One of the most popular questions that comes up in Christian Education circles is “Is confirmation still relevant” (the other is “how do we compete with Sunday sports?”!)  I think the answer to this question is an undeniable “YES!” as witnessed in Sunday’s service.

However, confirmation is not:

•  A one-size-fits-all program.
  
•  A checklist – of memorized scripture and doctrine.
  
•  A “pass” on a required exam.
  
•  A program taught by  one person. (ie – pastor, CE Director)
  
•  A fast track course with absolute faith as the prize upon completion.
  
•  A program that only gives answers with no room for questions.
  

That old model is not relevant!

What is relevant is getting the whole community of faith in on the act!  When we as a body of Christ “make good” on the baptismal covenant of our church children, the outcome is powerful!  Sunday’s service was special because Laura, Ethan, Brooke and Ben were embraced by their congregation, in prayer, promise, song, act and deed.  The unmistakable whoosh of the Holy Spirit was in our midst and came out in the form of an outpouring of love and support. 

Although I appreciate the praise for my efforts, it is the work of the entire congregation that ensures that confirmation is indeed relevant in the 21st century!  Laura, Ethan, Brooke and Ben were engaged in spiritual deepening with many folks serving as role models, and many experiences expanding their impressions on their faith.  The confirmation ritual was made powerful by the active participation of the entire church – little ones sitting at their feet, siblings and friends presenting them with engraved Bibles, former confirmands placing the stoles around their necks, mentors sitting by their sides, church members affirming their gifts, a choir lavishing them with song.

Together we’ve broken the mold and proven that confirmation is indeed a relevant, powerful and beautiful passage in a young person’s life.

The first time I heard faith put in the context of the spiritual journey was here at this church.  It really resonated with me because for the first time "faith" was articulated in a way that I had seen it all along.  Here we travel along on this journey.  There are parts of our journey that are stagnate and desolate.  There is terrain that is rocky and challenging.  There are nooks and crannies that we choose to explore.  There are big, open, beautiful spaces in which we rest and breathe.  Sometimes we get off track and a little lost and at other times we follow the course. 

Confirmation is an important milestone on the journey.  It is not a commencement or graduation.  Nor is it a beginning, as their journey started several years ago.  It is simply an opportunity.  It is a precious time carved out to deepen and grow in faith and relationships to church, God and others on the journey.  Sometimes it opens up a discourse about doubt and invites questions.  And that is a beautiful thing!!  I love this quote by Anne Lamott.  "I have a lot of faith. But I am also afraid a lot, and have no real certainty about anything. I remembered something Father Tom had told me--that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.”  I don't think it can be put much better than that!

This journey with these four exceptional young souls has been so rewarding and such a blessing for me.  Each offers a different perspective, but has been open, engaging, honest and committed to the process of confirmation.  Let us continue to honor them by inviting their membership, not only in word, but in action.  Get acquainted with them and help them to share their gifts within our community of faith and out in the world.  Laura, Ethan, Ben and Brooke thank you for your friendship. xoxo
                                                                                                                      - Amy