Catechism: The Small Catechism for Evangelism

By Rev. William M. Cwirla

We’re taking a bit of a break from studying the parts of the Small Catechism to talk about a use for the catechism that many people don’t realize: evangelism tool. Now, when I say “Small Catechism,” of course, I don’t mean that blue- or burgundy-colored book with 300 or so questions and answers and lots of Bible verses. That’s the Small Catechism with Explanation. And while that’s a very good book and useful for teaching, reference, and study, it isn’t the sort of thing one just hands out to anyone. They’re kind of expensive, for one thing.

What I’m talking about is the actual Small Catechism as Martin Luther wrote it for the heads of families to teach the Christian faith to their households. It’s the catechism most of us learned by heart at some point in our lives as Lutherans. Concordia Publishing House sells them in packs of a dozen for $5. That’s less than fifty cents a copy.

Think about what the Small Catechism essentially is: everything that a Christian should know about his or her salvation in Jesus in a simple, compact form. Christianity 101. The Rock Bottom Basics. Look at the three chief parts of the Small Catechism: The Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Our Father. Sin, God, and Prayer. That’s an afternoon of great conversation right there.

What does God desire of us? What does “fear, love, and trust in God above all things” look like? Why do we say we are “sinners”? The Ten Commandments cover everything concerning our hearts, heads, and hands—what we say, do, think, desire—you name it. We should fear and love God so that we don’t this and do that. It covers God’s Name, Word, authority, human life, sexuality, property, reputation, desire. All of human life in all its fallenness is laid out like a spiritual MRI diagnosing our sinful condition.

The Apostles’ Creed.

Who is God and what does He do? The Creed summarizes the great mystery of the God in His “triunity” – three Persons, one Being. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And it describes God’s three great works: creation, redemption, and sanctification. God is our Maker, Provider, and Protector. He is our Redeemer in the Son who died and rose to save us from sin, death, and hell. And He is our Sanctifier who, by His Spirit, makes us holy with the gifts of Christ in His Church.

Personally, I think the Small Catechism’s meaning of the Second Article is the greatest personal testimony you can give to the world:

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

Who can improve on that? Memorize it, make it your own, and you’ll never be tongue-tied when someone asks you what it means to be a Christian. And be sure to tell them that the same Jesus who saved you also died and rose to save them, too.

The Our Father.

It’s the perfect prayer, taught by God the Son Himself. And it’s the perfect platform for prayer with its seven petitions that cover everything about which we need to pray: God’s name, kingdom, and will, our daily bread, forgiveness, protection from the devil, world, and our flesh, and our final deliverance in our own blessed death and resurrection. There is a lifetime of prayer in the Our Father. It’s like the whole book of Psalms in seven little petitions.

Then we come to the second section of the catechism that teaches us how salvation comes to us in Holy Baptism, Holy Absolution, and the Lord’s Supper. It’s one thing to talk about God; quite another thing to talk about how and where God comes to us and saves us. It’s also a great opportunity to invite others come to church and see and hear for themselves. Here is God in Christ for you!

Finally, there is the last part on Daily Prayer and the Table of Duties. This is real, everyday, ordinary life under the cross of Jesus. It covers morning, noon, and night as we go about our vocations in our homes, in society, in our congregations.

This treasure comes in 22 little pages that easily fit in your pocket and cost less than fifty cents apiece. Keep a few handy by the front door for the next time the Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormon missionaries come knocking. Have a couple in your car, pocket, or purse. Learn and relearn it by heart for yourself so you that can explain to others what you believe.

This year is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. It’s been 500 years since Martin Luther first went public with his 95 Theses. But of all the things that were written and said in the Reformation, the crown jewel continues to be that little Small Catechism. What better way to celebrate the 500th anniversary than to hand one of these to anyone who asks what the fuss is all about!

Rev. William M. Cwirla is the pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hacienda Heights, California, and is a president emeritus of Higher Things. He can be reached at wcwirla@gmail.com.