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Confirmation at First Lutheran
In concert with our desire to integrate all ages in the learning process, First Lutheran Church utilizes the "Faith Inkubators" model for our confirmation ministry. Integral to this approach is the contributions of adult and high school guides and junior guides in the small group sessions held each week. A typical confirmation session involves all students gathering together for a high energy "camp style" song, followed by the presentation, by one of the pastors, of the main theme of the week. Small groups, segregated by grade and gender, then meet with their guides and junior guides for conversation and prayer, followed by additional thought questions on the theme of the week. These "theme night" sessions conclude with the groups re-assembling for a summary session, prayer and blessing.
First Lutheran's confirmation ministry is a three-year program, normally for students in the 7th, 8th and 9th grades. Once a month, the students are given the week off so that guides and junior guides, along with pastors, can meet for prayer and conversation about how the year is unfolding learning wise and faith-nurturing wise. Students are expected, during their three years of confirmation, to regularly attend worship and complete a short question sheet about the contents of the worship services they attend. They are also expected to serve in some capacity in worship four times during the year, such as a greeter, usher, or communion assistant. Finally, they are expected to complete four additional service events outside of worship, such as helping with Wednesday evening suppers at the church or with projects in the community or congregation.
Our goal in confirmation is to teach students the basics of the Christian faith and expose and prepare them to become members of the Church through worship and service. To that end, we shape every session around the four themes of:
- Caring Christian Conversations
- Bible Reading and Devotion
- Service arising out of or related to our Bible reading
- Rituals and traditions, such as prayer, for and with each other, and words of encouragement and blessing for each other.
We would be glad to explain more about our confirmation ministry. If you have questions please email us at flcminot@minot.com, or call Pastor Ken Nelson, at 852-4853.
