Getting Started
Many pastors and church leaders may be familiar with or have a catechism text, but are unsure how to begin using it effectively in their churches. This list will provide some of the most useful introductory material for beginning catechetical teaching in your church. Among the resources below you'll find a range of ecclesial sensibilities—from evangelical to catholic, from ancient to modern. There should be something here that will help you get catechetical teaching up and running.
J. I. Packer and Gary Parrett, Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way (2010)
J. I. Packer's "last campaign" has been to restore sound catechesis in the church, especially among evangelicals. This book emphasizes the biblical foundations of catechesis and the importance of the Gospel in orienting its practice. Much wisdom is to be found here. More about J. I. Packer on catechesis can be found at this link.
William Harmless, Augustine and the Catechumenate (1995, rev. 2014).
There aren’t many books like this one—academically rigorous, pastorally aimed, and lucidly written. Scholars admire the late Fr. Harmless's knowledge of Augustine, and catechists find in this book an engaging exposition of the ancient catechumenate that speaks to our own age. Fr. Harmless is also a great translator of Augustine, and his grasp of Augustine’s “musical” sense of language in catechetical instruction is something all teachers will appreciate. In 2011, he gave two presentations at Trinity School of Ministry on Augustine and the catechumenate, which can be found here.
Lee Nelson, "Getting Catechesis Back on Track"
Lee Nelson, an Anglican priest in Waco, TX, is a master catechist and member of the Anglican Task Force for Catechesis. A few years ago he wrote a series of blog posts on the building blocks of catechesis, the recovery of the ancient catechumenate, and how to create a “culture” of catechesis within the local church. For a shorter introduction to catechesis that is both inspirational and practical, this is one of the best.
To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism, Approved Edition (Crossway, 2020).
This is a comprehensive catechism in the traditional Reformation-era style of questions-and-answers, but which has in view Christians living in the 21st century—not only in North America but also around the globe. While it’s primary audience is Anglican, many of the formulations will be useful for those in other Christian traditions. J.I. Packer and Joel Scandrett oversaw the project as editors, but the team that wrote and reviewed it was massive. A very helpful resource for church, family, and personal catechesis.