What is Confirmation Class?

Confirmation is a learning opportunity and important step in one’s faith journey where a small group of students are exposed to some of the key teachings of the Christian Faith, the history of the universal church and our local church, the life and work of Jesus, and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Why do we take Confirmation class?

Confirmation class helps young people explore their faith journey and articulate their faith in Christ Jesus.

Who is teaching the class?

The Pastoral Staff and Director of Christian Education organize and conduct the Confirmation Experience. Sometimes additional people are used as teachers and volunteers in other capacities.

When and where will we meet?

Each group has different needs and schedules. The 2011 experience will be announced shortly.

Do I have to come to every class meeting?

Consistent attendance is expected of all Confirmands in the class. Because the class will run for 9 months, family schedules, sickness, and other issues will cause you to miss occasionally. You are asked to make Confirmation a priority in your spiritual life.

What will we do in the class?

We will have fun, play games, pray, read scripture, be paired with a mentor, use art & writing to express our journey, watch movies, eat together, share our faith stories, write a statement of faith, and many other things.

What movies will we watch?

Movies that have been shown at Confirmation in the past include: Narnia, Prince of Egypt, The Nativity Story, Luther, and movies on the life of Jesus.

Will we read the whole Bible as a part of the class?

No.

Will there be work outside of class time?

Yes, there will be “homework” for you to prepare between weeks. This will consist mostly of reading, making quiz questions, and minimal written work.

Will there be activities outside of the “regular” class schedule?

Yes, We will have 5-6 mini-retreats on Friday or Saturday evenings where we will eat pizza, watch a movie based on a related topic, and explore faith in ways that cannot be done in the confines of 1- and 1.5-hour periods.

When are the mini-retreats?

Mini-retreats for 2011 have not yet been scheduled. When they are, they will likely meet from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Does it cost anything to be in Confirmation class?

No and maybe. Class materials are provided by the church. For the mini-retreats, we may find it necessary to ask you to bring $3 to help cover dinner & snacks. In addition, should we choose to do an off-campus event that requires an admission price, you may be asked to cover that cost.

What happens when the classes end?

At the end of the class, the youth are asked to consider making a public profession of faith in Christ Jesus and join the church as an active member.

Do I have to join the church at the end of the class?

No. This is a personal decision that you make, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Not everyone who takes Confirmation joins the church, although the majority of people do choose to join.

What happens if I choose to join the church?

Confirmands are presented for an interview about their faith before the Session, just like adults who join the church. Then the Confirmands appear before the congregation during Sunday worship to publicly declare one’s faith in Christ Jesus and be presented as new members of the church.

When will the class be presented before the Session and congregation?

Mid-Spring.

What does it mean to make a public profession of faith in Christ Jesus?

As Presbyterians, we ask our members to make a public profession of faith by answering three basic questions of faith:
1. Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?
2. Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Lord and Savior, trusting in his grace and love?
3. Will you be Christ’s faithful disciple, obeying his Word and showing his love?

What does it mean to be a church member?

“To be a church member is to express one’s faith in Jesus Christ and the desire to be his disciple, to share his love, and to serve him as a part of the church as the body of Christ.” (Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers, Donald McKim) As Presbyterians, we ask our members to make a covenant with the congregation by answering this question:
> Will you be a faithful member of this congregation, share in its worship and ministry through your prayers and gifts, your study and service, and so fulfill your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?