As we worked with youth, we realized we needed a new message and a new methodology. Our class had to be about respecting the growing empowerment of the youth and the onset of more adult responsibilities. The class needed to show, both in content and form, that we believed them capable of making their own faith choices. Our task was to expose them to ideas, religions, experiences and concepts, and let the Holy Spirit and their own engagement do the rest. Our program needed to focus more on their questions than our answers, and put us in the role of companions and guides rather than instructors.
The result was Confirm not Conform, a program that celebrates young people’s spirituality, creativity and responsibility. Over the course of the CnC program, students come to believe we’re serious about giving them a voice and, when they claim it, the results are amazing. The program not only energizes youth; it strengthens and engages the whole congregation. In allowing our young people to grow, we end up growing our whole community.
The program that started it all
Why most youth confirmation programs don't work
Our unique, tried and tested methodology in 1,000+ churches