Catechesis
The words “catechesis” or “catechism” come from the Greek word κατηχέω (katēcheō) found throughout Scripture (e.g., Luke 1:4; Acts 18:25; Gal. 6:6), which means “to teach, “to instruct” or even to “echo back.” Catechesis is the church’s teaching ministry that helps form Christians, young and old, more and more into the image of Christ. The Catechism is the book or curriculum used by the church for those ends. In fact, John Calvin warned, “The Church of God will never preserve itself without a Catechism, for it is like the seed to keep the good grain from dying out, and causing it to multiply from age to age.”
Catechesis is pervasive in the church’s life. From one-on-one discipleship, reading through Recommended Books, to the liturgy of the church, or Fellowship Groups, catechesis happens at many levels. Below are three of the key “pillars” of our catechetical program.
New Members’ Class
Christ Reformed offers a six-week class (historically referred to as the catechumentate) for those who want to learn more about the church, or for those who want to join Christ Reformed. The class covers the Three Forms of Unity, the Church Order, church membership, and other Reformed doctrines. We encourage the catechumen to use this time not only for learning, but also for prayer, fasting, and worship.
Children’s Catechism Class
Before the Divine Service, there is a catechism class for children that covers the basics of the Reformed faith. In class we work to memorize question and answers 1, 2, 10, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 43, 45, 49, 54, 56, 60, 66, 69, 73, 75, 79, 83, 86, 89, 115, and 116 of the Heidelberg Catechism.
Catechism Preaching
Reformed churches have a second service each Lord’s Day that focuses on the Heidelberg Catechism (sometimes the Belgic Confession or the Canons of Dort). Through the Catechism Service the church is instructed in the “whole counsel of God” each year. [Note: CRC is developing a Catechism Service that will, Lord willing, begin 2025-2026].