Confimration

“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”

1 Peter 3:15

What is Confirmation?

At Bethlehem Lutheran Church confirmation – or the public affirmation of Baptism and faith – is the culmination of several years of study and formal instruction for the confirmand. At Bethlehem 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.

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:
  • How to read the Bible
  • A summary of the content of the Bible
  • 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

When do we meet?

When do I begin Confirmation?

All 6th, 7th and 8th grade students meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. for a three-year course covering the following topics:

Year A: Catechism Study (current topic of study for 2023-24)
Year B: Bible Overview
Year C: Apologetics Study

All 7th and 8th grade students meet on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 -6:00 p.m. to
study Luther’s Small Catechism and how it is applied in the life of a Christian.

What do we need?

The following materials are required for both 7th and 8th grade confirmands:
  • Bible (ESV preferred)
  •  Luther’s Small Catechism   w/Explanation, 2017 Edition (provided by the church)

Useful Links

Important Dates

  • September 4th – First Midweek Class
  • September 8rd - First Sunday Class
  • April 11th – Confirmation Questioning 6:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary 
  • April 13th – Confirmation Sunday
Our confirmation ministry exists to teach the faith and prepare Christians for a lifelong study and growth in God’s Word and our Lutheran Confessions. The three-year program is designed as follows:

Year 1 - 6th Grade
  • Attend Worship and Sunday School 75% of the time.
  • Turn in Sermon notes to Pastor Krieg 75% of the time.
  • Faithfully serve as acolytes.

Year 2 - 7th Grade
  • Attend Worship and Sunday School 75% of the time.
  • Attend Class 75% of the time.
  • Turn in Sermon notes to Pastor Krieg 75% of the time.
  • Faithfully serve as acolytes.
  • Complete homework and memory work assignments by due dates.
  • Help serve at the Confirmation reception following questioning.

Year 3 - 8th Grade
  • Attend Worship and Sunday School 75% of the time.
  • Attend Class 75% of the time.
  • Turn in Sermon notes to Pastor Krieg 75% of the time.
  • Faithfully serve as acolytes.
  • Complete homework and memory work assignments by due dates.
  • Faithfully participate in the end-of-year questioning.



Congratulations Class of 2024