Sunday School as Counter-Catechism

Sunday School as Counter-Catechism

In today's world, embracing 'strong and limiting' beliefs can be a challenge for many. The importance of catechesis, discipline, and discipleship is often not obvious to churchgoers. They may view activities like Bible study, spiritual disciplines, and theology study as optional due to societal influences that encourage suspicion towards serious engagement with these topics.

Pastors play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. They need to articulate why studying theology, delving into the Bible, and instructing children in these matters are essential. It's no longer sufficient to assume that people understand the reasons; pastors must make a compelling argument for their importance. In a world where other priorities compete for attention, 'strong and limiting' beliefs may be seen as costly to hold.

One effective way to convey the significance of catechism classes, discipleship, and Christian education is by presenting Sunday School as a counter-catechism. By framing the catechizing of children within a context of convictional hostility and worldview conflict, we can emphasize the necessity of these practices.

Equipping the Saints

To establish a culture of catechesis, discipleship, and convictions, pastors need to take the lead. Depending on your church tradition, you may have access to ready-made resources and structures. For instance:

• Presbyterians have the Westminster family of confessions and catechisms.

• Continental Reformed churches use the Three Forms of Unity, including the Heidelberg Catechism, taught to children and preached on.

• Anglican Churches benefit from the Book of Common Prayer, containing charts, tables, and orderly instruction.

Historically, Baptists have relied on the British Baptist confessions of 1644 and the harmonized confession of 1689, developed alongside Presbyterians and Congregationalists. Baptists also adapted the Heidelberg Catechism, with Charles Spurgeon creating his "Puritan Catechism" in the late 19th century.

In the 21st century, we've seen the development of innovative tools like the New City Catechism, known for its effective pedagogical layout.

Sunday School Classes and Other Discipleship Opportunities

Here are various avenues for catechesis, discipleship, and Christian education:

1. Catechism Classes: These classes systematically teach children from a catechism.

2. Bible Classes: Examples include the Generations of Grace Children's Curriculum used at Grace Community Church/MacArthur.

3. Adult Classes: Options include systematic theology studies (e.g., "Bucket Theology" by Humfrey) and core seminars (e.g., CHBC free manuscripts by Dever).

4. Home Studies: These encompass Bible studies with specific curriculum and theology studies (e.g., resources from Ligonier featuring Sproul, Lawson, Ferguson, etc.).

5. Preaching Series: These series explore topical and theological themes and incorporate a "doctrine" section, akin to the structure found in Puritan sermons. This approach connects contemporary challenges to Christian faith with biblical truths.

6. Catechetical Evangelism: Drawing from historical practices, this approach involves outreach efforts with a focus on catechizing. Joel Beeke's work on catechetical evangelism provides valuable insights into this method.

   1. Beeke’s chapter on catechetical evangelism can be summed up as:  “Puritans reached out evangelistically to children and young people by writing catechism books”, which supported baptism and the Lord’s Supper, applied the content of sermons, and revealed people’s spiritual condition. As Beeke said, “The more their public efforts to purify the church were crushed, the more the Puritans turned to the home as a bastion for religious instruction and influence”[1]

7. Training Fathers. Although this article has focused on the pastors who are doing the equipping, the fathers of families will catechize at home. A pastor friend noted this need in a recent pastors’ fellowship meeting. They must first be equipped for that task through these various opportunities. Pastors need to be aware of this distinctive need— training the fathers, which is to train the trainers. My wife told me about the observation from Nancy Pearcey regarding the necessity of this task. Even sociologists have noticed.

Action: What Should You Do?

To foster a culture of discipleship and counter-catechesis in your church:

a. Revisit Catechetical Materials: If your church tradition utilizes catechetical materials, reassess how you present them. Emphasize their necessity rather than framing them as optional.

b. Seek Time-Tested Materials: If materials in your own tradition are not available, explore well-established resources that align with your church's confession. Develop a simple plan for teaching both children and adults the basics of the Christian faith while stressing the importance of counter-catechizing.

Pastors Must Shepherd Their Churches in these areas:

1. Awareness of Worldly Catechizing: Are the members of your church aware of how the world is aggressively catechizing them?

2. Esteem for Catechism and Discipleship: Do members value the church's efforts in catechesis and discipleship as crucial components of their spiritual development and resilience?

3. Fathers take the lead. Are the fathers in the church being equipped in such a way that they can lead their families in catechetical instruction at home?

4. Church Practices: What catechism and discipleship initiatives does your church currently have in place?

5. Areas for Improvement: Are there specific areas where you believe your church could enhance its efforts in fostering counter-catechizing and spiritual growth?

[1] Puritan Evangelism, 65.