confirmation

I am getting ready for confirmation. 8 of the youth at church have been in confirmation classes for the last two years. They and their families have been involved in a faith journey together. For confirmation these youth will be recognized for completing their studies and being equiped with the language of the faith. On Sunday they, their families, and the church will celebrate the faith we share being passed on.
Confirmation has had its critics but it has always been an important ministry of the church. Confirmation programs have changed over the years (My own was on Saturday mornings for three years. That would be intolerable with today's lifestyles.) Today our emphasis is on discipleship... being a follower of Jesus. We want to make the point that it is a life time of learning.
We also believe that whatever it is that needs to happen in Confirmation as far as the content of the study it must be a cooperative effort among many people. So Church staff, lay adult leaders, parents, other youth, and the youth enrolled in confirmation work together. At home there is discussion and prayer. At church there are small group leaders and staff. In peer relationships there are others to share conversation. We even have people from outside the congregation to share with the youth.
We also believe that it is about discovering the faith more than it is indoctrination of the faith. We explore the information of our faith with questions and conversation so that our youth examine the faith and discover why we believe.
Sunday will be a celebration of the faith that calls us into a relationship with God. For 8 youth they will have the opportunity to publically say they are part of this faith with the help of God.