Gathered and Gifted By God
To Grow and Serve

by Joseph Bocko

This edition of Luther's Small Catechism is not only the version of the Small Catechism widely used among Lutherans in North America today, but also includes reflections from a distinguished group of African descent Lutheran theologians. These brief commentaries offer additional context, language, and illumination from the experiences of African descent people, both past and present, to enrich our understanding of the Small Catechism and enliven faith.

In connection with the observance of the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation events initiated by the 95 Theses, a distinguished group of African descent Lutheran theologians gathered at the offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to explore and reflect on Luther's Small Catechism.

While continuing to affirm the gift of the Small Catechism in the life of the church, they recognized that the meaning of these explanations of Christian faith could and should be broadened to address the historical, cultural, and linguistic experience of Lutherans of African descent, both on the African continent and in the diaspora.

In the Small Catechism Luther presented central articles of Christian faith, then asked and answered a critical question: "What is this?" or "What does this mean?" Luther's answers were contextual, addressing his historical, cultural, and social settings.

by Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy

This series is first and foremost about exploring biblical narratives. In their original context, the stories in the Bible were not read in monotone from a formal lectern; rather, they were vividly shared around the campfire and urgently passed on from one generation to another. Coming out of an oral culture, the stories were recorded in a way that invites the listener to get to know the characters—to see them as relatable, fully human beings, rather than distant “holy heroes.”

It is in that spirit of storytelling that the Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy wrote the studies in this series. Each session begins with reading a portion of text out loud. Then the facilitator invites participants to share what they hear or notice in the text. These questions help to keep the class focused on shared discovery and avoid the tendency to reduce the study to simply transferring information from teacher to student. Everyone in the session has something to offer and something to learn.

Written by the Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, this six-session study is the first offering from the Faith on the Move Bible Studies series. “Out of the Waters” will engage participants in the biblical story as it relates to issues of migration. The leader’s guide allows for thoughtful preparation through reviewing and reflecting on background information for each session.

As participants take on the roles of Moses, Miriam, Pharaoh and others, they will have a chance to bring these characters to life and engage directly with their stories. In an effort to emphasize the centrality of the text, participants need only a Bible to take part in the studies. Alternatively a Scripture handout is provided, which simply gives the text of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible divided into character parts.