Companion Lessons to Luther's Small Catechism

$29.95

During the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther, upon discovering how poorly equipped the parents were to teach their children the basics of the Christian faith, wrote his Small Catechism in 1529, as a faith formation resource for the home. It was designed as a tool both to strengthen the faith, understanding, and Christian living of the parents as well as a tool to help the children grow in faith. Luther held and practiced high expectations for faith formation in the home.

In the book Passing On The Faith (Strommen & Hardel, 2008) the research quoted clearly shows that in our present era many parents are poorly equipped to teach and nurture faith, be an example of living well in Christ, and pass on the faith to their children.

FaithWellMT has developed Companion Lessons to Luther’s Small Catechism to strengthen families to teach, nurture, model, and pass on the faith to and with their children.

There are a total of 24 lesson sheets in placemat style covering the six chief parts of the Christian faith. They are done in placemat style to remind parents of the importance of mealtime with the children (and no electronics) and a time of devotion or study after the meal. The Companion Lessons can also be used in other settings than the home: small groups for prayer and Bible study; adult faith formation classes; continuing education for elders and council leaders; retreats, confirmation instruction (youth and adults), adult faith mentor training, meal celebrations of the congregation, or family Lenten learning time.

For the most part each lesson follows the Four Key faith practices: Caring Conversation, Devotion, Service, and Rituals & Traditions. Dr. David Anderson introduced me to the Four Key faith practices. Since each lesson is one page, it was not possible to include all Four Key faith practices on every lesson.

The focused age level for young people in this series is on teens/confirmation age. This Series was written not to replace Luther’s Small Catechism, but rather as Companion Lessons for the family to grow deeper in knowledge, understanding, and practice of the faith together. Each member of the family or small group should have a copy of Luther’s Small Catechism. Both Concordia Publishing House and Augsburg Publishing provide a wonderful gift of a FREE APP of Luther’s Small Catechism. Simply go to the APP store on your iPhone or Smart Phone and download it. Many families will have a printed copy or book they might have used in their faith formation.

This Series on the Six Chief Parts of Faith include:

Ten Commandments 11 Lesson Placemats

Preface

First Commandment

Second Commandment

Third Commandment

Fourth Commandment

Fifth Commandment

Sixth Commandment

Seventh Commandment

Eighth Commandment

Ninth & Tenth Commandments

Conclusion or Close of Commandments

Apostles’ Creed 3 Lesson Placemats

First Article

Second Article

Third Article

Lord’s Prayer 5 Lesson Placemats

Prayer & Introduction

Petitions 1 & 2

Petitions 3 & 4

Petitions 5 & 6

Petition 7 & Conclusion

Baptism 2 Lesson Placemats

Nature & Blessings

Power & Significance

Confession/Absolution, The Office of the Keys 1 Lesson Placemat

Sacrament of the Altar 2 Lesson Placemats

Definition & Benefits

Power, Proper Use, & Passover Connection

To Order

The congregation or individual will receive a zip file that includes all the pdf. files for each lesson in the proper folder of the six chief parts of the Christian faith to download. Thus you can print as many copies and as many times as desired. Permission is given to the individual, small group, or congregation to use this resource within the context of the congregation, small group, or family.