Confirmation as Faith Formation

Scroll down for links to Confirmation Project joint project of several Christian denominations. 

Confirmation means very different things depending on the particular Christian tradition.  Practices vary widely.  Historically, from the earliest records of church history, it appears that the Sacrament of Baptism was accompanied by chrism, the anointing of oil, and laying on of hands, usually performed by the bishops of the early Christian church immediately following baptism. The roots of this practice are found in Acts 8:14-17 where the apostles laid their hands on baptized Christians.  Origen (185-232) mentions chrism as early as the 3rd century CE.  As time progressed it often was impossible to keep both of those actions together, and so the chrism was often done when the bishop was able to visit the churches, and baptism by local priests.  In the Middle Ages, these developed into two separate sacraments, baptism mostly of infants and confirmation with the post baptismal anointing and catechismal instruction. During the reformation, confirmation became an opportunity to teach catechism to children that had previously been baptized.  Reformers like Luther and Calvin developed catechisms to instruct children in the faith.  The pattern in reformed circles became one of baptism, then in early adolescents, catechism, followed by confirmation.  Depending on the Christian denomination, a number of different practices regarding baptism, catechism, confirmation, and participating in the eucharist eventually developed.  Interestingly, in the Orthodox church, there has been no division and the rite of baptism and chrism (confirmation) have steadily maintained a consistency together throughout the centuries.

Today, a new dialogue has recently begun into CEP (confirmation and equivalent practices) between the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church, the United Methodist Church, the ELCA Lutheran Church, and the African Methodist Episcopal church.  The Confirmation Project is a collaborate effort that seeks to explore questions such as the extent in which CEP are effective in growing disciples in Jesus Christ and supporting a lifelong Christian vocation.  Below are listed some websites that are worth visiting to explore more about confirmation, educational practices in the church and faith formation.   The site also includes a confirmation timeline, FAQ, news and a blog with more information.  The question remains, what is the role today of confirmation in the faith formation of both children and adults?  How do we grow in our understanding of these important rites in our spiritual life and development?  What practices can best help Christians develop a life long process of discipleship?  These are important questions to consider.  Furthermore, these are not simply questions of practicality or personal preference but reflect important theological understandings of the Sacraments, the Holy Spirit, Baptism, conversion, and inclusion in the church.

In my own Presbyterian tradition, confirmation has been mostly reserved for youth, traditionally this has meant those between the ages of 13-15.  Confirmation follows when a child is old enough and follows a brief period of education to help in their faith formation and in reaffirming the vows taken on their behalf at their baptism.  This can often become an important rite of passage and gives them a sense of belonging and allows them to ask important questions about their faith. These resources are offered as a starting place for this important discussion in your church about the role of confirmation in the formation of faith and spiritual development in the life of Christians.

Princeton Theological Seminary Confirmation Project site

The Confirmation Project Website

click to view worship bulletin for Service of Confirmation 4-12-2015 Easter 2

Life Long Faith (ELCA) initiative for faith formation

Best Practices in Adolescent Faith Formation

Confirmation (Catholic Online Encyclopedia)

Roman Catholic: The Sacrament of Confirmation