“Catechetical training is as basic as asking good questions and expecting good answers. Quite simply, catechizing is the asking of set questions and the listening to set responses. There is not a lot of glamor to it, is there? However, when you press the concept a bit, you will find some encouragement. Most people associate catechism with instruction that comes through asking questions out loud.
The word catechism derives from the Greek word katecheo, which provides us with another helpful image. Indeed, it is a word with some beauty as an image for training our children in the faith. It is the combination of two Greek words. Kata is a word that generally means ‘down’ or ‘down towards’ You probably recognize the other word, echeo, meaning ‘to sound.’ We are familiar with the English word echo, which indicates a sound that repeats itself as it resonates.This is exactly how the catechism works. You ask a theological question, and then you wait for your child to sound back the answer. This is a hopeful idea when it comes to teaching our children. Isn't this exactly what we want? Don't we want the truth of Scripture to echo in the hearts of our children? As we ‘sound down’ the truth of our Lord, we hope that this same sound will echo back in the hearts and lives of our covenant loved ones. Isn't that great! We want the truth of God's word to resonate in the souls of our children.”
For the rest of this article on Kids, Catechism and Character, see New Horizons magazine
We have the tendency to treat catechism class in our reformed churches much like a needle point class. Yawnsville. What about hand motions? What about Paste the Pastor? What about rhyme? What about a song? What about relay races? What about Pen, Lose or Draw? What about Catch-it, Cat?
At the end of the day, our goal is to have dialogue, sounding back and forth, with children about God’s truth. Different forms of communication, along with games and fun can set the stage for conversations and learning.
G. Mark Sumpter
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