What are your memories of Martin Luther's Small Catechism? Maybe you have no memory and experience with the catechism in your life? If you have memories are they positive or negative?

Pastors, as we approach the coming observance of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation, I want to invite you to try something in your preaching and teaching. As you pray, research, prepare to teach and preach consider whether or not Luther's Small Catechism might be a resource to help you proclaim the law and Gospel on a particular lesson.

About five years ago, in the aftermath of our economic challenges onset and in the midst of the many difficult church meetings in our church body about sexuality decisions, I decided to work with the Luther's Catechisms, small and large. I was surprised and blessed at how these resources enhanced in my preaching and teaching. I did not find connections every Sunday in our lessons. Most Sundays I was surprised at the connections and the way the catechisms could deepen my sermon or teaching. I regularly wove the catechisms into my proclamation. I was struck by how often people expressed appreciation for my sharing of Luther's thought. I loved it when people would say, "I had never thought about it like that." I continue to turn to this resource regularly. 

In the same way that a great illustration from life or literature can move forward the thesis of a sermon, I found that Luther's work created to summarize the faith for parents to teach their households and pastors to teach their congregations was very helpful.

I know many people only encountered this resource in Jr. High, but Martin Luther did not write it to torment Jr. High people in what we have called confirmation.   Unfortunately, I know many have had these resources used to end conversations about the faith. Martin Luther wrote them to open conversation about our God and our lives of faith.

In the coming months, we will be inviting congregations to find ways to receive more deeply the gifts of our catechisms. Presiding Bishop Eaton has called for us to gather around one of the gifts of the reformation, Luther's Small and Large Catechism.  

As we continue the ongoing reformation of God's Church to faithfully proclaim Christ in our swiftly changing world I invite you to explore using the catechism to open and set off conversation and reflection about our gracious God, our crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus and our faith.