The Foundation For Christian Formation

WORKSHOPS

THE FOUNDATION FOR CHRISTIAN FORMATION

Consecration 3.3

Going Long, Going Deep: Confirmation and Making Young Disciples

In this workshop we'll explore a broad range of issues related to Confirmation. We'll examine its role in "making disciples for the transformation of the world" and the role of the pastor, Christian educators, the family, the congregation, and other adult leaders and mentors in guiding that process. We'll look at the new Credo Confirmation Resources from Cokesbury and explore the principles behind the design, including the three-cycle model upon which it is based (ideally spread over three years but doable in 18 weeks). And, we'll wrestle with issues like:

age-appropriateness
family commitment to and involvement in the process
the relative effectiveness of Confirmation in making lifelong disciples and engaged church members (according to available data)
additional seasons of formation with appropriate services of commitment at the end of each cycle as young people move through high school
use of Credo resources for adults, new members, and as a refresher course in United Methodist Christianity
as many of the participants questions and concerns as we can

Workshop Leader: Chris B Hughes

I had the privilege of serving on the development and writing teams for the Credo Confirmation Resources. I hope that I could give some insight into the intended process and guidance in its use. With my partners in the Foundation for Christian Formation, I have been leading regional Confirmation retreats at Lake Junaluska and at other host sites for the last five years. My wife Gloria, and I led a workshop, "Confirmation for the Priesthood of all Believers" at the National CEF Conference, in the fall of 2010.

WORKSHOP & TRAINING EVENTS