About Confirmation
Confirmation in The United Methodist Church is a time of intentional preparation, leading to the first public profession of faith. During this time young persons "make firm" what has gone before: God's prevenient grace, baptism, the teaching and witness of parents and other persons of faith, the teachings and life together in the church, the student's own growing faith. Youth are invited to claim for themselves the name Christian and the name United Methodist. Confirmation is a significant step in the journey of faith.
Unlike baptism, which is a sacrament, confirmation is a repeatable rite in The United Methodist Church. Standing before the congregation to profess one's faith as part of a confirmation ceremony is not limited to only one special time. In addition to confirmation of younger youth, the Book of Discipline encourages a time of intentional preparation and the rite of confirmation for older youth as well.
For more information on the history and practice of confirmation in The United Methodist Church, read Claiming the Name: A Theological and Practical Overview of Confirmation, by John O. Gooch.
Article: After Confirmation Where Did They Go?
By Crys Zinkiewicz
If that is a question your church is asking, here are three key areas to consider and some practical suggestions:
1. Ask, "What’s different about confirmation?" For one thing, young persons get a sense that it’s important. Are they getting that same message about youth Sunday school? about participation in worship as part of the congregation?
• Show and tell that continuing to learn as Christians is crucial to a faithful journey. Speak out on the subject from the pulpit. Make Sunday school a big deal as well as an expectation.
• Help Sunday school teachers do their very best. Provide training, great resources, and a teammate for teaching and relating to the youth.
• In sermons, use illustrations and examples that speak to teens as well as examples that are “adult.” As the pastor, meet with some of the youth about the sermon ahead of time and ask them for connections and ideas to use when you preach.
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Article: Confirmation: A Lifelong Opportunity
"Why are you here in confirmation?" I ask.
"I’m here because my parents want me here," one youth mumbles with half-open eyes looking toward the floor.
"I’m here because my brother had to do it, and my parents are making me too," another shares matter-of-factly.
"I’m here because . . . I guess it’s just what I’m supposed to do," another youth says, shrugging his shoulders.
"I’m here because my parents dropped me off here!" one youth quips, anticipating the laughter and high-fives from his friends.
"I have no idea why I’m here," one youth admits while doodling on a notebook.
These comments are pretty standard for the first night of confirmation in our church. The students are even more bewildered when I suggest that they are in confirmation class because God has called them to the church. And that this call is lifelong–extending far beyond the confirmation experience. Although that’s the standard answer, do we–pastors, youth workers, and lay ministers–truly believe it?
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Article: Understanding Confirmation as a Lifelong Process
There is a great myth in youth ministry when it comes to confirmation. It is usually unspoken and goes something like this:
"Everything you need to know about the Christian faith, you will learn in confirmation class."
Maybe that sounds silly when said out loud. However, based on behavior I have seen in churches over the years, I think many people buy in to this. Here are two basic reasons why:
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