A different approach to confirmation class
Confirmation is not a biblically-mandated practice, but an ecclesiastical rite that has developed over time. This explains the variety that exists in both the understanding and practice of confirmation. In the past, the pastor has been the primary instructor of confirmation students. Recently, a growing number of congregations are practicing a pastor/parent approach to catechism. The samples below highlight different levels of parent involvement in the catechism instruction of students.
Confirmation - Pastor-Family Partnership Model
Confirmation - Pastor-Family Partnership Model
In the pastor-family partnership model used in Modesto, California, the student and parent work together at home on a lesson using the material and video provided by the pastor. All meet with pastor after every four lessons for review.
Confirmation - Family-Centered Model
Confirmation - Family-Centered Model
The family-centered model from Pooler, Georgia uses the new Catechism and a Connections workbook (the church supplies the workbook, the family buys the Catechism).
Procedure overview:
- Orientation: A meeting at the beginning of the year walks through handbook highlights, explains procedures, and explains how Google classroom works.
- Monthly meetings: Parents and students take the review quiz together (giving assurance that parents are doing the lessons with the kids). Meetings also include round-table discussions and a walk through of the lesson and parent-help sheets with the families. The students have monthly project work to turn in (most of it is their memory work said to the pastor).
- Weekly lessons: Parents do weekly lessons at home (based on the schedule provided by the pastor). The students write their answers in the Connections workbook, later transferring their Connections answers to the Google classroom lesson and completing the homework included there.
- End of year: A review test is given on the entire year’s material. (Second year students have both years in their review test).
Sample lesson
Confirmation - Parent-Taught Model
Confirmation - Parent-Taught Model
The parent-taught model from Middleton, Wisconsin uses parent-taught, individually-paced lessons. The goal is the parent interacting with their child over God's Word and prayers.
An introductory video made by St. Andrew parents explains the value of confirmation as a family ministry.
A sample video for Lesson 20
Confirmation - Flipped-Classroom Model
Confirmation - Flipped-Classroom Model
The flipped-classroom model used in Hartford, Wisconsin, flips—or reverses—the traditional roles of in-class work and homework. The student studies the basic concepts of the lesson at home, then comes to class to participate in class activities which expand on and apply the concepts.
Congregational Evangelism Kit