As students approached confirmation this semester we have often likened the service to a wedding. Vows are made and witnesses are essential as a minister (Bishop) asks for God’s gracious provision and protection as participants enter into a new season of relating to God and neighbor. Many couples often use the time preceding their wedding to seek counsel in preparation for upholding their vows. In a similar manner, our confirmands have spent the past four months with mentors to consider the gravity of their personal declarations of faith that are to be made publicly on Sunday.
When this process runs well, confirmation class becomes a microcosm of Church of the Apostles, providing students an opportunity to fully engage with their church body. Our class sessions are intergenerational with adult mentors and students spendings many hours together throughout the semester. Because of this, unique relationships are formed and teenagers are given the gift of friendship with older, wiser brothers and sisters. The class’s motor is the sacrifice of the time and energy of our volunteers. While staff set up the structure of the class, it is lay people who often teach, lead, and interact with students. The classwork required is saturated in Scripture, emphasizing personal devotion and time in God’s word. Students are given the opportunity to engage with different ministries at Apostles, including our communion prayer team, where we ask confirmands to simply receive prayer and see what happens. The more students invest in the class the more they are given the gift of witnessing faith active in love through the church.
On Sunday when Terrell lays hands on each student and prays for a daily increase of the Holy Spirit in their lives, he does so in conjunction with Paul in 2 Timothy 1:6, who says, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” May Sunday be a moment where the gift of God is fanned into flame in our students, mentors, and all who witness this service.
Hayes Thielman,
Student Ministry Leader
