Grounded in the Gospel - Paperback

by J. I. Packer (Author), Gary a. Parrett (Author)

Historically, the church's ministry of grounding new believers in the essentials of the faith has been known as catechesis--systematic instruction in faith foundations, including what we believe, how we pray and worship, and how we conduct our lives. For most evangelicals today, however, this very idea is an alien concept. Packer and Parrett, concerned for the state of the church, seek to inspire a much needed evangelical course correction. This new book makes the case for a recovery of significant catechesis as a nonnegotiable practice of churches, showing the practice to be complementary to, and of no less value than, Bible study, expository preaching, and other formational ministries, and urging evangelical churches to find room for this biblical ministry for the sake of their spiritual health and vitality.

Back Jacket

Recovering an Ancient Practice for Modern Evangelicals

Historically, the church's ministry of grounding new believers in the essentials of the faith has been known as catechesis--systematic instruction in faith foundations, including what we believe, how we pray and worship, and how we conduct our lives. For most evangelicals today, however, this very idea is an alien concept. Packer and Parrett, concerned for the state of the church, seek to inspire a much needed evangelical course correction. This new book makes the case for a recovery of significant catechesis as a nonnegotiable practice, urging evangelical churches to undertake this biblical ministry for the sake of their spiritual health and vitality.

"Packer said that the greatest challenge for the twenty-first-century church was to recatechize and disciple believers. These contributions from two of our best Christian thinkers help us to do precisely that. It will help you to see how to make not just converts but, as Jesus tells us, disciples."―Chuck Colson, founder, Prison Fellowship

"More than a call to recover a neglected practice, Grounded in the Gospel provides concrete advice to us all for dedicating ourselves anew to rooting the next generation in the great truths of the faith."―Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Theology, Westminster Seminary California

"I want to prod parishes of all denominations to listen to Packer and Parrett's cries and constructive proposals to better equip new believers. This is an urgently needed book!" ―Marva J. Dawn, author of Is It a Lost Cause? and Talking the Walk; teaching fellow in spiritual theology, Regent College

"At last, a book that tells local churches how to fulfill all of the Great Commission! I highly recommend this book to pastors and church leaders who want to encourage Christian intelligence and maturity in their people."―Warren W. Wiersbe, author of the "BE" commentary series

"This book emphasizes two critical factors: learning is important, and catechesis is about the holistic development of the whole people of God. Christian learning needs to make a comeback in the church. This book will help."―Linda Cannell, academic dean, North Park Theological Seminary

J. I. Packer is Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College and an senior editor for Christianity Today. Best known for his bestselling classic Knowing God, Packer is the author or editor of more than fifty books.

Gary A. Parrett is professor of educational ministries and worship at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the coauthor of A Many Colored Kingdom and Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful.

Author Biography

J. I. Packer (1926-2020), considered one of the most influential evangelicals in North America, was the Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. His many books include Knowing God and Keep in Step with the Spirit.


Gary A. Parrett is professor of educational ministries and worship at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and the coauthor of The Many Colored Kingdom.