The Rev. Dr. Philip Rigdon and his wife, Jamelyn, live in Kendallville, Indiana, with their two rabbits, Frankie and Buttons. He serves as pastor of St. John Lutheran Church and School in Kendallville. He enjoys writing, running, and playing guitar.

Recent Posts by Phil Rigdon

Teaching the Differences between Christianity and Hinduism

As a part of my greater series on differences between Christianity and other major world religions, this blog outlines the religion of Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions. While it is made up of many sects, there are more than one billion people in the world who practice this religion. 

Teaching the Differences between Christianity and Islam

In a society like ours, which is replete with different belief systems, it can be challenging to present the beliefs of Christianity as they differ from other religions. This blog marks the first in a series that seeks to equip teachers of all ages to address differences between Christianity and other major world religions.

Why Lutherans Should Know the Differences between Other Religions

In our pluralistic society and world, there is a wide variety of cultures, beliefs, and religions. And with that comes a variety of questions that Christian educators, like you and me, often face! Over the next few months, I will be sharing a series of blogs on teaching the difference between Lutheran Christianity and other religions. 

Frequently Asked Questions When Teaching Luther’s Small Catechism

Over the past twelve months, I have offered thoughts and educational strategies related to teaching Luther’s Small Catechism. As last month’s blog completed the six chief parts, I would like to address a few common questions related to Luther’s Small Catechism.

Teaching the Catechism: The Lord’s Supper, Third and Fourth Sections

In this blog, we continue our exploration of the Lord's Supper from Luther's Small Catechism with the Third and Fourth Sections.

Teaching the Catechism: The Lord’s Supper, First and Second Sections

We continue our series on teaching Luther’s Small Catechism to students. In this blog, we explore the First and Second Sections of the Lord’s Supper.

Teaching the Catechism: Confession

What is Confession? Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.

Teaching the Catechism: Holy Baptism II, Third and Fourth Parts

Continue learning how to teach Holy Baptism with the Third and Fourth Parts on Baptism in Luther’s Small Catechism

Teaching Ideas for the Catechism: Holy Baptism, First and Second Sections

What is Baptism? Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.

Teaching Ideas for the Catechism: The Lord’s Prayer, Petitions 5–7 and Conclusion

Here are a few ideas for teaching the Law and Gospel from the Lord’s Prayer, Petitions 5–7 and Conclusion in Luther’s Small Catechism.

Subscribe to all CPH Blog topics (Worship, Read, Study, Teach, and Serve)