In the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), confirmation – or the public affirmation of baptism and faith – is arrived at after a period of instruction that lasts several years. At Redeemer 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
At Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, first communion and confirmation are usually separated for children. Some families, though, prefer to have them take place in the same year. We respect the desire of the parents and leave it them because they know the needs and abilities of their children. These families typically enroll their children in the courses for first communion and confirmation back to back, sometimes for multiple years. They then simply delay first communion for the day of confirmation when the children have recited the entire Catechism.
Click here for more information on First Communion before Confirmation.
Youth confirmation instruction usually takes place in the Spring and lasts for 10 weeks and has as its prerequisite the first communion class (10 weeks in the Fall), even for those who will delay first communion. Children enrolled in the class are required to recite the entire Catechism before confirmation but do not need to do so their first time through the class. Thus they are allowed to work at their own pace. Since there is no age or grade requirement, and Holy Communion is usually being enjoyed already, there is no pressure. Children as young as second- and third-graders have taken the course and recited the Catechism perfectly, but most children find it easier as they get into the fifth or sixth grade.
Adults and youth of high school age who have not been confirmed and who wish to take communion with us are invited to enroll in our Christian Wisdom course. This course qualifies as adult instruction leading to confirmation. For adults, confirmation and first communion typically go hand-in-hand. For further details, please contact Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne.