Catechisms As a Teaching Tool
- Mindy Giles
- Oct 28, 2024
- 2 min read
If you read the title and wondered what the word catechism means, you are not alone. Honestly, I didn't know what it meant until 2018. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary a catechism is how a person is catechized, which means to "instruct systematically especially by questions and answers." Essentially catechisms are questions and answers meant to teach something.
These are a great teaching tool in the church because it is a way to help people learn the basics of the Christian faith. They are especially helpful for children and teens as the foundation of their beliefs in Christ are being laid.
As the director of children's ministry at my church, I try to connect the lessons that are being taught each week with a question and answer that the kids can focus on. It is similar to the main point that many of us find in our curriculum each week except that it ties more directly with a foundation of our faith.
Often, I will go to the catechisms that have already been written. The Westminster Shorter Catechism is a great one for older children and teens. There is a Catechism for Young Children that is perfect for the younger ones in our ministries. There are times, however, that there isn't necessarily a question and answer that ties in with my lesson so I will develop one.
For example, this last week our preschool students learned about the promise God made Abraham and Sarah. God promised that they would have a son. Neither one was sure how this would happen, but it did. Isaac was born. The question and answer we focused on wasn't found in one of the catechisms I mentioned. Instead, I thought about the main thing I wanted them to learn about God in this lesson.
Can we trust God?
Yes, He always keeps His promises!
If you are a teacher in your church, no matter the age you teach, I encourage you to try adding some catechism questions to your class time. Even if it doesn't tie in directly with your lesson, it can be a vital way of learning about God and being prepared to defend our faith.
