How Catechism Shapes Faith

What do you know about Apollos? If you have some familiarity with God’s word you may recognize the name, but the Bible doesn’t go into his life in great detail like other leaders in the early church.

In Acts 18:24 we read,

“Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.”

We know that Apollos preached the word and led in the early church, but if we keep reading in Acts 18, we see what led him to leadership:

“He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus.”

Apollos was eloquent and competent, and he taught clearly and accurately because he was instructed in the way of the Lord. He didn’t just “arrive” as a gifted leader. He was taught.

The Greek word used here for instructed can be transliterated katecheo and means to teach, to instruct, to inform. It’s where we get the word catechesis, which is the oral instruction of a catechism. We would define catechism as a book that summarizes religious doctrine in the form of questions and answers. Catechisms have been common throughout church history and used across every major denomination because of its useful learning technique.

Spurgeon said this of catechisms:

“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.”

Why Catechism Matters

Years ago, I created a catechism book for our church that is a summary of a few different catechisms. We currently use this book in our children’s ministry, but it could be a blessing to anyone of any age. Here are a few reasons why:

1. It summarizes basic doctrine.

It’s a great way to succinctly and fully summarize what the Bible teaches. Christians should all be students of God’s word, and the goal of every believer should be to consistently and faithfully read it from cover to cover. But it’s helpful when you have a bigger view of the entirety of Scripture. If you know the basics of what the Bible teaches, it brings context to what you are reading and gives you more depth in your journey through the word.

2. Doctrine is attached to scripture.

Every single question and answer have supporting scriptures that help shape how we know this answer is true. These doctrines are not man-made beliefs but are formed by what God’s word teaches. Whenever we learn something, we should be asking if this is true (see Acts 17:11) and since God’s word is the source of all truth, we can gain confidence the answers we are learning are worthwhile.

3. Verses to memorize.

We should be actively memorizing scripture. Each question and answer have a centralized Bible verse that supports the teaching. You can use this book as your starter on some of the most important verses to store in your heart and mind.

Practical Ways to Use Catechism

These are the blessings you could experience, but what are some practical ways this book could be used?

• If you have a child in our children’s ministry, you can help them walk through these catechisms for our Wednesday night kids program, Kids Club!

• You can use this book in your discipleship group as a way to cover basic doctrine and a chance to learn scripture together.

• Try this as an introduction in your small group time. There are enough to do one every week for over two years!

• Incorporate this guide into your family worship time. Do one or more per day and choose some to memorize as a family.

• If you have grandkids, use this as a simple way to pass on a legacy of faith.

  
  

How are you using this book? Add a comment and let us know how you are utilizing this book to increase your faith!

New for 2025-26

We have a new RED Catechism book that covers the same doctrines but simplifies the scripture memory verses. This new book is designed to be used with preschool and younger elementary.

-Pastor Jeff Kammerer