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 all parents say about religion to children during a week is something like, ‘Okay, everyone, leaving for church in thirty minutes,’ that is telling. When conversations immediately turn after religious worship services to nonreligious interests, that is telling, too. The messages may be subliminal, but their accumulated socialization effects are powerful. By contrast, when parents talk naturally and substantively about religion and its place in life throughout the week, that effectively indicates to children that, in the mix of life’s many priorities and values, this stuff matters a lot.”
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 use it each week both in our main worship service and in Redemption KIDS. Each subsequent week our KIDS will recap the previous week’s Q&A before moving onto that week’s Q&A.