Fontes Press presents Internalizing the Faith: A Pilgrim’s Catechism, part of the 100-level volumes in our Ministry and Discipleship Guides series.
The MDG series intends to provide practical, concise tools that allow for 1-on-1 or small group discipleship. Our first volume, Grounded in the Faith, provides short 2-3 page expositions of each section of the Apostles’ Creed. For each section, read it aloud with a disciple over coffee for 5 minutes, discuss the questions for 10 minutes, then enjoy that brew and chat about life for the next 45 minutes.
Once disciples are ‘Grounded in the Faith,’ they need to begin ‘Internalizing the Faith.’ Scripture tells us that the reason he gave the church Spirit-empowered shepherd-teachers was that we might all grow into mature believers, “so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Eph 4:14).
It is imperative, then, that discipleship doesn’t stop with the basics.
You don’t have to use a catechism, but use something! Keep meeting, keep learning, keep praying, keep teaching.
But why not use a catechism? This new catechism from pastor Brandon Burks provides succinct, yet theologically rich answers to important theological questions, as well as some timely contemporary issues. If you’re a ‘low church’ person like me, you might struggle with catechisms, but I can honestly say that it sparked some good conversations about doctrine with those who proof-read it alongside me.
After reviewing many of the questions in Internalizing the Faith, one person who has never used a catechism before said, “I think I’m motivated to study catechisms and doctrine more now.” Praise God! The same can be true of your disciples as well.
But don’t take it from us. Here’s the evaluation of Tom Nettles, retired Professor of Church History at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary:
“Brandon Burks has composed a fine, insightful catechism. In several questions he addresses issues of contemporary importance that composers of older catechisms may have been unable to anticipate. A person who memorizes this catechism will have a good foundation for a lifetime of growth in the Christian life.”
(Read more endorsements here.)
So get started! Grab a catechism and a disciple and start meeting together, bearing each others’ burdens, praying for each other, and Internalizing the Faith.
