Recommended: Catechisms & Confessions
Catechisms and confessions are not inspired Scripture, but they are tested summaries of what the church has understood the Bible to teach. They give believers a way to learn doctrine, guard against error, and confess the faith together. For centuries, they have served as tools for discipleship, family instruction, and church unity.
In an Evangelical Free Church setting, we gladly stand within the stream of historic orthodoxy while also recognizing our own distinctive statement of faith. These resources reflect both — connecting us to the broader heritage of the church and equipping us to live out the gospel in our own time.
Getting Started
Accessible, faithful introductions for those exploring catechisms and confessions for the first time. These resources are clear, trustworthy, and designed to help believers build a strong foundation without being overwhelmed.
Evangelical Convictions: A Theological Exposition of the EFCA Statement of Faith
This volume walks through the EFCA Statement of Faith article by article, situating it in biblical, historical, and theological context. It is especially useful for membership classes, leadership training, and personal study.
The New City Catechism – The Gospel Coalition
A modern adaptation of the Reformation catechisms. Accessible and brief, with 52 questions (one for each week of the year). Available in print and app form, with Scripture, commentary, and prayers. Excellent for family or small group use in congregational settings.
The Heidelberg Catechism: A Study Guide - G.I. Williamson
Gentle, devotional in tone, and centered on the believer’s comfort in Christ. Organized around guilt, grace, and gratitude, it has shaped generations with its pastoral warmth and remains especially accessible.
Going Deeper
Thoughtful works for pastors, teachers, and serious students eager to explore the riches of the confessional tradition. These books assume some familiarity and invite readers into the deeper structure of Christian doctrine.
The Westminster Confession of Faith (with Larger & Shorter Catechisms)
The most comprehensive doctrinal standard of the Reformed tradition. Though Presbyterian in origin, it remains a classic reference point for serious theological study.
Truths We Confess – R. C. Sproul
Sproul’s accessible commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith. An excellent resource for lay readers who want to understand how the confession applies to Christian life.
The Three Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort)
The historic standards of the Continental Reformed churches. Together they provide a comprehensive summary of the gospel, salvation, and the church.
Reformed Confessions of the 16th and 17th Centuries, Vol. 1 – James Dennison (ed.)
Multivolume collection of key Reformed confessions with introductions and notes. An invaluable resource for students of historical theology.
Reformed Confessions of the 16th and 17th Centuries, Vol. 2 – James Dennison (ed.)
The second volume in the series.
The Creeds of Christendom – Philip Schaff
Classic collection of the great creeds, confessions, and catechisms of the church, with historical introductions. Dense, but foundational for understanding the church’s doctrinal heritage.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer: The resources listed here have been selected because they offer particular value for Christian growth and understanding. Their inclusion does not imply full agreement with every statement or position taken by the authors. As with any book outside of Scripture, readers should exercise discernment, testing all things by the Word of God (Acts 17:11).