Confirmation
Mt. Carmel’s Confirmation (Affirmation of Baptism) preparation is a two-year faith formation and service program with our pastor where youth to explore their faith, understand Lutheran theology, explore the Bible, and find their place in the life of the congregation. This program is open to all youth regardless of church membership status.
Objectives
- Students will understand the promises they are making during the Affirmation of Baptism (or in the service of Baptism if they have not previously been baptized). If a student goes through confirmation and does not feel they can make these promises in good faith, they are not required to participate in the Affirmation of Baptism or Service of Baptism. They may choose to do so at a later date or not at all.
- Students will have a solid understanding of Lutheran theology, our beliefs and our statements of faith including The Small Catechism.
- Students will have a solid knowledge of the Bible, how to search and find information in the Bible and what the general stories and themes of the biblical story are.
- Students will leave with the ability and resources to dig deeper into Lutheranism and the Bible.
- Most importantly, students will have a better understanding of their own faith and the tools to be able to discuss and examine their own beliefs. Students will understand that understanding and developing their faith doesn’t end when they are confirmed but instead know that their faith is something that will continue to grow, change, be challenged and expand throughout their own lifetime.
Confirmands will meet with individually with the pastor prior to the scheduled confirmation date to discuss their faith and decide if the youth feels comfortable writing a faith statement and affirming their baptism. This conversation will be a safe place for the youth to discuss their experiences and decisions. If they don’t feel comfortable participating in the Affirmation of Baptism/Service of Baptism, they will not be required to participate.
Objectives
- Students will understand the promises they are making during the Affirmation of Baptism (or in the service of Baptism if they have not previously been baptized). If a student goes through confirmation and does not feel they can make these promises in good faith, they are not required to participate in the Affirmation of Baptism or Service of Baptism. They may choose to do so at a later date or not at all.
- Students will have a solid understanding of Lutheran theology, our beliefs and our statements of faith including The Small Catechism.
- Students will have a solid knowledge of the Bible, how to search and find information in the Bible and what the general stories and themes of the biblical story are.
Confirmands will meet with individually with the pastor and confirmation program leader prior to the scheduled confirmation date to discuss these objectives and decide if the youth feels comfortable making these promises in good faith. This conversation will be a safe place for the youth to discuss their experiences and decisions. If they don’t feel comfortable participating in the Affirmation of Baptism/Service of Baptism, they will not be required to participate. This meeting should be held enough before the confirmation service to accommodate any changes.
Program Elements
The confirmation program at Mt. Carmel is youth-first. This means the program should be a place where our young members feel comfortable asking questions, pushing the boundaries of the faith and wondering about the world around them and their place in it. This may also mean pushing against the leaders. We are to create a safe space where adults welcome conversation.
This also means working with our confirmands to help them adjust our curriculum to work best for each student based on their gifts and skills. This program is about both the journey and the destination!
Interested in joining us for confirmation?
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