Been wrestling with this idea for some time, as we seek to make our confirmation (whatever that really is these days...) better, more relevant, and impacting the faith of our kids for the long run. Thing is, I'm not sure that 'confirmation' -- the process of kids coming Wed. night, we play a game, give a 20 min message about something and do our best to relate it back to Jesus, and then give them small group time to discuss is completing the task of beginning the transformation process from one who knows about Jesus to a young disciple of Jesus. That is the goal of everything we do -- to bring people into, and then growing deeper into, a relationship with Christ. That means they look at the world differently, they make decisions and base actions on that faith rather than what benefits them at the moment, and that they are able to talk about that faith in a way that makes other want to join the team, too. Here are my questions at this point...confirmation students past and present, weigh in! Tell me what you think. parents and innocent bystanders, feel free as well!
1) Should we be expecting radical transformation to be taking place in the lives of 7/8 grade students?
2) If not, what should we expect?
3) What does the process of christ-formation look like? What does/should it invovle?
Let's see where this goes...
1) Should we be expecting radical transformation to be taking place in the lives of 7/8 grade students?
2) If not, what should we expect?
3) What does the process of christ-formation look like? What does/should it invovle?
Let's see where this goes...
2 comments:
I'm an adult, and looking back on my "standard Lutheran confirmation" from years ago, I think I learned more, experienced more, and felt more during the Alpha class that we had at Zion a few years ago. It was really an "aha" moment for me.
I think we need to teach our youth how to share the gospel, in words, in actions, in how they live their lives.
Brent. I just can't help myself.
1.) YES! Everyone needs to have change otherwise we aren't alive. Change is a property of anything alive. (gen 1)
2.) We should expect it. We should also expect that someone elses change might look unexpected to us. The point isn't our witness of it. (Isaiah 55:11)
3.) We are being formed regardless of our intent. I know many well meaning Christians who are sowing nothing and reaping nothing. The point of spiritual discipline is to be active in our own formation. Giving people a vision for the Kingdom of God such that it is irresistible for them. This is the only thing that will compel them to discipline. (Matthew 9:35)
grace and peace
brian
Post a Comment