Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice

Christianity Today Church and Pastoral Leadership Award of Merit (2025)

The Gospel Coalition Book Award of Distinction in History and Biography (2025)

Now more than ever, faith communities need to engage in what the early church called catechesis: basic but comprehensive instruction in what Christians believe, hope, and love. 
 
The early church stressed the importance of teaching core tenets of the Christian faith. Over time, however, many churches have lost sight of what catechesis is and how to practice it effectively. As a result, believers today often lack the theological, spiritual, and moral foundations needed to remain firmly grounded in Christ in the midst of personal and cultural struggles.
 
To meet this need, theologian Alex Fogleman has written Making Disciples―an introduction to catechesis that is engaging, informative, and pastoral. Fogleman explains that catechesis focuses less on current fashions and hot topics and more on the basic building blocks of thinking, praying, and living as a Christian. It is distinct from evangelism in that it goes beyond the proclamation of the gospel; it is distinct from preaching in that it prioritizes basic understanding of Christian belief and practice. Put simply, catechesis is a process of forming lifelong followers of Christ. Making Disciples provides rich insights and practical resources for incorporating catechesis into the life of the church today.

Martin Institute and the Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College Dallas Willard Research Center Book Award Finalist (2026)

Alex Fogleman is assistant professor of theology at Trinity Anglican Seminary and director of the Robert E. Webber Center. His research on patristic theology and the history of catechesis has appeared in numerous academic and popular journals. He is the author of Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice.

Hans Boersma holds the Order of St. Benedict Servants of Christ Endowed Professorship in Ascetical Theology at Nashotah House Theological Seminary. His scholarship focuses on retrieving Christian Platonism’s sacramental ontology. His books include Nouvelle Théologie and Sacramental Ontology, Heavenly Participation, Sacramental Preaching, Scripture as Real Presence, Seeing God, Pierced by Love, and Theophanizing Love.