The Need to Revive Catechism in Modern Evangelical Churches

The Need to Revive Catechism in Modern Evangelical Churches.



1. The Neglect of Catechism
One of the greatest weaknesses in modern evangelical churches is the neglect of catechism, a practice once central to Christian discipleship. Many churches today view catechism as an outdated, formalized tradition associated with Roman Catholicism, failing to recognize its deep historical roots and its essential role in grounding believers in biblical truth.

This misunderstanding has led many churches to abandon a vital tool for teaching sound doctrine. In doing so, they leave their members vulnerable to confusion and false teachings. Catechism is not merely a tradition — it’s a systematic way of equipping believers with a solid understanding of Scripture, enabling them to defend their faith with clarity and conviction.

2. The Strength of Catechetical Training
Recently, during street evangelism, I encountered a Seventh-day Adventist who confidently defended his works-based salvation doctrine. As I sought to disprove this unbiblical teaching, I realized he was well-equipped to defend his church's beliefs. His structured arguments were the result of thorough catechetical training — a practice still upheld by Adventists and Roman Catholics, equipping them to articulate and defend their doctrines effectively.

This encounter revealed the power of catechism in shaping well-grounded believers. Through systematic instruction, these groups prepare their members to present their beliefs with confidence — even when those beliefs are contrary to Scripture. It’s a stark contrast to the often shallow understanding of doctrine seen in many evangelical churches today.

3. The Historical and Biblical Roots of Catechism
The unfortunate reality is that most evangelical believers today lack this level of doctrinal clarity. Many assume that catechism is a Roman Catholic practice and fail to see its biblical and historical significance.

Historically, the Catechetical School of Alexandria (2nd century AD) was one of the first institutions to systematically educate new converts in Christian doctrine. This model of discipleship was later adopted by the early church fathers. During the Reformation, Martin Luther and John Calvin revived catechism to ensure believers understood and defended biblical truth. Luther’s Small Catechism and the Heidelberg Catechism were designed to instruct believers, strengthening their faith and preparing them to stand firm against falsehood.

4. The Danger of Doctrinal Ignorance
The conversation I had with the Seventh-day Adventist clearly illustrated the danger of neglecting catechism. While I stood firm on the authority of Scripture, I could see how easily an untrained believer could be swayed by well-prepared arguments rooted in false doctrine.

Without a strong foundation in sound doctrine, believers are left defenseless against deception. This is why churches must return to catechizing their members — not just children, but also new converts and long-time believers. Catechism provides the tools needed to distinguish truth from error, ensuring that faith is rooted in Scripture, not personal opinion or cultural trends.

5. The Call to Restore Catechism in the Church
Catechism is not a Roman Catholic practice — it is a biblical and historical method of grounding believers in truth. By teaching sound doctrine in a structured and systematic way, the church can raise up believers who know what they believe and why they believe it.

The time has come for evangelical churches to reclaim this essential practice. Only by doing so can we equip the body of Christ to stand firm in the faith, defend the gospel, and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~Kenneth


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