When the world is loud, faith can feel confusing. In this conversation, Thomas West (pastor and co-author of The Gospel Way Catechism) unpacks a practical path toward clarity and formation. We explore how catechesis (simple Q&A rooted in Scripture) helps everyday Christians move from information overload to a Jesus-centered, lived faith. Thomas shares why opposition isn’t always failure, how joy and suffering coexist (James 1), and what real freedom looks like (not “no limits,” but serving God). He walks through the catechism’s seven sections—from knowing God and identity, to salvation, the church, and future hope—and the “you’ve heard it said… but Christianity says…” framework that connects, then lovingly confronts, cultural scripts with the gospel. Whether you’re discipling a small group, parenting, or rebuilding your own habits, this episode offers tools to memorize truth, engage culture with grace, and follow Jesus with confidence.

And as always, we start off the episode with what is bringing us joy and we know you will be so encouraged by this conversation. Listen free on Apple or Spotify, and join us on Patreon for an extended version of this episode as well as exclusive content!

Ways you can connect with Thomas West:

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Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends. We are so glad you’re here!

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SHOW NOTES

• Scripture References:

Psalm 37:3-4
James 1:2-4 (“count it all joy”)
Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount)
Acts 17:16-34 (Paul teaching at Mars Hill)

 

• Other Mentions:

How to Reach the West Again (Tim Keller)

Leslie Newbigin

C.S. Lewis

Martin Luther Catechism

Westminster Catechism

Wayne Grudem Systematic Theology

Bible Resources:

Patreon

The Bible Project

 

The Journaling Bible I use | Bible Highlighters | Annotating Tabs | **affiliate links

Other Episodes That May Be Helpful:

Episode #72 Bearing Witness to Brave Faith w/ Kurt Ver Beek

Episode #71 God, Where Are You in This?  w/ Raylynn Van Oort

Episode #59 Loyal in His Love: How Jesus Heals What People Break w/ Tabitha Panariso

Episode #53 Faith Isn’t Fragile w/ Erin Moon

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Halfway to Sunday is a weekly conversation on life and faith with your friends.

We're so glad you're here.