Following is information on the confirmation program at Christ's Greenfield Lutheran Church:

1. CURRICULUM
There are two (2) years of curriculum. In many congregations students begin in the 7th grade and then “endure” the required years. Not at Christ’s Greenfield! Every student develops at uniquely personal rates. Therefore youth can begin confirmation when they are ready, some as early as 5th or 6th grade while others will start when they are older. Many catechumens blossom spiritually within the allotted time. However, some students will need additional effort to develop the level of spiritual maturity expected of a child of God preparing to be confirmed. Confirmation is not a “graduation.” It is a privilege to be confirmed. It is not a right nor is it a rite of passage! It is a public affirmation of faith development and the acknowledgment of emerging spiritual maturity. Confirmation is therefore, the inevitable result of measurable progress in the faith life of an individual.

2. REVIEWS
In the majority of churches, confirmation is a function of how much you know or how much you can memorize. Not at Christ’s Greenfield! In our parish, confirmation is a measurement of how much of what you know is being applied to how you live. The Board of Elders will meet with the class several times during the year. The Elders will be reviewing each student’s spiritual progress, probing to find out just how much instruction is being applied in their daily life. To be certain of each youth’s readiness, a final comprehensive practical review will be given to catechumens who are finished with their academic work, completed an in-depth spirituality plan, and have been recommended to be confirmed by pastor.

3. 6:02
So many youth today find the formal worship setting to be almost impossible to understand. The music and the language simply do not communicate much to them. Not at Christ’s Greenfield! The 6:02 p.m. Sunday evening service is specifically designed to speak to where the youth of our day are living. Attendance at 6:02 satisfies the weekly worship requirement of the confirmation experience.

4. THE SYSTEMIC MODEL
One of the major frustrations with confirmation today is the “unlearning” that takes place away from the classroom. Not at Christ’s Greenfield! This catechetical model is built around YOU and YOUR FAMILY. It is a systemic model designed specifically to address the spiritual life in each household and not just the faith development of an individual.

5. LEARNING STYLES
Did you know that there are seven recognized intelligences and five distinct ways in which people learn? Most confirmation programs only allow for the “lecture learner.” Not at Christ’s Greenfield! Group experiences called “Focus Time” and “Break Out” allow students with various learning styles to work with the classroom concepts in ways that are more relevant to them.

6. HOMEWORK
It is not uncommon to find a member of the family who is “spiritually challenged” creating inner conflict for the student who loves the Lord and his family as well. This places the Church and home in obvious tension. Not at Christ’s Greenfield! “Family Time” is designed specifically to reinforce the work done in class, create weekly opportunities for families to discuss values, and impact members of households who are passively or aggressively resisting faith development.

7. PARISH SERVICE HOURS
Many people have been taught that faith and actions are something other than different sides of the same coin. Not at Christ’s Greenfield! “Parish Service Hours” are included in order to help students discover their talents while learning the Biblical truth that though works never save us (Eph.2:8-9) “faith without works is dead” (James 2:14-20).


© 2002 Rev. Dr. Kevin Wyssmann • Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church • Gilbert, AZ