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#142: Making Disciples: Why Catechesis Matters More Than Ever

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.

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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.

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Featuring

Alex Fogleman
Guest in Pivot Podcast

Alex Fogleman is Associate Dean for Special Programs and Assistant Professor of Theology at Trinity Anglican Seminary, and author of “Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice” (Eerdmans, 2025). His work focuses on helping contemporary churches rediscover the ancient practice of catechesis—comprehensive instruction in what Christians believe, hope, and love. Fogleman brings both scholarly depth and practical wisdom to questions of Christian formation in our post-Christian cultural context.

Host

Faith+Lead Headshot of The Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, VP of Innovation, Luther Seminary.
Dwight Zscheile
Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota

Dwight Zscheile is professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary. His latest books are The Starter’s Way (with Ed Olsworth-Peter) and Embracing the Mixed Ecology (with Blair Pogue).

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Featuring

Alex Fogleman
Guest in Pivot Podcast

Alex Fogleman is Associate Dean for Special Programs and Assistant Professor of Theology at Trinity Anglican Seminary, and author of “Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice” (Eerdmans, 2025). His work focuses on helping contemporary churches rediscover the ancient practice of catechesis—comprehensive instruction in what Christians believe, hope, and love. Fogleman brings both scholarly depth and practical wisdom to questions of Christian formation in our post-Christian cultural context.

Host

Faith+Lead Headshot of The Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile, VP of Innovation, Luther Seminary.
Dwight Zscheile
Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota

Dwight Zscheile is professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary. His latest books are The Starter’s Way (with Ed Olsworth-Peter) and Embracing the Mixed Ecology (with Blair Pogue).