Catechism Classes

Rev. Prof. K. Runia. Trowel & Sword. Jan/Feb. 1965

Preamble: This is the third instalment of John Westendorp’s look back through time in 1995, “This Month in Trowel And Sword History” and he found that thirty years earlier, in the Jan/Feb. 65 edition, Prof. K. Runia wrote this article about Catechism classed. In it Runia asked, “Do WE still realise the importance of this work?” Today, in 2025 we could ask the same question. How many churches still conduct catechism classes for their younger members; and of those that do, how many are still run by the minister? It would not surprise me if many would say, “We no longer need them because we now have Christian Schools.” The counter argument would be that Christian Schools do not teach the things we learned in catechism classes. So, are we, as a Church, still fulfilling the promise we make every time a child is baptised to help in the upbringing of that child in the Lord? In 1965 Prof. Runia thought it was of vital importance. Do we?

Catechism Classes

About this time of the year catechism classes commence again in all our churches. In the churches of the Reformed tradition this aspect of church work has always been regarded as of the greatest importance. In fact, it has been one of the main reasons for the strength of these churches.

It is one of the greatest weaknesses of many Australian churches that they have neglected this work. In most cases the churches leave the instruction of the children largely to the Sunday school and afterwards to the youth clubs. Recently a Church of England minister told me that in most Anglican churches the young people, at the age of 13 or 14, receive some basic instruction during SIX WEEKS prior to their confirmation. This is all the official teaching they receive! As an Evangelical this minister insisted on a training period of six months, but, said he, “I cannot possibly keep them any longer”.

Do WE still realise the importance of this work? The young people of today are the church of tomorrow. What will this church be like? Will it be a vigorous, dedicated church, well aware of its riches, well instructed in the doctrine of the Scriptures, well prepared for its witnessing task to the world around it? The answer depends on the work of today! For this reason it may be good for us all to give some thought to this work at the beginning of the new year. We mention the following points.

1. The minister should always keep in mind the REAL PURPOSE of this work. The first aim is not to impart cold facts merely to be memorised but rather to share with the young people the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus for their eternal salvation and unto the glory of God.

2. For this reason the teaching should be charged with ENTHUSIASM AND CONVICTION. Children immediately feel whether the minister does his work with a warm heart ,or whether it is a matter of mere routine. Enthusiasm and conviction are not TAUGHT but CAUGHT. The love for the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s self-revelation in Him should burn in the heart and words of the minister. He should make it crystal clear to the young people why we are REFORMED, and in connection with this also why the establishment and continuation of our Churches were and are a necessity. These matters should be impressed on their minds, when they are still wide open for such impressions. And these convictions must be communicated with LOVE. Love is contagious, but – it will last only when it is based on a solid foundation of knowledge and appreciation.

3. The minister should PREPARE HIMSELF carefully and painstakingly. This applies equally to the young, inexperienced and to the old, experienced minister. There is perhaps no greater danger for catechism work than the idea: “I know how to do it, therefore I can skip preparation”. At the beginning of the year the minister should have ready a working plan for the whole year. In fact this should be part of a much wider plan that covers the whole period of catechetical instruction say from the age of 12 – 20). The plan should be concentrical, so that throughout the years the material is studied in ever wider compass. Personally I prefer a working plan based on the Heidelberg Catechism. I still  believe that the practical approach of our Catechism (what is your only comfort? what does it profit you? etc.) is the best starting point for a really spiritual discussion. In this way we will not only deal with the doctrines of our faith, but also with the ethical implications (the Ten Commandments) and the devotional aspects the Lord’s Prayer).

The minister should further aim at an ACTIVE PARTICIPATION of his class in the work. It might be helpful to prepare two or three questions, which the young people discuss among themselves during the last quarter of an hour. In our youth clubs and camps we use this method and it proves to be very helpful in getting them all ‘engaged’ and ‘involved’. Anyhow, let every minister examine his own method and ask himself, whether it needs any revision. Once again, keep clear of routine!

4. We should insist on REGULAR ATTENDANCE. Here the parents have a great task. Do not be tricked by your children, when they complain about schoolwork or other duties. In most cases it is nothing else than an excuse. Remember what you promised at the baptismal font: “to instruct these children… and cause them to be instructed…”. Ministers should have cards to be sent to parents every time a boy or girl is absent without notice. I did this in one of my congregations in Holland and within two months the attendance of my catechism classes jumped from 50% to 95%! And it stayed there too!

At this point I also mention the duty of the session members to visit the classes regularly. At the beginning of the year a schedule should be prepared. Every elder should attend at least one of the classes once a year. The minister should appreciate this and encourage it. Catechetical instruction is actually the work of the whole session!  Why not at the same time make a schedule to visit the youth clubs?

5. Catechism work is the ‘school work’ of the church. This means that the young people should have a fixed portion of HOMEWORK every week. I do not mind in what form it is given, as long as it is being done. Our boys and girls will never take this work seriously, if they have nothing to do for it. Let a minister use a book that contains questions to be studied (and answered in writing!) at home, or let him prepare questions. Exercise books are still rather cheap. And let the parents see to it that this work is done at home. If the minister finds out that the children neglect this work, he should again inform the parents, e.g., by a printed notice. I can guarantee him that this works miracles!

6. All this work should be surrounded by PRAYER. The minister should never commence a catechism class without first having prepared himself in personal prayer. In our homes we should offer prayer for it. In this way our boys and girls know that we carry it on our hearts.

7. Finally, let us all READ Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and 20-25, and Ps. 87:1-8.

K. Runia

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