The children I serve often ask amazing questions, like “What language did Adam and Eve speak?” and “Where are the 10 Commandments now?” Some families have started encouraging their curious kids to write these questions in a journal to discuss during family dinners on Fridays. This reminds me of the TV show Kids Say the Darndest Things, which holds a special place in my memories.

Throughout history, Christians have used questions and answers to teach the Christian faith through a method called catechism. The word comes from the Greek katecheo, meaning “to instruct” or “to teach.” Catechisms provide a clear summary of a church’s teachings, often in a question-and-answer format, to help people of all ages understand the essentials of the Christian faith. This practice dates back as early as Augustine (AD 353–430) and is experiencing a revival today—and I’m all for it!

“Questions are natural ways to find out the basic answers to life. Questions are also an essential part of growing in your faith. They help us discover the mysteries of our faith. They are how we learn, grow, and ultimately come to believe. Once you stop asking questions, you stop learning, growing, and believing.” ~ Dr. Winfield Bevins, Grow At Home: A Beginner’s Guide to Family Discipleship

Catechisms are a proven way to teach littles and bigs about their faith in a simple, engaging format. They help families learn together at home and provide a way to love God with not just our hearts but also our minds.

When the Global Methodist Church launched in 2022, I was thrilled to see their partnership with Seedbed publishers to produce A Catechism of Christian Faith and Doctrine for the Global Methodist Church. This 32-page booklet uses a question-and-answer format, includes scripture references, and is perfect for all ages. In our church, we use it in New Member Classes, weekly worship services, and as a resource on our information table.

Rev. Jeffrey Rickman shares on his PlainSpoken podcast a precious model for teaching a catechism for the Global Methodist Christian faith with his 7-year-old daughter in several episodes. These are absolutely delightful!

Many catechisms are affordable and convenient for families to use during car rides, while waiting at appointments, or during family worship times. However, it’s important to ensure the catechism aligns with your church’s theology. I learned this firsthand after ordering what seemed like the perfect nursery Christmas gifts, only to find they didn’t match Wesleyan theology. Thankfully, Amazon’s return policy saved the day!

Catechisms are making a comeback and offer solid teaching of the basics of our Christian faith. As we embark on prioritizing apologetics (equipping to defend your Christian faith) and promoting a Biblical worldview a catechism system of questions and answers make for incredible discussions for disciples of all ages and stages. 

What are the resources your church offers to families to teach and equip to defend the Christian faith?

“I am persuaded that the use of a good Catechism in all our families will be a great safeguard against the increasing errors of the times.” – Charles Spurgeon