Catechism
What is Catechism?
Have you ever wondered, "Why did God create me?" Or thought to yourself, "Who even is God?" Or questioned, "What is the point of something like baptism anyways?"
Most of us have asked these questions, yet would struggle to confidently answer them. This is where catechism comes in.
Catechism comes from the Greek katechein, which means "to teach orally," or "instruct by word of mouth." Simply put, catechism is a set of foundational Christian teachings presented in the form of questions and answers. And the purpose of a catechism is to provide clear answers to questions like:
"Who or what is God?"
"How and why did God create us?"
"What is faith and how do I get it?"
"What do I need to do to be saved?"
In a time where truth and certainty seems lost, catechism provides clear and concise answers to questions of faith that we all have.
Why use New City Catechism?
Today, roughly 60% of Christians in America between the ages of 18-29 have dropped out of attending church after going regularly. Likewise, 50% of similarly aged Christians have confessed being significantly frustrated with their faith (data from Barna Group).
In recent decades, children and young adults have been taught a Christianity that looks hypocritical and fails to answer their questions about faith. As a result they are abandoning the church in search of purpose and belonging elsewhere.
While a catechism alone cannot solve these problems, it can, however, provide clear and true answers to hard questions. It can offer parents a natural way to have conversations with their children about who God is and who he created them to be. It can give both children and adults a strong foundation for their faith. And it can equip them to face life head on with confidence in Jesus and assurance in their faith.
When should I use New City Catechism?
New City Catechism consists of 52 questions and answers broken into three sections (which means one question and answer per week of the year). Each week individuals or families should read the question and its answer, starting with question one and moving onto the subsequent question the following week. Establish a regular rhythm that works well for you or your family. Use it to read and discuss each week's question and answer.
We began using New City Catechism on Sunday, February 6 in Redemption KIDS. Each subsequent week our KIDS will recap the previous week’s Q&A before moving onto that week’s Q&A.
Where can I access New City Catechism?
2022 New City Catechism Calendar
February
2/6 - Question 1
2/13 - Question 2
2/20 - Question 3
2/27 - Question 4
March
3/6 - Question 5
3/13 - Question 6
3/20 - Question 7
3/27 - Question 8
April
4/3 - Question 9
4/10 - Question 10
4/17 - Question 11
4/24 - Question 12
May
5/1 - Question 13
5/8 - Question 14
5/15 - Question 15
5/22 - Question 16
5/29 - Question 17
June
6/5 - Question 18
6/12 - Question 19
6/19 - Question 20
6/26 - Question 21
July
7/3 - Question 22
7/10 - Question 23
7/17 - Question 24
7/24 - Question 25
7/31 - Question 26
August
8/7 - Question 27
8/14 - Question 28
8/21 - Question 29
8/28 - Question 30
September
9/4 - Question 31
9/11 - Question 32
9/18 - Question 33
9/25 - Question 34
October
10/2 - Question 35
10/9 - Question 36
10/16 - Question 37
10/23 - Question 38
10/30 - Question 39
November
11/6 - Question 40
11/13 - Question 41
11/20 - Question 42
11/27 - Question 43
December
12/4 - Question 44
12/11 - Question 45
12/18 - Question 46
12/25 - Question 47
January 2023
1/1 - Question 48
1/8 - Question 49
1/15 - Question 50
1/22 - Question 51
1/29 - Question 52