Confirmation

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE 2012 SESSION

What is Confirmation?

Simply put, confirmation is about deciding to follow Jesus. Confirmation is designed to help 8th grade students discover, examine, claim and live their Christian faith. These are some of the questions we address in confirmation:

• Who is Jesus?
• What does it mean to call Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior?
• What is the purpose of the church?
• What is unique about the United Methodist Church?
• What is God's purpose for me? How do I live out my faith in the real world?

Steps to become a Confirmand

• Our Confirmation program runs from January through November. The winter-spring session consists of required Wednesday evening sessions, plus special activities.
• In the summer or spring break the youth attend one week of required Confirmation Mission Trip. A week long spiritual growth event is an essential part of the confirmation experience, any students who cannot attend one of these options are asked to postpone confirmation until they can attend.
• The fall session consists of required Wednesday evening sessions, plus special activities.
• There are also a number of other requirements, including serving as acolytes (candle lighters) for the 8:10 am and 10:45 am Sunday services.
• Throughout this Confirmation process, the students consider whether they are ready to make a faith commitment and wish to become members of the church. If so, they are received on Confirmation Sunday, in November.
• See the Forms and Downloads page for more detailed Confirmation information and requirements.

Team Effort

Confirmation at Ankeny First United Methodist is a team effort. Co-Director of Youth Ministry, Rick Webb, coordinates the program along with volunteer Confirmation Directors, Wendy DePrez and Marni Beck. Pastors Bob and Martha Ward prepare and lead the weekly large group lessons. A team of parent leaders and small group teachers provide the necessary personnel for small group sharing and hands-on learning activities

The other important players on this team are the students and parents. Active student participation and the strong parental support are ultimately what make confirmation an exciting and life-changing faith experience!