About Confirmation

Meaning

The word "confirmation" literally means "to make firm." Confirmation is the first public occasion in which a person affirms his or her personal response to divine grace and proclaims faith in Christ. It is the first public expression of the individual's affirmation of baptismal covenant.

The meaning of confirmation is closely related to that of baptism. In baptism, the Holy Spirit marks the person as God's own. In confirmation, the Holy Spirit strengthens the person in his or her discipleship.

Vision

To immerse sixth-grade students and parents in a holistic and comprehensive program that is designed to foster spiritual formation, leading to an opportunity to respond to Jesus' call to be a disciple.

Decision

During the confirmation journey, the individual is asked to consciously embrace the Christian faith as one's own and to live out the call to love God, neighbor, and self.

The Pillars of Confirmation

Confirmation is the time in a student's life when they claim faith for themselves. Our goal is to immerse the Confirmand and their parents in a comprehensive program that is designed to foster spiritual formation through the following components:

Sunday Morning. Every Sunday offers a safe place for Confirmands to learn about the beliefs, practices, and history of the Christian faith in a large and small group setting. During the first half of confirmation, a large group lesson is taught. During the last half, small groups meet to discuss the topic, grow in vulnerability, and ask hard questions. We do our best to form small groups based on friend requests (one friend request will be in the registration form), but if you have any group concerns or needs for your student, please email confirmation@hpumc.org. Each small group is led by two adult leaders who help guide Confirmands throughout the year.
Special Events and Services. Throughout the year, Confirmation will visit other faith traditions, work together on mission projects, and end the year with a profession of faith at the Rite of Confirmation service in April.