Lutheran Faith Formation: A New Vision for Lutheran Confirmation Ministry

CONSIDERING OUR PRESENT SITUATION

How would you describe the effectiveness, or the lack thereof, of present, so-called Traditional Confirmation processes?

To answer, consider this question?

What percentage of our High School Seniors are “functionally active” in our congregational life?

Meaning:

1. Worshiping at least monthly? 
2. Participating in any learning or serving dimension of the congregation? Including, post-Confirmation youth group?

Suggestion:  In answering this question, for context, please reference the photographs of your last three years’ Confirmands, and count.

Are we producing more “active participants in ministry”, ie., more young Disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing in His & our ministry?

Or more “audience members”, ie., more church members for the membership roster who may stop by on occasion?

According to the latest (though not that recent) national Lutheran assessment of Traditional Confirmation, meaning that it begins in grade 7 or 8, and concludes at the end of grade 9 or beginning of grade 10, the answer to the above question was:  Below 25% were functionally active by grade 12!*

According to best available research regarding New Vision/Family Centered Faith Formation Process:  Between 65% & 70% functionally active by Grade 12! **

Prayerfully reflecting on this information, how does one justify “Sticking with the traditional model?”

* Ken Pohlmann, Director for Confirmation Ministries, Division for life & Mission in the Congregation, ALC.

** Barna Research Group: Mark Holman, “Take It Home”, personal experience and consultation with other congregations using New Vision model.