Catechisms

In this volume, nine leading Lutheran scholars examine the theological, historical and educational foundations of confirmation ministry in the ELCA. Confirmation: Engaging Lutheran Foundations and Practices arms leaders with the creativity and innovation to meet the challenges of confirmation ministry. This book identifies the key issues and concerns of today's confirmation ministry planners and deepens the educators' commitment to teaching the Lutheran faith to people of all ages--especially adolescents--in a way that is Gospel and grace-centered. New patterns have emerged in congregational practices of confirmation ministry, adolescent research has yielded new insights for teachers, several catechetical curricula have been published, and ecumenical conversations have progressed and demand attention. A new generation of teachers and leaders has arisen and is asking for an in-depth look at confirmation today. And here it is. This book is alive -- alive with a vibrancy of excitement about ministry with youth and, above all, confirmation ministry. This is a book that is theoretical and practical, paying attention to the variety of contemporary practices in congregations and yet holding a solid continuity with the past heritage of the church. It answers questions such as: What's happening in congregational confirmation ministry today? Why do we have confirmation? What is it? How might we think about confirmation ministry in our own congregation? The spirit of lively energy that permeates the chapters will engage readers in reflecting on their own role in confirmation ministry. And if this encourages them to become more deeply involved and reinvigorates them in their teaching and pastoral ministry to youth, if it moves them to prayer and to action and to wonder at the confirming grace of God in the lives of the baptized, then this book will have done its work.

"I pray the catechism every day . . . and ask God to keep me in his dear, holy Word, lest I grow weary of it."

-Martin Luther

A wellspring of hope, comfort, and encouragement, Luther's Small Catechism has served as a devotional for centuries. Families and individuals have relied on the simple truths presented there to guide their time spent in the Word and prayer.

This special edition builds on its historical use and enhances its Gospel-centered message. Each section of the catechism is supplemented with a related quote from Luther, and a short devotion from a contemporary author connects the catechetical writing with daily life.

An easy-to-use resource for teaching the faith in a simple way. Colorful icons and illustrations guide children through each tenet of faith as encouraged in Luther's Small Catechism. Older elementary-aged students will be able to read and study concepts from the 2017 Explanation of the catechism in developmentally appropriate terms and in a way they understand.

Martin Luther wrote the catechism as a teaching tool of Christian doctrine and faith and families. It is a powerful tool for the Christian life because of it's own brief, clear summary of God's Word on the essentials of the Christian faith. Students of Lutheran theology look to the Luther's Small catechism for a concise presentation of the Six Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine written by Luther, and an explanation of Luther's Small Catechism for further clarification and study. The new narrative and reflective elements of the explanation section will appeal to those who want to learn more about Lutheran doctrine. The Sprial bound Edition includes the same written content of the 2017 edition. The Spiral Bound Edition lays flat when open, allowing it to remain open to a desired page, and includes margins wide enough to make note-taking easy.

Help catechism students dig deeper. As readers learn Martin Luther's foundational teachings in the Small Catechism, this volume will encourage them to go further in their doctrinal knowledge by studying the Large Catechism.

Written by Luther in 1529, the Small and Large Catechisms provide a clear summary of God's Word on the essentials of the Christian faith. This edition combines the two catechisms and includes the woodcuts found in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions. Lutherans from confirmation age on up will want this standard reference edition in their libraries. The book makes a great gift for pastors and students.

That little book called Luther's Small Catechism is the one you see stacked in church classrooms and tucked under teenage arms, filled with their scribbles and spiritual growth. Decades later, the same small book is often collecting dust on shelves in Christian homes around the world.

Praying Luther's Small Catechism invites you, your family, and the church to return to the riches of this treasure. Beyond its purpose as a handbook and outline of Christian teachings, Luther's Small Catechism is also a prayer book for every age. Not a textbook, a homework assignment, or a friend for children only.

Far from limiting and restricting your prayer life, Luther's Small Catechism anchors you in God's Word where the expansive skies of His mercy in Christ are wide and wonderfully never-ending. The carefully written words of the catechism offer both depth and simplicity for your meditation, accessible to the beginner learning the ABCs and valuable for stirring the hearts and minds of the wisest.

Journey through the Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism as well as the Daily Prayers and Table of Duties, and discover how these scripturally sound words (2 Timothy 1:13) shape our praying for a lifetime.