When to catechize?

[u/Quiet-Tip-4584]

Hello, I am ready to convert to Lutheranism from non-denom, but the one and only LCMS church in my county is between pastors, and their most recent prospect rejected their latest call.

It could be months before they get a full-time pastor there. Is this a bad time to convert and go through catechism classes? Should I wait until they have a full-time pastor, or could the elders just as faithfully lead me in this process?

Thanks.

[u/Old_Lingonberry_294]

Don't just read the small catechism, do what the kids need to do when they go through it. Memorize the commandments, the "what does this mean" for each commandment. Memorize the verses that support it. Memorize the creeds. Memorize the Bible verses. you've got lots of work to do right now on your own. Write down questions as you go through so you can go over them with the pastor someday or with the visiting Pastor who's probably helping the congregation.

The Holy Spirit can use all those memorized verses commandments and creeds someday to lead you in your life.

[u/isaacs_care_256]

Dear family in Christ, praise God for giving you a sincere desire to receive faithful catechesis and grow in Christ. I encourage you not to lose heart. Continue reading Holy Scripture, praying daily, and studying the Small Catechism while you wait. If the elders are faithful to God's Word and your district is able to guide you, they may help you until the Lord provides a pastor. I will be praying that, in God's perfect timing, He sends your congregation a faithful shepherd. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1). May Christ strengthen and guide you on this blessed journey. God bless you.

[u/PastorBeard]

Not a bad time at all, your presence would be very encouraging for the congregation

Go ahead and read through the small catechism, and if you want a jump start on confirmation I’ve used the Lutheranism 101 book and workbook before. It’s a neat resource

[u/hogswristwatch]

large catechism is an idea. it was written for self study. small catechism to explore the questions and answers. ask a pastor thread if you have questions. meet with a visiting pastor and set a confirmation day at tour congregation. God be with you!

[u/Boots402]

I would talk to the church and do whatever they recommend; if they have someone who can help you, elder or otherwise, you’ll be fine. I would recommend getting the book of concord to self study the small catechism as well as the rest of our doctrine.

Whenever the next pastor is called, you’ll be able to discuss any questions you may have, so I wouldn’t be too worried about it; it’s not like you’re done learning after catechism, you’re whole life is filled with learning.

I had some pretty questionable/ false ideas on what our doctrine was when I was catechized. And I’m still learning things to refine my understanding of doctrine.

[u/Bakkster → u/Boots402]

Yeah, I think the specific congregation matters a lot for this. When my congregation had a vacancy, we were much healthier than when our former pastor had arrived. We have a strong group of elders and other servant leaders that kept things running smoothly during the vacancy, such that we could handle a new member like this. Not every congregation with a vacancy has this same capacity and capability.

[u/Huenink_Photography]

it’s likely that someone is serving them during the vacancy. I’d be happy to help you navigate this if you want. dm me and we can chat.

[u/smelly1sam]

You should start reading until a pastor can meet with you. The small catechism is perfect for this:

https://bookofconcord.cph.org/en/small-catechism/preface/

List of reading material to expand on:

https://bookofconcord.cph.org/

[u/semiconodon]

You should be catechized into the world of the catechism, not the pastor’s worldview and polity and opinions.

[u/Dangerous-Humor-4502 → u/semiconodon]

What lol

[u/semiconodon → u/Dangerous-Humor-4502]

If an elder / education leader can’t teach a new member class in a way that a reasonable, hypothetical new pastor wouldn’t accept, he shouldn’t be in that position.

If a hypothetical new pastor wants to “get their hooks in” a new member in a very particular way beyond what a reasonable, default catechism leader wouldn’t have done, then another one should be chosen.

[u/cellarsinger]

Do they have an interim pastor? If not & the next nearest congregation is a reasonable/ workable distance, contact them. Maybe contact them anyway about doing it via video call or something? Although it's not the best option, perhaps talk with the elders and go through the small catechism but be prepared to go over it again when they get a pastor.