You now have in your hands a proposed catechism to complement the 1984 Confession of Faith for Cumberland Presbyterians. We are delighted that the catechism is now available for use in your church, and we can’t wait to hear your comments for improvement.
At the last meeting of General Assembly, this catechism was approved for study over a five-year period. We hope that congregations will use the catechism in a variety of educational settings, and will share with us what worked and what didn’t. We also hope you will evaluate the content of the catechism. The following questions might help you as you make your evaluation.
• How well does the catechism communicate the basic concepts of the Confession? Have significant points been omitted? Do some items get too much attention?
• Does most of the language seem accessible to older elementary age children? Will adults still find the catechism meaningful?
• Does the catechism flow smoothly? What particular questions and answers need clarifying?
Based on what we learn from local congregations and individual church members, the committee will revise the catechism and submit it for possible approval to the 2008 General Assembly. The 2003 General Assembly asked the Board of Christian Education to produce a study guide for the catechism. This guide will offer suggestions for using the catechism with children, youth, adults and families. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of it when it is ready. However, you may put the catechism to use in a number of ways before the guide is published. You may use it as a means of preparing young people to join the church, as an introduction for adults who are new to the Cumberland Presbyterian theology, as a discussion starter in small groups, or as a resource for preaching a series of sermons.
Your comments may be sent to us by email (jlively@greenevillecpchurch.org), to the stated clerk by email (rdr@cumberland.org), or mailed directly to James McGuire, 345 Elwood Drive, McKenzie, Tennessee, 38201. We count it a privilege to have written the catechism on your behalf, and are eager to get your feedback.
The Catechism Committee
James W. Lively
James D. McGuire
Rose Mary Magrill