A new disciple – a congregation’s confirmation journey
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. | Matthew 28:19-20
The Confirmation team at St Mark's Dalby, with five members ranging from 24 to 80 years of age, decided to use the Grow Disciples material for the mid-year 2021 confirmation class, consisting of seven young people. The course ran for twelve months.
He came back every week after that, and after a few months let us know that he believed in what we were teaching, and would like to be confirmed with the rest of the class. We were able to speak with Ben about Baptism and Holy Communion and decided that it would all happen for him on the day of Confirmation.
On Pentecost Sunday this year, Ben was baptised, a collaborative rite involving most of the Confirmation teachers as well as Pastor Joel, and then the eight young people were confirmed. We even had a pre-recorded greeting from Bishop Mark Vainikka, including a special message for Ben on the day of his Baptism. This was a special moment for the confirmees.
The window chalk is still on the windows at St. Marks, and we are finding it hard to want to clean it off. The young people asked if they could keep meeting together after we finished the course, as they enjoyed it so much. They almost all attend C.H.A.O.S., our fortnightly youth group.
It was sad that the eldest member of the team could not be there on the confirmation day, but hearing the young people’s collective disappointment that an 80-year-old man could not be there on the day, reinforced the importance of intergenerational ministry. He is much respected by all of them.
Other highlights were sharing in the Highs and Lows of the teenager’s weeks, and watching them grow in their faith and discipleship. We are very thankful for the Grow Disciples material and will use it again in the future.
A big thank you to Grow Ministries, from the team at St. Marks Lutheran Church Dalby.
Rev Joel Pukallus
Grow Disciples is the confirmation resource created with a renewed emphasis on lifelong intergenerational discipleship. It provides a nurturing community and personal faith journey for confirmees in a meaningful, practical, and Christ-centered way.
Effectively connecting with young people includes three key considerations:
- a long-range mindset that encourages a faith that is supported into the future by families and congregations,
- being relational by prioritising relationships, appropriate teaching methods and experiential learning opportunities, and
- creating a compelling session that is relevant, interactive and engaging.
If you would like to learn more about the work of Grow Ministries email growministries@lca.org.au and a member of our team will contact you.
