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By Diana Dworin


Pass the faith


include Bible studies and discussions of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.


DESIGN PICS


Committing to confirmation


Parents can help preserve time for teens’ faith formation


T


he start of a school year brings fresh opportunities for kids to dive into activities. Whether it’s the beginning of soccer season or dance team practice, a variety of extracurricular endeavors compete each autumn for our kids’ attention and time.


For families who want to keep faith formation a prior-


ity, preserving time in their children’s schedules for it can be a challenge—especially for moms and dads with con- firmation-aged youth. At many ELCA churches, young teens are invited to attend weekly or monthly confirma- tion classes that take place over one to three years. Although confirmation is a commitment, the experi- ence can provide a framework for an ever-expanding faith life. “Confirmation is like a gift that our church offers to help establish patterns of discipleship and patterns of faith,” said Christian Muellerleile, a co-leader of the four-year confirmation program at Zion Lutheran Church, Litchfield, Minn. “It’s a commitment, but it’s a commit- ment in the same way that going to a family dinner or a family gathering is a commitment. It’s something we actu- ally want to make time for. “At its best, it’s a chance to become part of a growing relationship with God and with fellow sisters and brothers and in Christ.” Although there’s no standard template across the ELCA, confirmation programs typically teach Christian basics and Lutheran theology. Generally the classes help teens grow in their identities as baptized Christians and encourage them to explore the implications of God’s grace and Christ’s call to love God and others. Classes often


Making confirmation a priority can be a chal- lenge, especially for families who are juggling full plates of work, school and leisure activities. For parents and teens who are weighing whether to commit to confirmation, remember: • Promises your family has made. Confirma- tion instruction culminates in a church rite known as “Affirmation of Baptism”—and it’s a good reminder for parents to think back to the promises they made on their child’s baptism day—a commitment to help their children grow in “the Christian faith and life” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 228). • The importance of a faith community. Christian growth is nurtured through the support of others. For teens, confirmation can provide an invaluable base of encouragement from peers who also are exploring, grow- ing and, perhaps, struggling with faith. Most confirmation programs give teens opportunities for honest conversa- tions and faith sharing. 


Tried & true


‘Baptized, We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life’


No matter our age, we


are constantly growing in our understanding of what it means to be a child of God. For families who express their Christianity through the lens of Lutheranism, learning more about this faith tradition is important too. It can be helpful for parents who are journeying in faith with their confirmation- aged children to gain some familiarity with Lutheran theology and themes stressed by the church. Author Daniel Erlander explores and describes Lutheran Christianity as ways of “seeing, hearing, teaching and following” in Baptized, We Live: Lutheranism as a Way of Life (www.danielerlander.com). For adults who want to refresh themselves on the basic confirmation teachings, this short, illustrated book is an accessible and enjoy- able resource.


Lutheran mom


Dworin, 42, is a mother of three and a former parenting magazine editor. Contact her at diana@ passthefaith.org.


September 2012 41


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