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:
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.
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.
Listen as the Confirmands read their Statements of Faith
| Ben Mulholland | Brooke Linell |
| Ethan Hanley | Laura Barabe |
