September 23, 2009 by admin.

How long should your sessions be?

The short answer is “As long as they need to be.”

Series I Lessons were originally developed in a class setting using a one-hour format. This format allowed 5 minutes for opening prayer and devotion, 5 minutes for memory and Sermon Report review, 5 minutes to review quizzes, 40 minutes for the class presentation outlines, and 5 minutes for closing prayer/devotion and casuistry.

Over the years, the material has been used with large groups, small groups and individuals. The strength of the materials is that they are FLEXIBLE while also providing a definite direction for teaching. That is my experience. It’s also what the majority of users also report as they use the materials.

Enjoy the direction, focus…and flexibility SmallCatechism.org offers!

SDG

Tom 

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September 23, 2009 by admin.

NT Bible Summaries are another important tool for spiritual transformation and growth.

Introduce these without legalism. Instead, take a few minutes of class time to do the first part of the Bible Summary for Matthew.

Remind confirmands they don’t have to read the entire Gospel. All that is needed is a short phrase (not even a sentence) which captures (in the shortest form possible) the content needed for the answer.

Each NT Bible Summary should take no longer than 10 minutes. The only up-front objective for NT Bible Summaries is to get confirmands comfortable with opening up a Bible and getting an initial exposure to its content. Let the Holy Spirit do the rest. As the Spirit works in the Word, you’ll be amazed how students will comment on their reading…or even begin reading the Bible on their own.

God bless your catechesis! 

SDG

 Tom

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September 17, 2009 by admin.

One of the objectives I have for confirmands is to build fellowship between them and their families.

Whether your confirmation classes are large or small, we all share this challenge.

I would like to suggest that, in addition to whatever youth activies you may have, that your confirmation ministry structure experiences for parents, confirmands and their families to build community in Christ. Such activies can range from mini-golf, bowling, or a Christian movie night. Of course, they can invite their friends (an opportunity for more ministry points!).

This can be easy to implement. At the Confirmation orientation meeting, simply ask parents to host one event each year. Parents can work in teams if they choose. Ask them to select a month in which they would like sponsor the activity.

Then, at least 4 weeks in advance, have them provide the location, time and nature of the activity for publicity. Be mindful of cost-prohibitive activities and of any travel liability that may be necessary. I generally have the activities held at or near the church to avoid travel liability. Participants, then, are “on their own” for travel.

Does it work? Of course! Parents don’t mind helping out on this one-time basis. The activities may be on Saturdays or Sundays and last about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Give it a try. It’s a real “Win-Win” for the families, your church and the Lord!

BTW, if you’d like a sample of the form I use, please feel free to contact me.

God bless your catechetical ministry!

Pastor Tom

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September 17, 2009 by admin.

One of the early lessons in SC.org’s “Series One” is the history of Luther. As Reformation approaches, perhaps you might take an opportunity to visit one of the historical Lutheran churches in your area.

Holy Trinity Lutheran is one of the historical churches of Detroit. Confirmands and families enjoy the field trip to this restored “mother Church” of Detroit. There are other old Lutheran churches and Lutheran sites in Detroit, too. The old West Bethlehem Lutheran Church, for example, is now the home site for LATINO, a Lutheran Hispanic Outreach to Michigan. This will be the site of our annual field trip this year.

Perhaps there are churches in your area (or perhaps your own) which have a rich history. I find that students appreciate knowing and exploring their Lutheran roots in a hands-on manner. It can be a great weekend experience!

Pastor Tom 

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September 17, 2009 by admin.

The online quizzes for the online lessons are in development. Access is free for 2009 subscribers. Thanks for your patience as we develop this exciting part of www.SmallCatechism.org.

 God bless your catechesis!

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September 14, 2009 by admin.

SmallCatechism.org encourages teaching prayer at the very first session. Introduce the A.C.T.S. acronymn and have them identify what each of the letters mean (e.g. “A”-Adoration, “C”-Confession, “T”-Thanksgiving, “S”-Supplication).

Then have them write two short one-sentence prayers for each of the letters in class. After they share them, assign them to do four short-one sentence prayers for homework. Let them know they will share it in class.

During the sharing, break the group into smaller groups of 3-5. In each group, have them go around the group reading one of their one-sentence prayers. After each has shared, have them go around the group and share their second prayer, etc.

Then assign each of them to do two prayers for the following week, using 2 of the four letters in A.C.T.S. When they return to class, begin the class by breaking into small groups. Have each individual share one of their two prayers in the group.

The exciting thing that begins to happen after 2-3 weeks is that the confirmands become comfortable writing prayers and leading the group in prayer.  In order to reinforce this new praying skill, assign confirmands who will begin the class with prayer and others who will close it in prayer. In larger classes, break each class into small groups and have one person from each group lead the prayer at the beginning and end of class.

SDG

TF

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September 14, 2009 by admin.

Be sure to consider SC.org’s ”Ministry Points” program. This is a remarkable tool to help encourage Church and SS attendance, as well as participation in other areas of ministries, too.

Suggestion: Don’t limit the choices to the items listed on the Ministry Points form. Let the confirmands disover, experiment and enjoy new experiences and new growth in ministry.

SDG

TF

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