Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice

Now more than ever, faith communities need to engage in what the early church called catechesis: basic but comprehensive instruction in what Christians believe, hope, and love.

The early church stressed the importance of teaching core tenets of the Christian faith. Over time, however, many churches have lost sight of what catechesis is and how to practice it effectively. As a result, believers today often lack the theological, spiritual, and moral foundations needed to remain firmly grounded in Christ in the midst of personal and cultural struggles.

To meet this need, theologian Alex Fogleman has written Making Disciples—an introduction to catechesis that is engaging, informative, and pastoral. Fogleman explains that catechesis focuses less on current fashions and hot topics and more on the basic building blocks of thinking, praying, and living as a Christian. It is distinct from evangelism in that it goes beyond the proclamation of the gospel; it is distinct from preaching in that it prioritizes basic understanding of Christian belief and practice. Put simply, catechesis is a process of forming lifelong followers of Christ. Making Disciples provides rich insights and practical resources for incorporating catechesis into the life of the church today.