For decades Evangelicals have sought to reinvent the wheel in discipleship. We have more children and youth programs than at any point in church history; however, we are producing some of the most biblically illiterate young people than at any point in church history. Where is the disconnect? There is no lack of material and plenty of teachers in our churches. Why are we largely unsuccessful in our efforts? My suggestion for parents is not a brand new program, but a return to the roots of Protestant discipleship. Catechisms.

What are Catechisms?

During the period of the Reformation, many catechisms were written. These catechisms were a series of questions and answers meant to instruct children and adult converts in the basics of biblical doctrine. Every catechism had a different emphasis in the way it was constructed, but all of them sought to provide a framework for studying scripture.

Catechisms were created as tools for effective Bible study. As tools, they are only effective insofar as they accurately represent the teachings of Holy Scripture. No reformer would have suggested that catechisms take the place of or have equal authority with scripture. As Kim Riddlebarger illustrated, using a catechism is like looking at the box of a jigsaw puzzle before attempting to put the pieces together. The Bible is full of many passages with varying amounts of difficulty in interpretation. When we are given a good framework from a biblical catechism, the process of making sense of it all becomes much easier. Remember that catechisms are helpful for Bible study and not the other way around.

Why use Catechisms?

1.       They teach doctrine

The importance of teaching doctrinal truths in discipleship programs seems to have fallen by the wayside. Practical suggestions and pithy statements seem to dominate the market, especially in children and youth programs. But when life gets hard and faith is tested, what can these young people hold on to? What will provide a firm foundation that will not crack or erode away? The timeless, essential doctrines of the Christian faith as set forth in scripture serve this purpose. Catechisms teach these doctrines and are written in a way that promotes their memorization.

2.       They use questions

While our culture refuses to accept absolute truth, the catechisms ask questions that demand answers. Our children and especially adults should be able to answer questions about their faith and provide a defense for those answers. By making catechisms a regular part of discipleship, we are training people to seek answers to life’s questions from scripture. This type of training has fallen away in many programs because we have grown fearful of the confrontation presented by a question. A lack of questions and answers in discipleship also reflects a falling away from the importance of essential doctrines mentioned earlier.

3.       They are well-rounded

With the massive increase of available information on the internet, people have become “specialists” in certain areas of life. The church is not immune to this issue either. Some exert massive energy towards end times studies while others may focus on justice issues. All of these areas are important, but when we focus too much on one topic the outcome is an unbalanced Christian. The benefit of a catechism is its well-rounded presentation of biblical truth. Whenever we disciple others with catechisms, we teach them to consider all of biblical truth and not just their favorite topic.

Conclusion

The Evangelical church in America is in serious need of proper discipleship. After decades of seeking new ways to train up children and adult converts, the results seem to speak for themselves. I would encourage parents and leaders in the church to consider an older, time-tested method of discipleship by using catechisms. As a way of encouraging and helping those who decide on using catechisms, I will start writing a series of posts going through The Baptist Catechism. Have a blessed day and remember to love the Lord with your mind.

For Further Study:

The Baptist Catechism

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Heidelberg Catechism