Confirmation is a significant milestone in the lifelong process of maturing in the Christian Faith. One could say that the true meaning of confirmation begins at our baptism. In baptism, through water and God's word the Holy Spirit ignites faith and calls us his own. Baptism is a gift from God to us, whereas Confirmation is typically a moment when young people publicly testify to and confirm on their own to the faithfulness of the vows God made with them at Baptism.
Martin Luther was committed to the teaching of faith to prepare children for the sacrament of the Lord's Supper but also to disciple young people in the Christian faith. It is in this spirit that we focus our youth group in the teaching of the faith to prepare our youth to confirm their baptism once a year during the season of Pentecost. However, only those youth who have expressed a sincere desire and have received sufficient instruction as specified by the pastor will be confirmed.
The ultimate purpose of confirmation for all members is to personally confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and take personal ownership of their faith by declaring by the power of the Holy Spirit their allegiance to Christ. However, faith without works is a stagnant faith so instruction leading up to confirmation also teaches:
· The proper significance of living a life of community among God's
people.
· The importance of hearing God's word and sharing in the Lord's
supper.
·
The proclamation the Good News of God in Christ through word
and deed.
·
The significance of serving all people, following the example of
Jesus and to strive towards justice and peace in all things.
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