As anyone who has read this blog for any length of time knows, a good percentage of our church has never attended church before (I like that, we are not doing a lot of 'sheep-stealing').
With that make-up comes a wonderful opportunity -- to teach these young/new believers the foundational principles of our faith without having to fight through a lot of bad teaching. (I do not think that we have all the answers, but some who have attended had come from environments where Bible preaching, or explanation of the gospel had never occurred).
When a new believer is taught the foundations right out of the chute, they can spot bad doctrine a mile away.
I was pleasantly surprised recently when a relatively new convert related to me how she had been required to explain -- to much more 'mature' Christians in her college class -- that the Bible was actually the Word of God, and clearly addressed a discussion they were having -- (they were discussing how one knew the Bible's stance on several social issues).
She said --"why is it that these people who have attended church for much longer than I have were unaware of the Bible's position?". Sadly, I had to tell her that in quite a few churches in the area they do not use the Bible on Sundays. her answer was priceless -- "Well, what do they talk about then?"
Out of the mouth of babes!
Anyway, we have begun a new believers class, taught by a wonderful, mature, man of God. He is using as his 'new believers curriculum', the Westminster Catechism, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the way the folks are taking to it! I know that this is not news to many out there, but I had felt in the past that this might be too much too quick.... I WAS WRONG! As Voddie Baucham says -- Catechize, Catechize, Catechize!
So, to many who are just developing a 'New Believers' Curriculum, I would highly suggest this Westminster Catechism.
We have been blessed by this, and I have learned a valuable lesson -- Do not underestimate (sad to say that I had) the power of God's Word!
7 comments:
Interesting...
Is that interesting good, bad, or "What a dingbat you are Ray"?
Probably the latter as you know this stuff cold -- working in an outreach church I have learned a lot of things the hard way...
Good stuff. And good picture. You're seven feet tall, aren't you?
Just shy of that Bugs.... :-)
Again, I will be in Kanata in a few weeks, you could simply make the 6+ hour trip to see me, that is, if you cared! LOL....
Just shy of that??? The Ray Harper I know is more than seven feet tall.
I work with a few Presbyterians and they often tell me how that were catechized as children from the Westminster. They are able to explain what they believe better than most I know.
I was raised Presby and thanks to both my parents and my pastor and learned the Shorter Cat. and found Christ. I cannot overemphasize how important it is to "know what you believe." The WSC (and the Larger Cat. also) accomplishes this goal.
Daveinlewisvile
Intersting as in good show ole' boy, and also as in well, duh...but overall, good show ole boy....he he he....
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