Catechism Instruction (2)

Rev. C.A. Van Dieren, Rijssen, the Netherlands

Catechism instruction and the parents

It is likely that we frequently forget that many office bearers wrestle with the solemnity of giving catechetical instruction. Every week there is a looking up against the responsibility of being busy with the youth of the congregation. There can be many reasons for such concern.

The daily instruction of children in our schools is given by those who are teachers by vocation, but that is true for only a few of those who give catechetical instruction. The government has mandated that children go to school, but with catechism attendance we are dependent upon the cooperation of the students and the parents. In school, punishment can be meted out when classes are disrupted, but this rarely happens in catechism classes. It is a very striking occurrence when the entire group must be sent home without the proper closing of the lesson, which once happened to me.

In addition to that, children with learning disabilities sit in the same class next to gifted students. Although I am glad that some office bearers can with so much love and ability give catechism instruction to small groups who have learning disabilities, I am thankful that we do not make a difference in learning ability when giving catechism instruction; this instruction concerns itself with those things which are hidden from the wise and the prudent and can only be understood through the instruction and application of the Holy Ghost. It is good, therefore, that catechism instruction is given as simply as possible. Let it be done in everyday language without resorting to commonly used slang expressions so that respect is lost for what is being taught.

Another factor which plays a role is that the office bearer has to give this instruction in addition to his daily work along with a considerable amount of his time being taken up by other official tasks. We should avoid saying at the beginning of the class, however, “John, how far did we get last week?” It is likely that if this is the case, the instruction time will be filled with a lot of words. How sad, yes, even how irresponsible, for at such a time catechism instruction is devalued instead of awakening an interest in the hearts and minds of the youth because of the zeal of the instructor. The Apostle Paul admonishes us to covet earnestly the best gifts.

Soon after the time of the Reformation, the necessity of the church giving instruction to the youth was again underscored, and several different catechisms were drawn up. Catechetical instruction of children is a biblical mandate; therefore, we may also expect the Lord’s blessing upon this instruction. The Lord blesses those institutions which He has established. Let us never forget that the Lord works the greatest wonders with the smallest means. The eyes of the blind man were opened when Jesus anointed his eyes with clay. It is in this manner that He wishes to extend His kingdom by reaching the hearts of young people with the simplest instruction.

How important it is that the youth may know that they can come to the office bearers with their questions. Let us realize that our young people are confronted with many ideas and that they walk about with many questions.

This not only concerns the doctrine but also questions about everyday life. I know that young people can conduct themselves in an indifferent or critical manner, but it is better that we welcome this than to be afraid of it because this gives the opportunity to enter into a conversation with them. We really should not look at this as a threat. Try to see through the sincerity and, frequently, the uncertainty which lie behind the questions. This does not mean that the catechism session should conform itself to the issues of the day. It should not be like flashes of information from a reality show. On the contrary, it concerns those things which are far greater than those which are time-bound and are passing in nature. It is for this reason that the items and the questions under discussion should not take the upper hand.

It is also not necessary for the office bearer to have an answer for all of the questions that are placed before him. He will not lose any esteem by saying that he does not know the answer either. He earns much more respect when he honestly replies that he does not know. Then the catechism students will feel that the instructor is human just like they are. Never approach the youth with an attitude such as, “What do you know about this subject? I am the authority because I have studied about it.”

Preparation

If the instruction of young people in the doctrine is so important, then we may not neglect preparing ourselves. An instructor who does not prepare himself each week cannot ask a blessing from the Lord upon the instruction, for then he has forgotten the most important thing. He must be knowledgeable and have prepared for the subject matter which is to be discussed that day.

The youth must be instructed in both doctrine and life out of God’s Word. Woe to him who considers the unchangeableness of God’s infallible Word to be a matter for discussion or who declares it not to be relevant for today s world. The knowledge of the material should not only be objective but also subjective. We should expect from an office bearer that he will not only explain the subject but also how it is experienced. This does not mean that the time should only be filled with experimental subject matter and stories, yet the matter of the experience of these subjects cannot be neglected. It is possible that the instructor may be the only person from whom the young people will hear something of this; therefore, let them hear it and taste something of it.

Finally, the prayer of the instructor is of utmost importance. How blessed is the congregation where the needs of the young people are bound upon the heart of the instructor, where he has been on his knees before going to instruct the young people. Even the Great Teacher of Righteousness was not able to proceed without doing so. Who, then, of us can proceed without doing so?

The subject matter

I mentioned earlier that we should be concerned with the fact that a number of our young people have so little knowledge of God’s Word. I do not believe, however, that we should let this fact lead us to use the catechism instruction to only instruct the youth in some simple knowledge, for example, of biblical names, facts, or church history.

It should also not become a pleasant discussion regarding the happenings of the day. The church’s duty is in the first place to instruct in the doctrine as it is found in the Word of God. This is how the Reformation has established the catechetical instruction, and this is how we must continue. If we do not do so, we contribute to the lessening of the knowledge of the doctrine.

To receive knowledge, two things are necessary. The one who gives instruction must be well-grounded and have studied that which he must convey to the students. What we do not know or understand ourselves we cannot convey to others. If it will have value for the students, then it is not only necessary that they follow the lessons intently but that the lessons should also have been studied (at home).

The method

I know, of course, that it does not make sense to only learn things by rote without having an understanding of what it is that we are learning. This leads me to the certain conviction that the value of catechizing does not depend in the first place on which method is used but by the spirit with which the subject is presented. Is it done with a concerned heart, open for our young people and their questions, and with an upright love toward the Lord, His Word, and His service?

Our modern day youth also will quickly realize whether we just talk about these matters or whether we have some personal knowledge of the subject. An extensive knowledge or being well-spoken in everyday language must always take a back seat to the simplicity which is grounded in the fear of God. It is this which makes catechetical instruction so unique and timeless. This makes it possible to place the gifted student and the student who has difficulty learning the subject matter next to each other. It is not the level of understanding which is the determining factor but whether it is sanctified by the Holy Spirit. When we keep this in mind, we will take into consideration the talents which each person has received. The Lord expects that both the student and the instructor must learn the subject to the best of their ability, but it is a misconception to think that we can bring it further than the ear. To instruct someone in the doctrine is fundamentally different from bringing someone to true faith. In this respect we must also consider that our mandate is to plant and to water, but God alone can give the increase.

How necessary it is, especially in our days, to convey to the students the doctrines of Scripture, but no matter with how much love and compassion this work may be performed, they are no more than the means which the Lord Himself uses to lead to the knowledge of faith. Therefore, in addition to a thorough preparation, prayer for the working and application of God’s Spirit is indispensable. It is to God’s honor to perform the greatest wonders with the most meager means.

Rev. Hellenbroek

We rob the Holy Spirit of His honor if we are of the opinion that we can give our youth faith. Then we make the terrible mistake, which has already done so much damage in church life, of substituting historical faith for saving faith. Did not Christ say to the scribe who had answered discreetly, “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God”? With all his knowledge, Christ placed him outside. Is there then an objection to develop new methods for catechism instruction in our days? No, because Rev. Hellenbroek and others of his generation did that, also. We must, however, be honest and say what we intend to accomplish with these new methods, for if we will introduce changes in the doctrines, we take a great responsibility upon our shoulders. I am convinced that a compassionate office bearer who prayerfully prepares his lessons by asking for the help of God’s Spirit will also today find the method of Rev. Hellenbroek quite appropriate. Is there anything more beautiful than to explain the examples of godly truths out of the Scriptures to our young people?

I am thinking of an aged widow who still had the question book of Rev. Hellenbroek close at hand. When years ago Rev. Kersten instructed her out of this book, much of the essence of the contents was hidden for her. Now, however, she may testify how that the Lord had taught her those contents. Then we see the beauty and the timelessness of the doctrines shine forth.

I am deeply convinced that the question book of Hellenbroek lends itself best for those sixteen years and older and is an excellent preparation for the Confession of Faith classes. By learning from this book, students will be well-equipped to follow a scriptural-experiential preaching.

Rev. A. Hoogerland

For younger students, twelve years and older, I consider it a good idea to instruct them in the knowledge of the Heidelberg Catechism. In this way they also learn to better understand the catechism sermons. The late Rev. A. Hoogerland discerned the value of the Heidelberg Catechism when he was minister in Krabbendijke. In collaboration with the consistory, a booklet of questions and answers was prepared to go along with the catechism instruction. The composition of the answers was somewhat long and difficult, however.

It is for this reason that I am glad that his son, Rev. G. Hoogerland, and the consistory of Krabbendijke have taken this into consideration. The answers have become shorter and clearer, so they are easier to learn without having lost anything of the contents. In addition, this copy presents a much better appearance, and the consistory of Krabbendijkle has made it available at a reasonable cost. It is my heartfelt wish that also this work of the late Rev. A. Hoogerland, which is characterized by its simplicity, may be used to spread the riches of the catechism among our young people.

I say, though you cannot make the means of grace effectual, yet the Spirit of God can make the means you are capable of using effectual, and it is certain that your inability to do what is above your power in no way excuses you to do what is in your power.

— John Flavel

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