​#36 - Confirmation as Baptismal Renewal not Exit Strategy

Saturday 10:30 am - 12 noon
Presenter: Sharon Ely Pearson, Church Publishing Inc
Sharon Ely Pearson is an editor with Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) with experience in Christian formation on the local, judicatory, and church-wide level. Known for her knowledge of the variety of published curricula across the church, she has also had her hand in the birthing of many books, including the recent Faithful Celebrations: Making Time for God series and is part of the Presiding Bishop’s Way of Love Working Group. She lives in Norwalk, Connecticut.

It has been estimated that at least 50% of those confirmed drop out of active church membership. Reviewing the history of confirmation and the faith development of adolescents, as well as their cognitive, emotional and physical growth stages, can perhaps inform our understanding of how we can develop a better model of youth preparation. Hear the findings of The Confirmation Projectand how our churches can tap into the data, moving from a “rite of passage” to a piece of one’s lifelong faith journey. Share your best practices and struggles as we talk about a strategy to tap into confirmation as a new opportunity to engage youth (and their parents).