A catechism is a collection of biblical doctrines, assembled into a question-and-answer format. The term comes from the New Testament word katecheo, which simply means “to teach or instruct.”

The process of catechesis has rich Reformation roots. Martin Luther, John Calvin, and other Reformers endeavored to catechize both children and adults in order to combat doctrinal ignorance and biblical illiteracy. This biblically derived process has proven hugely influential at critical points in the history of the church.

We believe the church needs this ancient practice more than ever to equip Christ’s people to stand fast in the face of an ever-changing, often hostile culture.

Catechize Children

Children are constantly learning. Their inquiring minds soak up information at a spectacular rate. They are trying to make sense of a complex and ever-changing world, seeking to acquire the skills to survive—and even thrive—in life. As they learn, a framework of understanding is established in their minds. This is called a worldview. All children and adults observe and interact with the world through their personal worldview. It is a thrilling and great responsibility to raise children and shape their understanding of the world, how it works, and their unique purpose in it.

To catechize children is to give them a coherent and extensive system of thought that equips them to confidently interpret the world and their experiences in the world through a biblical framework. It also nurtures in children a love for and understanding of the essential doctrines for the Christian faith. To catechize children is to lay deep and strong biblical foundations for a lifetime of faith.

Develop Virtue

The New City Catechism Curriculum is designed to help children not only learn sound doctrine but also to learn how to respond to it and live it out in their lives. Each lesson in The New City Catechism has a Virtue Vision covering one of ten Christian virtues that connects in some way with the catechism question. The virtues are Awe, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Honesty, Hope, Humility, Joy, Love, Perseverance, and Trust. The emphasis and intention of The New City Catechism Curriculum is to shape and affect the hearts of the children who engage with each lesson, with the hope that the catechism will contribute greatly to the nurture of godly, mature, and virtuous young men and women.

This is definitely not about behavior modification, but rather helping children to respond with keen heart awareness to God’s Word as they encounter it in and through the catechism and curriculum. The curriculum seeks to develop in children a mature Christian character, shaped by Scripture, that will be countercultural and striking in our world. By cultivating the capacities for character in both the heart and mind, this curriculum prepares children to love God and others. (For more information and research on faith and virtue development in children, visit newcitycatechism.com/virtue.)

Our Wednesday Night Clubs are designed to guide children through the New City Catechism (NCC) in a structured yet engaging way. Every class studies the same Question and Answer at the same time, providing a unified learning experience. Each grade level will explore the 52 Questions and Answers over two years, ensuring age-appropriate understanding. For example, a child starting in Kindergarten will journey through the Catechism three times by 5th grade, deepening their comprehension with each round.