Confirmation

In the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), Confirmation is a public affirmation of baptism and faith. It is arrived at after a period of instruction that lasts several years. At Immanuel, we make a very deliberate effort to be clear that instruction in the faith, prayer, and contemplation of the Scriptures, is part of every Christian’s daily life and does not end with Confirmation.

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The formal instruction that leads to Confirmation for both adults and children is founded in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism and is designed to clarify Christian doctrine and teach the life of the Church to Christians including...

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• How to read the Bible

• A summary of the content of the Bible

• The distinction between Law and Gospel

• What prayer is and how to pray

• What worship is and how the liturgy comes from the Scriptures

• The Sacraments of Baptism, Absolution, and the Lord’s Supper

• How God calls each of us to various vocations, including how we bear witness of Christ in the world and why we should do so, and how to live lives of service to our family and neighbors

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As with First Communion classes, we emphasize that parents are the primary instructors in the faith, with the pastor providing supplemental instruction. Especially toward that end, in addition to classes with Pastor Wendorff, prerequisites for Confirmation include that students...

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1. Attend Divine Service regularly with their family.

2. Read through Concordia's Bible History with their parents/family.

3. Learn by heart the six chief parts of Luther's Small Catechism in their entirety:

   • The Ten Commandments​

   • The Apostles' Creed

   • The Lord's Prayer

   • Confession

   • Baptism

   • The Sacrament of the Altar.

4. Complete an examination with parents, Pastor Wendorff, and Immanuel's Elders.

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At Immanuel, First Communion and Confirmation are usually separated for children. Some families, though, may prefer to have them take place in the same year. We respect the desire of the parents and leave it to them because they know best the needs and abilities of their children. Families following this approach can enroll their children in the courses for First Communion and Confirmation back-to-back, sometimes for multiple years. They can then simply delay First Communion for the day of Confirmation when the children have recited the entire Catechism.

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Youth Confirmation instruction takes place in the Spring and lasts for 10 weeks. It has as its prerequisite the First Communion class (10 weeks in the Fall), even for those who will delay First Communion. Children enrolled in the class are required to recite the entire Catechism before Confirmation but do not need to do so their first time through the class. This allows them to work at their own pace: Since there is no age or grade requirement, and Holy Communion is usually being enjoyed already, there is no pressure. Children as young as 2nd and 3rd grade could take the course and recite the Catechism perfectly, though most children will find it easier once they are in 5th or 6th grade.

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Adults and youth of high school age who have not been confirmed and who wish to take communion with us are invited to contact us to schedule classes. For adults, Confirmation and First Communion typically go hand-in-hand. For further details or if you have any questions, please contact us at any time.

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Other Education Opportunities...

Sunday School

Adult Bible Class

First Communion Class​​

Confirmation Class

Men's Group

Women's Guild

 Congregation at Prayer 

Over the Rainbow Preschool