Making Disciples: Why Catechesis Matters More Than Ever

In this episode of the Pivot podcast, Dr. Alex Fogleman, author of "Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice," explores how the early church's approach to catechesis can revolutionize modern discipleship formation.

What if the struggle many churches face with forming deep, lasting disciples is an invitation to rediscover catechesis, the ancient practice that transformed the early church? For three centuries, when Christianity was just one option among many in a pluralist culture, the church developed a patient, comprehensive approach to catechesis that formed people in the basic building blocks of thinking, praying, and living as Christians. Dr. Alex Fogleman, author of “Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice,” explores how this ancient wisdom can revolutionize modern discipleship formation.

In this conversation, Alex reveals how catechesis addresses today’s cultural fragmentation through what he calls a “pedagogy of enchantment”—formation that goes beyond mere information to create genuine encounters with the living God. Discover why effective catechesis takes time, how to practice “counter-catechesis” against competing cultural creeds, and practical steps for implementing this transformative approach in your church context. Whether you’re wrestling with surface-level Christian education or seeking deeper formation practices, this episode offers ancient solutions for contemporary discipleship challenges.