Living in the Joy of Faith

The Christian Faith as outlined in the Heidelberg Catechism Catechism preaching—as we know it today— dates back to the time of the great Reformation. The Reformers wrote various “catechisms” which were to be used especially in the instruction of the youth of the Church, but this instruction soon developed into a full-fledged afternoon service. It should be noted, for example, that John Calvin in Geneva had the custom of teaching catechism classes at noon and that parents were required to bring their children and also to attend this instruction themselves! The Genevan Church Order stipulated that catechism instruction shall take place “in the presence of the Church”. In this way catechism instruction became catechism preaching. Similar practices developed in London and Heidelberg.

Bible and Reformed Confessions