What we mean when we talk about confirmation
What is Confirmation?
Outside of church walls, “confirmation” is a run-of-the-mill word typically associated with the idea of verification—we can choose to receive “confirmation” when a package we’ve shipped reaches its destination, for example. Inside church walls, however, the word “confirmation” is used quite differently, and often to mean slightly different things. So what does it mean, anyway?
What We Mean When We Talk About Confirmation
Most often, “confirmation” is used to describe the entire three-year educational program which serves to prepare students for the Affirmation of Baptism service and the life of discipleship that follows. During this time, a student is said to be in or going to confirmation. The Latin word confirmare, the earliest ancestor of “confirmation,” literally means “to strengthen.” Paired with the word “faith,” this produces an appropriate definition of “confirmation” as used in this way—it’s a time to strengthen faith.
"Confirmation" is also used to describe the special worship service that concludes this time of faith-strengthening. Therefore, a student looks forward to being confirmed at their confirmation service. Liturgically speaking, this is called an Affirmation of Baptism, a rite of passage which reminds both individuals and the assembly of the covenant made at our baptism—both God’s promise to us and our call to live out those promises.
Martin Luther, however, reminds us that the Christian life is one of daily dying and rising with Christ in the waters of baptism. In this sense “confirmation” is something that never stops happening. It all begins with the sacrament of baptism, in which we’re washed with water, marked with the cross of Christ, and filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a public celebration. It’s confirmed in the Affirmation of Baptism service, in which we say “Yes!” to our baptism. And it continues in the daily renewal of our commitment to the baptismal life.
In other words, confirmation is not an end, but a beginning. During the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy, candidates are asked to “profess faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church."
Additionally—and perhaps more importantly—candidates are asked:
“Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
To live among God's faithful people,
To hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,
To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
To serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?”
This question from the heart of the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy paints a rather vivid picture of a life of faith, and as such it serves as the foundation of the confirmation program at Shepherd.
What We Mean When We Talk About Confirmation
Most often, “confirmation” is used to describe the entire three-year educational program which serves to prepare students for the Affirmation of Baptism service and the life of discipleship that follows. During this time, a student is said to be in or going to confirmation. The Latin word confirmare, the earliest ancestor of “confirmation,” literally means “to strengthen.” Paired with the word “faith,” this produces an appropriate definition of “confirmation” as used in this way—it’s a time to strengthen faith.
"Confirmation" is also used to describe the special worship service that concludes this time of faith-strengthening. Therefore, a student looks forward to being confirmed at their confirmation service. Liturgically speaking, this is called an Affirmation of Baptism, a rite of passage which reminds both individuals and the assembly of the covenant made at our baptism—both God’s promise to us and our call to live out those promises.
Martin Luther, however, reminds us that the Christian life is one of daily dying and rising with Christ in the waters of baptism. In this sense “confirmation” is something that never stops happening. It all begins with the sacrament of baptism, in which we’re washed with water, marked with the cross of Christ, and filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a public celebration. It’s confirmed in the Affirmation of Baptism service, in which we say “Yes!” to our baptism. And it continues in the daily renewal of our commitment to the baptismal life.
In other words, confirmation is not an end, but a beginning. During the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy, candidates are asked to “profess faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church."
Additionally—and perhaps more importantly—candidates are asked:
“Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism:
To live among God's faithful people,
To hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper,
To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
To serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth?”
This question from the heart of the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy paints a rather vivid picture of a life of faith, and as such it serves as the foundation of the confirmation program at Shepherd.
Confirmation at shepherd
Confirmation at Shepherd
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Confirmation at Shepherd of the Hills is a ministry designed to begin anytime during or after 6th grade through adulthood. It is a springboard of sorts into, what we hope, is a lifelong journey down the path that God lays before each person. Confirmation is a time for Christ followers to learn about God and their faith in large group settings by worshiping God through song, drama and experiential teachings. We also gather in small groups, which meet regularly to talk, pray, serve, and play. Small groups give the students an opportunity to create open and honest relationships with their peers and their small group leaders. These times in small groups create intentional space for relationships and help confirmands to establish a connection to the community in a deeper way.
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Shepherd's confirmation objectives
Shepherd's Confirmation Objectives:
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When you have completed your time in Confirmation we hope you:
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Confirmation Resources at Shepherd:
Shepherd's Confirmation Calendar
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Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (ELCA)
3920 North Victoria Street, Shoreview, MN 55126 Phone: 651-483-5419 Fax: 651-483-2296 Email: staff@shepherdshoreview.org |
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