The New City Catechism
Pastor Mike
Every day in this world is a new adventure. Some days are filled with laughter and joy, while other days seem impossible to bear. Whether we encounter goodness or grief, our hope is found in who God is and how he relates to us. But, how will we remember the important truths about God and his care for us when we need it most?
Of course, we read, study, and memorize Scripture. We pray God’s word back to him. We discuss biblical applications with one another in the church family. We evangelize and have gospel conversations with others. Yet, there are some biblical truths about God and how he relates to us that are worth learning and remembering in an even more intentional and structured way. For this, a catechism may be used.
A catechism (meaning teaching or instruction) is a framework for studying the Bible in an organized way that emphasizes core, summarized truths about God and his relationship to the world. Catechisms encapsulate biblical teachings in an understandable manner, generally in a question & answer format. The foundation for catechisms is the proper observation, interpretation, and application of Scripture.
Depending on your church background, you may already be familiar with the concept of a catechism. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he writes: “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches” (Galatians 6:6). The Greek word for “the one who is taught” is katechoumenos, which means, one who is catechized. Paul is talking about a grouping of Christ-centered, biblical doctrine that was taught to them by a teacher, who is the catechizer. So, the word catechism simply means teaching or instruction. In the church, we refer to catechism as the teaching of Christian doctrine or theology.
It is important to note that a catechism is not equivalent to the Bible; rather, it is a theological summary of what theologians believe to be core truths from Scripture. Many catechisms have been written throughout church history; however, several years ago Crossway, in partnership with The Gospel Coalition, published a catechism called The New City Catechism, which was adapted from Calvin’s Geneva Catechism, the Westminster Shorter and Larger catechisms, and the Heidelberg Catechism. The New City Catechism provides 52 questions & answers about God and his relationship with his people. It is divided into three parts: (1) God, creation and fall, law; (2) Christ, redemption, grace; and, (3) Spirit, restoration, growing in grace. Although The New City Catechism does not represent everyone’s nuanced theological leaning, it largely reflects Pastor Mike‘s and Pastor George’s biblical teachings at Sunday morning worship services.
FBC & THE NEW CITY CATECHISM
At Sunday worship services, starting January 12, 2025, FBC will read a question & answer from The New City Catechism each week. We will do this for several purposes:
Unity in Doctrine – The New City Catechism is an accessible tool for our church to learn doctrine without necessarily reading thick, bulky theological works that are difficult to understand because they were written decades or centuries ago. Although it is not meant to replace, add to, or compete with FBC’s doctrinal statement, The New City Catechism is structured in such a way that it will bring our church together around some core truths of Scripture.
Being Equipped for Life – As I alluded to as I opened this article, studying the important truths about God and how he relates to the world equips us for everyday life. By learning biblical doctrine and theology together, we are “training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16b-17).
Discussion – We grow in our knowledge of Christ and application of the gospel when we communicate—listening and expressing thought—in caring conversation with others. This may happen in a life group, in a Bible study, in the lobby before or after worship services, or when gathering with friends for meals in homes. My hope is that The New City Catechism will foster meaningful conversations with one another about biblical doctrine and theology so that we grow together in Christ.
Modeling What’s Important – By giving our time, effort, and attention to The New City Catechism, we are modeling for one another—and especially for the kids and teens of FBC—what is most important in life. That is: to treasure God and love others. Paul says, “for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
A Tool for Learning Scripture
Of course, The New City Catechism is not a Bible-substitute; rather, it is a tool that we are using to help us understand some key teachings in Scripture. You should continue opening and reading God’s word each day as a primary way of treasuring God and learning to love others.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
If you would like, we invite you to practice reciting or memorizing each week’s question & answer at home with your family, in your life group, or with a couple of friends. You can follow along by downloading the free app on your phone or tablet. You can also purchase a copy of The New City Catechism wherever Christian books are sold. The New City Catechism has been published in various forms: a simple question & answer book (black book cover), a devotional (white book cover), and a shorter kids version. FBC will follow along with the content on the New City Catechism app.