We’re living in a new era of evangelization, an age where anyone with a smartphone and a passion for the Faith can become a self-proclaimed catechist, teacher, or “Catholic influencer.” Social media has become one of the primary ways people now encounter Church teaching. This offers an incredible opportunity, but with every opportunity comes responsibility.
Unfortunately, we’re now seeing the dark side of this digital age: influence without formation. That lack of formation isn’t just intellectual—it’s spiritual, emotional, and even physical. Some controversies emerging around Catholic content creators reveal a troubling pattern. As much as we may celebrate the spread of the Faith online, we have to acknowledge that something is off.
Let me be the first to admit: I’ve made plenty of mistakes on this journey. I converted to Catholicism over sixteen years ago, and when I first discovered the beauty and truth of the Church, I was on fire. I was so zealous I literally went knocking on doors around my parish to share the Good News.
Looking back, I thank God that I didn’t start The Catholic Couple Podcast or jump onto TikTok or Instagram in those early days. I wasn’t ready spiritually, emotionally, and certainly not theologically. I had zeal but not a whole lot of depth, passion but little restraint. I was far from meek or humble. In fact, my pastor once called me “the pitbull” because of how aggressive I could be in conversations. If I had stepped into public ministry back then, I would have made the same mistakes I now see others making.
I realized I needed to grow, not just in knowledge and maturity, but most importantly in holiness. So I humbled myself. Despite having read and studied on my own, I knew that wasn’t enough. I enrolled in a lay leadership program through my Archdiocese. Weekly classes for two years and monthly formation at the seminary. I wasn’t just looking for intellectual answers, I was pursuing spiritual formation through prayer, confession, service, and community. It was a sacrifice. But it was essential.
Because teaching the Faith isn’t just about what you say, it’s about how you live. We love to say on our podcast, “More is caught than taught.” And it’s true. The witness of your life will speak louder than any clever caption or viral reel ever could.
What concerns me now is how many of the most-followed Catholic influencers today are recent converts or young adults just beginning to take their faith seriously. Many are presenting themselves as authorities on Church teaching, offering spiritual guidance, and assuming roles of influence without proper formation or accountability.
And we’re seeing the fruit: allegations, scandals, confusion, and disillusionment. It’s heartbreaking. These creators, no matter how much they may love the Lord, are still in formation themselves. When someone who is spiritually immature takes on the role of teacher, it’s like putting a new recruit in charge of a battlefield. The damage to the Body of Christ can be real and long-lasting.
Scripture is clear: “Not many of you should become teachers . . . for you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (Jas. 3:1). St. Paul also emphasizes that leaders in the Church must be mature, above reproach, and not recent converts (see 1 Tim. 3:1–7). Because when these leaders fall, it’s not just their souls at risk, but the souls of the many who follow them. As Scripture warns: “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter.”
The best teachers I’ve encountered aren’t the most dynamic or charismatic; they’re not necessarily the best storytellers, either. They’re the ones who’ve suffered well. Who’ve endured trials, weathered storms, and faithfully served their families and parishes. Often, they’re husbands and wives who have spent years quietly dying to themselves in service of their spouses and children. That’s the real training ground of holiness where you learn to die to yourself and cultivate the virtues needed to shepherd others: humility, patience, sacrifice, and perseverance.
If we can’t first live the Gospel in our own homes, we have no business preaching it to the world. Before we can help others get to heaven, we must be leading our spouses, children, and families toward it.
The Church doesn’t need more hot takes. She doesn’t need content creators chasing fame or going viral. She needs witnesses. St. Paul VI famously stated, “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” The Church needs men and women formed in silence before they ever speak into a microphone, and people who have learned to listen to God before they try to speak on His behalf. They need to be witnesses rooted in the sacraments, steeped in Scripture, and faithful to the Catechism. The Church needs saints.
As we celebrate the Jubilee for Catholic Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers in Rome today and tomorrow (July 28th and 29th), there is much to reflect on. This event promises to share insights, unite efforts to celebrate, train, and inspire those called to evangelize on digital platforms. Let’s pray this event lives up to that promise and helps to bear much fruit.
Let’s not forget, this mission is not about building platforms or personal brands. It’s about leading souls to Jesus Christ. And that takes more than charisma, great editing skill, and some well-crafted arguments. It takes character, maturity, formation, and deep, abiding love for Jesus and His Church.
So let’s commit to doing this right. Let’s grow in holiness before we grow in reach. Let’s strive to become saints, not just becoming “Catholic famous.” Because in the end, we won’t be judged by the size of our audience, but by the integrity of our witness and our love for Christ and His Bride.
The goal is not influence.
The goal is heaven.
Editor’s Note: If interested in more on this topic, listen to this episode of the author’s podcast, Purposely Catholic.
