Our Story

Testimonials

Confirm not Conform was developed by members of the staff of St. John's Episcopal Church in Oakland, California over the course of about 8 years. They realized they wanted a confirmation program they couldn't find. So they made it themselves.
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For more than 10 years, Confirm not Conform has been used by hundreds of congregations throughout the United States, Canada, and beyond. We hope you'll find the program is right for you.
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Read more about the origins of Confirm not Conform or our Frequently Asked Questions

"The example of leadership, responsibility and maturity found in the first candidates made parents and guardians the next age group want their youths to participate in the program. Many people in the congregation have been asking questions such as "When do we get to say the new CnC creed?" I would say that the program has had a lasting effect." Read more testimonials like this here.

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Our Philosophy and Methodology

Confirm not Conform has designed our programs according to our methodology:
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• To allow participants of all ages to speak and participate, focusing on their questions more than just our answers.
• To demonstrate our confidence that the Christian faith will stand up to honest examination. We are not afraid to show our Christian traditions, warts and all.
• To explore the many ways people have expressed their faith through the centuries.
• To involve the wider congregation in the confirmation process, connecting youth with adults in a meaningful way.
• To empower youth to teach and lead. 
• To respect participants' faithful choice about whether or not to be confirmed, and celebrates and honors them, whatever their choice may be.

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Youth Programs

We have customized the Confirm not Conform youth confirmation program for 5 specific denominations:

• Episcopal/Anglican
• Lutheran (ELCA)
• Methodist (UMC)
• Presbyterian (PCUSA)
• UCC/Congregational (UCC)

These programs can be adapted for your local use or congregation. 
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The fully downloadable program includes:

• Getting Started guides
• 20 general sessions, including sessions on Scripture, church history, the Nicene Creed, the Lord's Prayer, worship, world religion, and social justice
• Weekend Retreat handbook
• Mentor recruitment and training materials
• Confirmation service and celebration materials
• and more

​Adult Program

Confirm not Conform for Adults invites participants to ask the questions they've always wanted to ask and to explore their faith from an adult perspective.
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The fully downloadable material includes:

• Getting Started guides
• General sessions, including sessions on Scripture, church history, the Nicene Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the church year, and world religions
• Creative explorations of spiritual practices
• In depth practice on discerning their values and how to live them out

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CnC for Adults can be used concurrently with the Youth program, giving youth and parents an opportunity to discuss what each is learning, or as a separate adult formation program. ​

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CnC the Organization

Confirm not Conform is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) - a nonprofit in the U.S. - under the legal name Come and C, Inc.