A mentoring program for 9th grade confirmands and other
senior high youth considering public affirmation of baptism

Last year nine high school confirmands were apprenticed in the art of Christian discipleship through the debut season of Making Disciples. Still not clear on what this vital element in St.
Paul’s confirmation ministry is all about?  Designed through a collaboration of Lutheran and Methodist educators, Making Disciples operates on several convictions about the confirmation process
  • That we grow as disciples through the gifts and witness of other Christians in the congregation.

  • That older Christians within the congregation have a responsibility for the faith development of newer Christians.

  • That the Christian life is much more than a mere “head trip”in which facts and figures are learned.

  • That confirmation is part of, rather than separate from, our baptism.

  • That confirmation may take place at almost any age after childhood, including adulthood.
In Making Disciples, confirmands and mentors meet weekly during the education hour,
or at a time of their own choosing, for a series of thirteen sessions throughout the fall
on such topics as:
  • The Triune God
  • Worship
  • Saints and Gifts
  • Life in the Church
They read the Gospel of Luke together, pray for one another, and work together to develop the confirmand’s faith statement in preparation for affirming his or her baptism on Confirmation Sunday, which we will fittingly celebrate on the Baptism of Our Lord, January 11, 2009.

December 7 (originally "Makeup Session"):
Session 13: The Faith Journey Continues
Confirmation is not the end. It is not a “graduation” out of the church. It is a door to the future. This final session with your mentor helps you to think about your hopes for continued growth in faith, discipleship, and apostleship. Confirmands should bring their completed Statement of Faith for discussion with their mentors. And don’t forget to turn in a copy to Pastor Williamson this same morning.

December 7 – 23:
Parents and confirmands, please set up an appointment to meet together with Pastor Williamson sometime during these two weeks (preferably at your home, but meeting at church is okay too). At this time, confirmands will discuss their faith statement with the pastor and express their readiness to affirm their baptism.

December 9, 7:00 p.m.: Mentors’ Group Meeting.
A chance to evaluate together the Making Disciples season.

January 11: Affirmation of Baptism Sunday!!
On the first Sunday after Epiphany (The Baptism of Our Lord), at the 11:00 a.m. service, confirmands will have the opportunity to affirm their baptism before the congregation. Rehearsal during the education hour, 9:45 a.m.;

Connections Confirmation After-Party dinner that evening at 6:30.
In Fellowship Hall.