Confirmation

8th Graders and Up

Confirmation at Zion Lutheran exists to build connections between God’s Word, His promises and what it means for our daily lives, while at the same time learning about what a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, truly looks like. Confirmation is not necessary for salvation; it is not a Christian stamp on life’s to-do list that we all need to get. Instead, it is an expression of our Christian walk— a desire to grow and learn and become a part of something bigger than ourselves; a promise to continue receiving and living in God’s promises for the rest of our lives.

For our students, this means that we will equip them to live a Christ-centered life in whatever role/profession God has blessed them to live. We desire for our youth to feel as a part of the mission of Zion right now; they have a purpose in the Body of Christ and God has equipped them to partner with Him in building the Kingdom.

For our parents, we will do our best to equip you as ambassadors for Christ in your families. God has placed you in your child’s life to bring them to know and trust Jesus. That is your number one role and purpose. Our desire is to walk along side of you, give you tools, and support you in this calling as parent/guardians.

Objectives

Every confirmand will engage and participate in the community of Zion Lutheran.
Every confirmand will gain a greater understanding of the Word of God and trust and believe that it is the authority in which we live our lives.
Every confirmand will gain knowledge of the teachings of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, specifically what is found in Luther’s Small Catechism.
Every confirmand will be equipped to defend their faith in Jesus and be able to give reasons as to why they trust Jesus as their personal Savior.
Every confirmand will understand their place in the body of Christ and the Christian church.
Every confirmand will continue their faith journey as an active member of the body of Christ and the Christian church.
Our confirmation model will support and partner with our youth program, not replace it.

Confirmation Documents

2024-25 Confirmation Schedule

2024 Confirmation Handbook

Zion Confirmation

What does the Confirmation Process Look Like?

Students may begin confirmation beginning in their 8^th grade year.
There is no set amount of time for this process as our format offers a flexible approach that allows students to advance at their own pace, either a traditional pace (3 years), faster, or slower if needed.
Confirmation consists of nine units/courses as well as a few other additional requirements

All nine units will be offered twice throughout the year at various times and days to allow confirmands to advance at their own pace and build around their schedule. A master calendar of when units are offered is provided so that families may plan which courses need to be taken throughout the year. Confirmands must register in advance for the units they wish to take but space will be limited to no more than 10 confirmands at a time. We will also have a minimum of 2 students registered for any course. All nine units must be completed to participate in the Rite of Confirmation (Confirmation Sunday).

How do I register my child for a course?

Registration for classes is done by submitting the registration sheet to the Director of Youth, Jacob. This can be done by putting it in the Confirmation mailbox in the office wing or by mailing it to the church office.

The order in which a student takes the units will vary, but the following guidelines must be followed:

What Is the Bible and Why Am I Lutheran should be one of the first few units to complete.
The 200 courses (blue) can be taken in any order.
The 300 courses (red) cannot be taken until students are 10^th graders or in the winter/spring semester of their 9^th grade year.
Being a Disciple of Jesus should be taken as one of the final courses.
Students can be working on a maximum of two units at one time.
If a course works for you NOW…take it NOW. Don’t assume it will work later

Zion staff recommends the following order to aid in your child’s learning process:

What Is the Bible?
Why Am I Lutheran?
Lord’s Prayer or the Ten Commandments, or Apostle’s Creed
Means of Grace and Worship
Creation and Evolution
What is Apologetics?
Being a Disciple of Jesus

Rite of Confirmation

After completing all the requirements of confirmation and with the recommendation of the Ministry Team, confirmands will be invited to participate in the Rite of Confirmation on Confirmation Sunday. The Rite of Confirmation involves a confirmand’s public profession of their faith and desire to promise to continue receiving God’s gifts. The Rite of Confirmation will take place in May, with a second date in January in coming years. Prior to the Rite, students will complete their final Confirmation Project, write a faith statement, and select their Confirmation verse. To celebrate this with your family, the church offers a Confirmation Dinner for our confirmands and families the night before Confirmation Sunday.

How Do I Get Started?

If you have any questions about our Confirmation ministry or how to enroll your child in a course, please contact our Director of Youth, Jacob Shoup at jshoup@zionlutheransf.com.