Throughout the history of the church, Christians have used catechisms. Catechisms are question and answer books that teach adults and children foundational Bible doctrines. This tool will be incredibly beneficial as you intentionally disciple your children. As parents, our responsibility is to pour God’s truth into our children deliberately. It is a vital aspect of parenting.

How to Use A New Baptist Catechism

The easiest way to use A New Baptist Catechism is for the parent to memorize one question and answer. When the parent learns the statement, it makes it the most flexible to use any different context. You can use it at the dinner table, on the drive to or from school. This tool for instruction works best when utilized in a conversation. These questions are flexible for both younger and older children. Younger children memorize the bold text. In comparison, older children memorize the complete question and answer. The next step would be to recite the scripture that goes with the question. It is best to learn it in pairs or as a family, enabling you to drill one another on the answers not only one at a time but once you have learned ten of them, then twenty of them, and so on.

1. Simple Routine. Once you know what you’re going to teach, you can get started! You can also begin going over a question and answer every day or week and move on once everyone has it memorized. If possible, learn the supporting scripture and reference for the answer as well.
2. Make It Fun! I recently heard of a family that handed out small pieces of chocolate when they correctly answered the question. They get another one when they can quote the scripture that goes along with the answer. You can use stickers, a round of applause, or some other reward system instead.

Memorization Tips

There are various ways to commit texts to memory, and some techniques suit individual learning styles better than others. Here are some steps that are helpful:

Why?

• Helps children to memorize and routinely state biblical truths
• Establishes firm beliefs that are built upon as study and understanding grow
• Provides countless touchpoints for parents to connect with their kids on essential issues of faith
• It helps parents solidify their own beliefs and what they want to teach their kids

As you begin to use this tool, remember what Jesus said in Matthew 9:13-15 ”let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”