Under normal circumstances, the Christian custom is that when one becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, that person is encouraged to immediately share their faith with their friends and acquaintances, and become a mini-evangelist.
The philosophy behind this Christian instruction is to capture those first few months of raw enthusiasm where everyone is given some latitude.
But there is a different issue that relates to high profile persons. A thoughtful minister / pastor may have an entirely different aim. It may be to build up and support the high profile personage, this new Christian, in their faith in Jesus.
This explanation in necessary, as there are Christians who get confused when a person of prominence becomes a Christian, and doesn't immediately speak forth with boldness the Salvation message.
I'm also able to cite scenarios relating to cricketers who have become Christians, who have been advised to keep low for a little time. This is a pathway to Christian wisdom.
Of course, cricketers are not the only high profile people who become Christians in later life, and similar questions arise within the worlds of business, politics, entertainment, academia and everywhere else where human beings live and work.
What therefore are the steps when a high profile person becomes a Christian. Here are three suggestions.
The Adjustment period
When a person willingly and joyfully invites Jesus Christ to become Lord over their lives, it requires an adjustment period. When there comes a recognition that someone fresh pulls the strings, which replaces the prior senses of greed and hedonism and other sinful human emotions, there is a time for reflection.
Changes are required
As one's conscience becomes aware of a fresh outlook on life, changes become apparent associated with patterns of behaviour. I'm able to recounts a conversation with a USA sports ministry colleague of two athletes who had become followers of Christ. One, was a delightful person before following Christ and became a more delightful person. The other exhibited a demeanour of conflict before following Christ and exhibited a little less drama after becoming a follower of Christ.
Observable changes
With such changes to one's thinking inevitably comes questions from those around us. 'What's happened to .....?' Is this for real?', '...... got religion!' '.......
Anyone who is centre stage of these comments realise how difficult it is, but as a high profile athlete, for example, it could very easily turn into a circus.
Your family, friends and associates are important to you. Conveying a new world view and new inspiration requires some delicate handling.
For high profile people these issues become much more pronounced. There is a public face involved. Moreover, becoming a Christian may not, in good conscience, change one's views on specific social justice issues.
It can be a tricky business announcing this new allegiance. The pitfalls are legion. Continuing dialogue with trusted Christian people who have trod the path becomes an important path for consideration.