Protestant Missionary Converts—Now He’s Becoming a Catholic Priest! (Br. Lawrence, C.F.R.) | Ep. 522

Br. Lawrence Joshua Johnson entered the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in 2015 and professed final vows in 2021. He has ministered in the Bronx and Nicaragua and currently resides in Yonkers, NY. He graduated with a degree in Religious Studies from Brown University, holds an M.T.S. degree from the University of Notre Dame, and is currently a transitional deacon studying at St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie. 🍺 Want to Support Pints With Aquinas? 🍺 Get episodes a week early, score a free PWA beer stein, and join exclusive live streams with me! Become an annual supporter at 👉 https://mattfradd.locals.com/support 💵 Show Sponsors: 👉 College of St. Joseph the Worker – Earn a degree, learn a trade, and graduate without crippling debt: https://collegeofstjoseph.com/mattfradd 👉 Truthly – The Catholic faith at your fingertips: https://www.truthly.ai/ 👉 Hallow – The #1 Catholic prayer app: https://hallow.com/mattfradd  💻 Follow Me on Social Media: 📌 Facebook: https://facebook.com/mattfradd 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/mattfradd 𝕏 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Pints_W_Aquinas 🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@pintswithaquinas 👕 PWA Merch – Wear the Faith! Grab your favorite PWA gear here: https://shop.pintswithaquinas.com 00:00 Introduction 03:30 Growing Up Protestant 06:45 First Experiences with Catholicism 09:10 Life in Papua New Guinea 17:35 Returning to America 23:00 Exploring Christianity 29:05 Questioning Religion 37:40 Encountering Islam 40:20 Exploring Catholicism 52:11 Surrendering to God 56:09 Online Conversion 1:06:40 Seeking Church Supervision 1:10:50 Differences Within Christianity 1:22:04 Division in Christianity 1:32:00 Becoming Catholic 1:37:42 Meeting the Friars 1:50:37 Considering a Spiritual Life 1:54:32 Life as a Brother 1:59:00 Growing in Patience 2:01:31 Looking Forward to the Priesthood 2:07:28 Doubts About Becoming a Priest 2:13:48 How Friars Grow Spiritually 2:20:30 The Need for Gentle Love 2:25:13 Advice for Men Considering the Priesthood 2:33:40 Advice to My Younger Self 2:36:54 Keeping Aspects of Protestant Life 2:44:17 What to Expect from Religious Life 2:52:17 Favorite Hymn 2:56:20 Closing Thoughts