking world is the potential for ministry burnout. It is crucial to balance your spiritual life with your public life to avoid scandals and other issues. Speaking engagements may also require extensive travel, which can be tiring and take a toll on your personal life. You may experience challenges such as sleeping in airports, missing family events, and dealing with spiritual attacks.
To succeed in the Catholic speaking world, it is essential to have a strong spiritual foundation. An intimate relationship with Jesus and a daily interior life should be your priority. Spending time with and learning from gospel preachers, such as St. Paul, can provide valuable guidance and perspective. Remember, the goal is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and speaking is a means to that end.
Understanding the challenges and realities of the Catholic speaking world is crucial before embarking on this path. It is a long-term project that requires dedication, humility, and a strong spiritual foundation. By recognizing these realities, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right path for you and how to navigate it successfully.
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Develop a relationship with Jesus
Developing a relationship with Jesus is a crucial aspect of the Catholic faith. While some Catholics may view this relationship as sacramental rather than personal, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have emphasised that Catholicism is centred on an encounter with Jesus. Here are some ways to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus:
Encounter and Conversion
The first step in developing a relationship with Jesus is to encounter Him. This means recognising Jesus' invitation to come to Him and receive rest (Matthew 11:28). It involves turning from sin and trusting in His finished work on the cross, where He sacrificed Himself and took the punishment for our sins (Ephesians 2:8-9). We receive salvation and forgiveness, not through our own works, but by grace, through faith in what Christ has done (John 19:30). We can express our faith and trust in Jesus through prayer, accepting Him as our Lord and Saviour.
Communion and Mission
Communion refers to sharing in a life of love with Jesus, a friendship where we meet and get to know Him intimately. This communion with Jesus will be unique to each individual, as God has created each of us with our own distinct identity. Spending time with Jesus through prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in the sacraments can deepen this communion. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we will also be called to share this good news with others, inviting them into a relationship with Him. This aspect of mission flows naturally from our own encounter and communion with Jesus.
Following Jesus' Example
To develop a relationship with Jesus, it can be helpful to follow the example of those who have dedicated their lives to preaching the gospel and following Jesus. Find someone who is a disciple of Jesus Christ and spend time with them. Travel with them and be a part of their life, just as St. Paul travelled thousands of miles, proclaiming the gospel and establishing churches. Understand that living for God is not just a job but a calling, and be prepared to serve and sacrifice as Jesus did.
Humility and Obedience
As we seek to follow Jesus, it is essential to cultivate humility and obedience. Pray for God's grace to keep us from getting in the way of His calling on our lives. Recognise that our relationship with Jesus is not about what we can do but about what He has already done for us. Trust in His finished work and allow Him to transform us from the inside out.
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Learn from experienced speakers
Learning from experienced speakers is a great way to get started on the Catholic speaking circuit. Here are some tips to guide you:
Seek Mentorship
Find someone who preaches the gospel and is a disciple of Jesus Christ. Spend time with them and learn from their experiences. If possible, travel with them and observe how they interact with different audiences. St. Paul is a great example from the Bible; he travelled extensively, proclaiming the gospel and establishing churches.
Learn from their Journey
Understand that being a Catholic speaker is not just a job, it's a calling. Most speakers have had to juggle two jobs, and those who do it full-time have their own challenges, such as managing a staff. Learn about the daily crosses they bear and the hours they put into serving God. This will give you a realistic view of the speaker's life behind the scenes.
Understand the Realities
Talk to experienced speakers and seek their advice. Be open to hearing about the challenges and difficulties they face, not just the glamorous parts. Ask about their experiences with criticism, travel fatigue, and balancing family life. Understand that building a reputation takes time and that only a small number of well-known speakers can make a full-time career out of it.
Study their Content
Study the content and style of experienced Catholic speakers. Observe how they present their religious beliefs in conjunction with other topics. Learn from their ability to branch into different areas while keeping their message and brand in sync with their audience's expectations. Understand the importance of respecting other belief systems and demonstrating dedication to spirituality.
Emulate their Passion
Notice how experienced speakers bring passion to their events and their everyday lives. This passion is what attracts people to their message. Understand that this passion is often grounded in their personal beliefs and experiences, so ensure that your own speaking flows out of your time spent in ministry.
By learning from experienced Catholic speakers, you can gain valuable insights into the realities of the speaking circuit, develop a stronger connection with your audience, and ultimately become a more effective and impactful speaker.
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Be prepared to start small
It is important to be prepared to start small when trying to get on the Catholic speaking circuit. This means being willing to take on any opportunity that comes your way, regardless of whether you will be paid for it. Building a reputation is crucial to success, and you will need to prove your worth before you can expect to be paid for your talks. Most speakers will only ever get a local or regional audience, so it is important to be realistic about your expectations and remember that it is a long-term project.
To get started, consider finding a mentor who is already preaching the gospel and is a disciple of Jesus Christ. Spend time with them and try to travel with them to observe how they work. This could be a great way to learn the ropes and build your network. It is also a good idea to do your research and find out how established Catholic speakers make a living. Understanding the reality of the job is key to knowing what you are getting into.
Another important aspect of starting small is to choose a niche that you can focus on. This could be youth, family, homeschooling, biblical theology, or parish missions, for example. This will help you to narrow down your target audience and tailor your message effectively. It is also crucial to ensure that your message is in line with the fundamental views of the churches you are approaching.
Lastly, remember that becoming a Catholic speaker is not just a job, it is a calling. Make sure you have a strong personal relationship with Jesus and that you are passionate about your mission. This passion will come across in your speaking and will help you to connect with your audience.
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Frequently asked questions
Being a Catholic speaker is not always glamorous. It can involve long periods of travel, time away from family, and spiritual attacks. It is also difficult to make a living as a full-time Catholic speaker, and it can take years to build a reputation and become successful.
It is important to have an established and daily interior life that flows from an intimate relationship with Jesus. Seek advice from those already in the field and be prepared for a long-term project. Understand the realities of the job and be aware that it is a calling, not just a job.
Take every opportunity to speak, whether or not you will be paid. Hang out with and travel with someone who preaches the gospel and is a disciple of Jesus Christ. Learn from them and try to emulate their way of life.
Ensure that your message aligns with the fundamental views of the churches you are approaching. Understand your audience and tailor your presentation to their expectations. You can choose to focus on your religious beliefs as much or as little as you like, as long as your message resonates with your audience.
Understand that it is a competitive field and that you may only attract a local or regional audience. Be prepared to put in the work to build your reputation and establish yourself. Pray for humility and ask God for guidance.
