Catechizing Kids—Get on Board or You'll Get Left Behind!
by Sue Jakes

Question! What comes in a small booklet, sets forth a summary of Bible doctrine, and is written in question-answer format? Buzz-zzz. That's correct. A catechism.

Catechizing, or systematically teaching the basics of knowing and trusting God, is catching on in a big way. The catechism is the "Come-back Kid" in many Presbyterian and Reformed congregations and families. It seems that this new surge of interest is like a train running down the track, picking up more and more passengers along the way. Kids' Quest Catechism Club is a resource of in-depth biblical teaching. It is fueling the engines of this old Iron Horse, helping churches to focus on two very important aspects of nurturing our children.

First, when we catechize, our teaching is organized to cover the basic topics of creation, providence and salvation. And second, this method of teaching usually promotes memory work—a "hiding in the heart" of Scripture and sound doctrine. But what's catching on in churches beyond the fundamentals of teaching and memory work is a full-fledged Bible club program that enhances our shepherding ministry to the covenant and non-covenant home. This Iron Horse is looking more and more like the Silver Bullet! The program includes components of singing, Bible teaching, catechism instruction, memory work, crafts, games, family reinforcement take-home papers, home visitation, and service projects.

So get in line at the ticket counter. I think we will see this Catechism Choo-Choo keep chugging down the tracks, picking up speed across North America. Let us help you and your church get on board with quality learning for covenant children, evangelism among non-covenant children and family-based nurture.

Sue Jakes is the Children's Ministry Coordinator of the Presbyterian Church in America.

Teach children Bible truths through simple questions and answers

Kids' Quest Catechism Club is a 36-week program designed for use with preschool through elementary aged students and integrates teaching times, music, games, art, written activities and repetition to help children memorize and understand First Catechism questions and answers.

KIDS' QUEST is age-appropriate, offering two levels:

	Beginning	Elementary
Age Divisions	4-5 years old	1st-4th grades
Optional Ages	3 years old through 1st grade	1st-6th grades
First Catechism questions covered	First 46 questions (1-2 questions per lesson)	All questions (150) (4-5 questions per lesson)

This curriculum is flexible and may easily be modified for each church's needs. The program promotes memorization and understanding. As children grow to adulthood, they will better understand the theological truths they have already committed to memory.

Most importantly, the goal of Kids' Quest is that each child would develop a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and grow deeper in their walk with the Lord.

Kids' Quest may be used in many different settings:

Kids' Quest will help build a biblical foundation for your childrens' faith!

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