“When congregations approach confirmation assuming it has positive, lasting value, and focus on developmentally sound processes to prepare confirmands to make a decision that has real consequences, confirmation matters.”
Dr. Richard Osmer and Dr. Katie Douglass’ presentation, “Emerging Trends from the Confirmation Project.” (Wed., July 29, 2015, at Luther Seminary, Saint Paul, Minn.)
“The point is to spend time contemplating our one wild and precious life, especially as individuals, but also as individuals in the community gathered. Where and when have our lives seems to have been most in tune with these vows, and where and when to and why? How do we make these vows make sense in the mystery of our lives that is still undiscovered territory? We matter. Our lives matter. Our lives in Christ matter. The process of Confirmation, or for the allied rites, is a ripe time, it seems to me, for rediscovering what that means.”
In addition to its national survey, researchers from The Confirmation Project visited congregations, using the research method of Portraiture to understand how confirmation and equivalent practices are practiced in congregations. The following congregations and dioceses were visited from the Episcopal Church as well as some from other denominations that exemplify many best practices. Read about their story. How might you adapt some of their practices for your own context?
As people of the incarnation, we learn to claim our discipleship by watching those who came before us claim theirs. This involves careful selection, training, support, and accountability.
Listen to Kate Harmon Silberine in this webinar (recorded May 2016 at part of The Confirmation Project) as she explores the theological and developmental need for intergenerational mentoring in youth confirmation. She also offers some best practices to implement a program in your church.
In addition to mentoring, involving the entire congregation in the sharing of stories and learning together makes a difference for confirmands as well as the whole community.
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Arlington, VA.
St. Augustine once wrote: “Formation for discipleship and mission is essential; practicing how we live out our faith, by ‘being a vehicle of Christ’s love.’” Offering opportunities to put faith into action are important elements of confirmation preparation and can continue long after any program concludes, allowing all ages to continue to be Christ’s hands, feet, and voice in the world. Here are just a few examples how service and mission can be a part of any confirmation program.
Lecture-style confirmation preparation is not effective in the 21st century. Experiential learning and creative avenues that allow youth to try-on new practices, meet new people, talk about their faith, and integrate faith in daily life are essential.
Here is a sample of best practices:
