When St. John's in Oakland realized their traditional Confirmation program wasn't resonating with their youth, the rector and youth minister embarked on a mission to create something more engaging and meaningful. The result was what would later evolve into the broader "Confirm Not Conform" program.
Values
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Understanding that most traditional Confirmation programs fail to engage youth, Confirm Not Conform addresses the developmental need of adolescents to forge their own identities. It moves away from the concept of "confirmation as conformity" and instead fosters a genuine, inside-out relationship with God and the church. By focusing on respect and empowerment, the program transforms the Confirmation process into a meaningful journey.
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Curriculum
Confirm Not Conform participants engage in three overlapping tasks: Deconstruction, Design, and Construction. These tasks encourage critical thinking, reflection on personal beliefs, and the articulation of a faith that is truly their own. The program is designed not to destroy faith but to build it up in a way that is authentic and enduring.
Empowerment
