catechism Explainer

cat​e​chism 

(ˈka-tə-ˌki-zəm)

a summary of the principles of Christian religion in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians


Catechism is an old word that basically means “questions and answers” and has been the term used for over 500 years in the church for the process of teaching the principles of the gospel and its building blocks in a way that is biblically thorough and rich. The New City Catechism itself is a relatively new collection of questions and answers that has been compiled from some of the older catechisms used throughout history. It has updated wording, shortened versions for children, and even songs!


We echo Tim Keller's enthusiasm about the catechism process: “If we re-engage in this biblical practice in our churches, we will find again God’s Word ‘dwelling in us richly’ (see Col. 3:16), because the practice of catechesis takes truth deep into our hearts, so we find ourselves thinking in biblical categories as soon as we can reason.” This is our hope for the kids who join our class.


Every 4th and 5th grade catechism student is given the kids’ version of the catechism in the form of a little white book, so that they can take time to study the questions and answers at home. We also have copies of the full version available at our resource table. 


Our hope each time we meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month is to spend time learning the questions and answers themselves, as well as to teach the “why” behind what they are learning. This will also include spending time in the Bible and learning the specific verse that is linked to each question and answer. 


For more information, resources, and a recap of what we've studied this year, check out the links and info below.


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Fall 2024 Lessons


AUGUST

Q1: What is our only hope in life and death?

A1: That we are not our own but belong to God. 

Verse: For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:7-8


SEPTEMBER

Q46: What is the Lord's Supper?

A46: Christ commanded all Christians to eat bread and to drink from the cup in thankful remembrance of him. 

Verse: For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 

1 Corinthians 11:23-26


OCTOBER

Q48: What is the church?

A48: A community elected for eternal life and united by faith, who love, follow, learn from, and worship God together. 

Verse: But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13


NOVEMBER

Q16: What is sin?

A16: Sin in rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, not being or doing what he requires in his law. 

Verse: Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin in lawlessness. 1 John 3:4


DECEMBER

Q17: What is idolatry?

A17: Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator. 

Verse: For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened... They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator... Romans 1:21, 25