Deep Roots, New Growth: Catechism and Confirmations in Langley, BC
Church of the Ascension in Langley, British Columbia, is a parish navigating a beautiful season of transition. Gathering a community of 50 to 70 worshipers, Ascension has been a predominantly older congregation. But recently the parish has begun to witness new growth, particularly through an influx of young families and students from nearby Trinity Western University (TWU).
“a traditional practice is bearing modern fruit in the parish.”
At the heart of this growth is a commitment to intentional discipleship. We recently connected with Rev. Julian Erb, who serves as the Assistant Priest at Ascension as well as the Director of Student Engagement at TWU, to hear about how a traditional practice is bearing modern fruit in the parish.
This past spring, the church saw a tangible milestone resulting from this intentional focus.
“We launched a catechism class and had 7 people confirmed and received in April," Rev. Erb shared. "One of the confirmands is now discerning holy orders with his wife and young family.”
A Deeper Understanding which Animates Mission
Catechesis (ka-tə-ˈkē-səs) is the teaching of core Christian foundations and doctrine. Catechism classes walk each participant through questions and answers about Christian doctrine. In our diocese this usually follows the ACNA catechism “To Be a Christian: An Anglican Catechism”.
These types of classes has been lost at many churches, but at Ascension, the classes have proven to be a wonderful opportunity for renewal. When reflecting on what these classes have brought to the broader life of the church, Rev. Erb emphasized their role in mobilization.
“The catechism class is an excellent way to equip the saints for the work of ministry," he noted, referencing Ephesians 4. "It has provided our people a deeper understanding of the Christian faith within the Anglican tradition and animates mission.”
A Vital Bridge
The power of this foundational teaching is best seen in the lives of those who participated. For one young family in particular, the class served as a vital bridge during a major spiritual transition.
“There was a young couple who were discerning joining the Anglican Communion after being in the Orthodox Church for a few years," Rev. Erb recalled. "The class gave them the opportunity to ask their questions and they realized how the Anglican faith expresses the gospel is exactly what they were looking for.”
The impact of that realization is still unfolding.
“The husband is now discerning a call to ministry and holy orders in our diocese,” said Rev. Erb.
An Excellent Tool in Discipleship
As Church of the Ascension continues to bridge generations in Langley, the success of their catechism class stands as a powerful reminder: anchoring people in the historic faith, grounding them in the Gospel of Christ, and helping them truly understand it will always spark new life and mission.
This is just one example of many across the diocese of how Catechism classes can serve as an excellent tool in discipleship. If you’re interested in learning more, becoming a trained Catechist, or in beginning Catechism classes in your congregation visit our Catechesis section.