慕道友从字面上解释就是“渴慕真道的朋友”，一般指羡慕或寻求信仰或对某种宗教感兴趣或认同的人，但尚未接受。基督徒视慕道友为朋友，又被称为福音朋友。伊斯兰教有时也称“慕道者”。

慕道友会经常参加教会和团契的崇拜和其它活动，从而更加深入地认识基督信仰。从慕道到接受的过程一般被认为是每个基督徒成长的必经阶段，时间长短因人而异，基督教的观点是因为各人对信仰的信心不同。

In ecclesiology, a catechumen (/ˌkætᵻˈkjuːmən, -mɛn/; via Latin catechumenus from Greek κατηχούμενος katēkhoumenos, "one being instructed", from κατά kata, "down" and ἦχος ēkhos, "sound") is a person receiving instruction from a catechist in the principles of the Christian religion with a view to baptism. The title and practice is most often used by Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Orthodox, Reformed/Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic Christians. Ecumenical organisations such as the North American Association for the Catechumenate are helping to, across several denominations, "shape ministries with adult seekers involving an extended time of faith formation and a meaningful experience of adult baptism at Easter."