Catechismus Maximus Ministerial Training Syllabus

Introduction

The Catechismus Maximus Ministerial Training Program, offered by Ask A Christian Podcast, is a one-year self-study course designed to prepare individuals for Christian ministry. This program uses the Catechismus Maximus, a 45,000-word Christian catechism with 200 questions across 44 sections, to provide in-depth biblical and theological training. Through monthly readings, reflections, and practical applications, trainees will grow in faith and readiness to serve as overseers, deacons, or teachers in the church. The program includes a structured timeline with milestones, ensuring steady progress, and concludes with requirements to affirm the Ask A Christian Statement of Faith, meet biblical qualifications, and receive acknowledgment from church leadership.

Table of Contents

Syllabus and One-Year Timeline with Milestones

The Catechismus Maximus ministerial training program is divided into 44 sections with 200 questions. This one-year program assigns 3-4 sections per month, with larger sections broken into weeks for manageable study. Each month includes readings, reflection questions, and practical applications to help you grow in faith and prepare for ministry. Follow the timeline below to stay on track.

Month 1: Foundations of Theology (Sections 1-4, Questions 1-36)

• Week 1: Section 1 – Knowing God and Jesus (Questions 1-12)
  • Reading: Learn about the nature of God and His attributes, focusing on His holiness and unchanging nature.
  • Reflection: How does understanding God’s holiness shape the way you worship?
  • Application: Share with a friend how Jesus reveals God’s love to us.
• Week 2: Section 2 – Loving God (Questions 13-20)
  • Reading: Study God’s steadfast love as the foundation of our salvation.
  • Reflection: How does God’s love challenge the way you live each day?
  • Application: Pray for a deeper experience of God’s love and share this prayer with someone.
• Week 3: Section 3 – Who is Jesus? (Questions 21-30)
  • Reading: Explore Jesus as fully God and fully man, one with the Father.
  • Reflection: How does Jesus’ humility inspire you to serve others?
  • Application: Discuss Jesus as the Son of God with someone who is curious about faith.
• Week 4: Section 4 – The Holy Spirit (Questions 31-36)
  • Reading: Learn about the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding and empowering believers.
  • Reflection: How does the Holy Spirit’s power help you share your faith?
  • Application: Spend time in prayer led by the Holy Spirit and write down how it impacts you.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 1, write a 300-word reflection on how understanding God has strengthened your faith.

Month 2: Salvation and Scripture (Sections 5-6, Questions 37-53)

• Begin with Weeks 1-2: Section 5 – Salvation (Questions 37-46)
  • Reading: Explore the doctrine of salvation through Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
  • Reflection: How does God’s grace transform your understanding of personal sin?
  • Application: Share the gospel with someone, emphasizing the importance of repentance.
• Continue with Weeks 3-4: Section 6 – The Bible (Questions 47-53)
  • Reading: Study the Bible as God’s inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word.
  • Reflection: How does the sufficiency of Scripture guide your beliefs?
  • Application: Memorize 2 Timothy 3:16 and explain its significance to someone.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 2, write a 300-word essay on the role of grace in salvation.

Month 3: Church and Worship (Sections 7-8, Questions 54-63)

• Weeks 1-3: Section 7 – The Church (Questions 54-59)
  • Reading: Explore the church as the body of Christ, united in fellowship and mission.
  • Reflection: How does the church reflect God’s glory in the world?
  • Application: Participate in a church outreach (e.g., serving the poor) and journal your experience.
• Week 4: Section 8 – Prayer and Worship (Questions 60-63)
  • Reading: Study prayer and worship as essential practices for communion with God.
  • Reflection: How does worship deepen your relationship with God?
  • Application: Lead a prayer session with a small group of believers.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 3, write a 300-word reflection on the church’s role in your spiritual growth.

Month 4: Discipleship and Sin (Sections 9-10, Questions 64-73)

• Start with Weeks 1-2: Section 9 – Discipleship (1) (Questions 64-68)
  • Reading: Explore the call to discipleship and what it means to follow Jesus.
  • Reflection: What does it mean to deny yourself and take up your cross daily?
  • Application: Mentor a newer believer in their faith journey.
• Proceed to Weeks 3-4: Section 10 – Sin and Temptation (Questions 69-73)
  • Reading: Study the nature of sin and strategies to resist temptation.
  • Reflection: How can you rely on God to overcome sin in your life?
  • Application: Identify a recurring temptation and develop a plan to resist it using Scripture.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 4, write a 300-word essay on overcoming sin through sanctification.

Month 5: Spiritual Warfare and End Times (Sections 11-12, Questions 74-86)

• Weeks 1-2: Section 11 – Spiritual Warfare (Questions 74-77)
  • Reading: Explore the reality of spiritual warfare and how to stand firm in faith.
  • Reflection: How can you apply the armor of God (Ephesians 6) in your daily life?
  • Application: Pray for protection against spiritual attacks and share this prayer with a friend.
• Weeks 3-4: Section 12 – The End Times (1) (Questions 78-86)
  • Reading: Study biblical teachings on eschatology and Christ’s return.
  • Reflection: How does the hope of Christ’s return encourage you to live faithfully?
  • Application: Discuss eschatology with a fellow believer and pray for readiness.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 5, write a 300-word reflection on preparing for Christ’s return.

Month 6: Christian Living and Evangelism (Sections 13-14, Questions 87-99)

• Weeks 1-3: Section 13 – Christian Living (Questions 87-95)
  • Reading: Explore how to live a life that honors God in all areas.
  • Reflection: What area of your life needs to better reflect Christ’s teachings?
  • Application: Choose one habit to change (e.g., more prayer, less anger) and track your progress.
• Week 4: Section 14 – Evangelism and Missions (Questions 96-99)
  • Reading: Study the call to evangelism and the role of missions in spreading the gospel.
  • Reflection: What fears hold you back from sharing your faith?
  • Application: Share your testimony with someone and invite them to church.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 6, write a 300-word essay on your experience sharing the gospel.

Month 7: Relationships and Suffering (Sections 15-16, Questions 100-108)

• Weeks 1-3: Section 15 – Relationships (Questions 100-104)
  • Reading: Study biblical principles for healthy relationships.
  • Reflection: How can you show Christ’s love in your relationships?
  • Application: Resolve a conflict with someone using biblical principles.
• Week 4: Section 16 – Suffering and Persecution (Questions 105-108)
  • Reading: Explore how to trust God through suffering and persecution.
  • Reflection: How has suffering strengthened your faith?
  • Application: Encourage someone who is struggling with a Bible verse about suffering.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 7, write a 300-word reflection on showing love in relationships.

Month 8: Hope and False Teachings (Sections 17-18, Questions 109-116)

• Weeks 1-2: Section 17 – Hope and the Future (Questions 109-112)
  • Reading: Explore the hope Christians have in God’s promises.
  • Reflection: How does God’s promise of eternal life give you hope?
  • Application: Share a message of hope with someone who is discouraged.
• Weeks 3-4: Section 18 – False Teachings (Questions 113-116)
  • Reading: Study how to identify and respond to false teachings.
  • Reflection: How can you test teachings against Scripture?
  • Application: Research a common false teaching and explain its errors to a friend.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 8, write a 300-word essay on how to respond to false teachings.

Month 9: World Religions and Apologetics (Sections 19-20, Questions 117-122)

• Weeks 1-2: Section 19 – World Religions (Questions 117-119)
  • Reading: Study major world religions and their differences from Christianity.
  • Reflection: What makes Christianity unique among other religions?
  • Application: Have a respectful conversation with someone of another faith.
• Weeks 3-4: Section 20 – Apologetics (Questions 120-122)
  • Reading: Explore how to defend your faith with reason and Scripture.
  • Reflection: What is the hardest question about Christianity you’ve faced?
  • Application: Prepare an answer to a common objection to Christianity and share it with someone.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 9, write a 300-word reflection on defending your faith.

Month 10: Science, Ethics, and Culture (Sections 21-23, Questions 123-132)

• Weeks 1-2: Section 21 – Science and Faith (Questions 123-125)
  • Reading: Explore the relationship between science and faith.
  • Reflection: How does creation point to God’s existence?
  • Application: Discuss the relationship between science and faith with a friend.
• Week 3: Section 22 – Ethics and Morality (Questions 126-129)
  • Reading: Study biblical ethics and how to make moral decisions.
  • Reflection: How does the Bible guide your moral choices?
  • Application: Apply a biblical principle to a current ethical issue in your life.
• Week 4: Section 23 – Culture and Society (Questions 130-132)
  • Reading: Explore how to engage with culture as a Christian.
  • Reflection: How can you be a light in a culture that often opposes biblical values?
  • Application: Take a stand for a biblical value in a cultural situation.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 10, write a 300-word essay on applying biblical ethics in today’s culture.

Month 11: Practical Christian Living (Sections 24-27, Questions 133-144)

• Week 1: Section 24 – Money and Possessions (Questions 133-135)
  • Reading: Study biblical principles for managing money and possessions.
  • Reflection: Are you using your resources to honor God?
  • Application: Create a budget that reflects biblical stewardship.
• Week 2: Section 25 – Work and Vocation (Questions 136-138)
  • Reading: Explore how to work for God’s glory in your vocation.
  • Reflection: How can you serve God through your work?
  • Application: Do one task at work with excellence as an act of worship.
• Week 3: Section 26 – Rest and Sabbath (Questions 139-141)
  • Reading: Study the importance of rest and keeping the Sabbath.
  • Reflection: How can you make rest a priority in your busy life?
  • Application: Set aside a day for rest and worship, and reflect on its impact.
• Week 4: Section 27 – Health and Wellness (Questions 142-144)
  • Reading: Explore how to care for your body as God’s temple.
  • Reflection: What changes can you make to honor God with your health?
  • Application: Start a healthy habit (e.g., exercise, better diet) and track your progress.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 11, write a 300-word reflection on being a good steward of your resources.

Month 12: Spiritual Gifts, Evangelism, and Service (Sections 28-44, Questions 145-200)

• Week 1: Sections 28-31 – Spiritual Gifts (1), Worship, Discipleship (2), End Times (2) (Questions 145-159)
  • Reading: Explore spiritual gifts, worship, discipleship, and eschatology.
  • Reflection: What spiritual gift can you use to serve others?
  • Application: Use your spiritual gift in a church or community setting.
• Week 2: Sections 32-35 – Heaven and Hell, Eternity, Judgment, Resurrection (Questions 160-171)
  • Reading: Study biblical teachings on heaven, hell, eternity, judgment, and resurrection.
  • Reflection: How does the reality of eternity shape your priorities?
  • Application: Share the hope of heaven with someone who doesn’t know Christ.
• Week 3: Sections 36-39 – New Creation, God’s Sovereignty, God’s Will, Spiritual Gifts (2) (Questions 172-183)
  • Reading: Explore the new creation, God’s sovereignty, His will, and further study on spiritual gifts.
  • Reflection: How can you trust God’s sovereignty in difficult times?
  • Application: Pray to align your life with God’s will and act on one thing He shows you.
• Week 4: Sections 40-44 – Evangelism, Missions, Stewardship, Tithing, Serving Others, Loving Others (Questions 184-200)
  • Reading: Study evangelism, missions, stewardship, tithing, and serving others with love.
  • Reflection: How can you love others as Christ loves you?
  • Application: Serve someone in need and share how it reflects Christ’s love.
• Milestone: By the end of Month 12, write a 500-word final essay: “How has the Catechismus Maximus prepared you for ministry in your intended role?”

Completion Requirements

To complete the Catechismus Maximus ministerial training program and receive acknowledgment from Ask A Christian leadership, you must meet these requirements:

• Academic Completion: Finish all readings, reflections, and applications within the one-year timeline, submitting monthly essays as outlined.
• Affirmation of Faith: Affirm the Ask A Christian Statement of Faith, committing to biblical truth and a life that honors God.
• Biblical Qualifications for Ministry Roles: Meet the biblical qualifications for your intended role:
  • Overseers/Elders: Per 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, must be “above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, managing his own family well, not a recent convert, and having a good reputation with outsiders.”
  • Deacons: Per 1 Timothy 3:8-13, must be “worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, not pursuing dishonest gain, holding the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience, tested first, and (if married) having a wife who is worthy of respect, not a malicious talker, temperate, and trustworthy.”
  • Teachers: Per 2 Timothy 2:2, must be “reliable, able to teach others, and living a life that reflects godliness, capable of passing on biblical truth.”
• Acknowledgment by Leadership: After completing the syllabus and meeting the above requirements, submit your final essay and a statement affirming the Statement of Faith to Ask A Christian leadership via the contact page. Leadership will review your submission and provide formal acknowledgment, certifying your readiness for ministry service.

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Conclusion

This Catechismus Maximus ministerial training program, rooted in Scripture and the mission of Ask A Christian, equips you for ministry through a deep study of theology and practical applications. By following the timeline, reflecting, and applying what you learn, you’ll be prepared to serve as an overseer, deacon, or teacher, sharing the gospel for God’s glory. We pray this journey strengthens your faith and equips you to lead others to Christ.