Eleven very nervous and anxious confirmands sat before me during the confirmation service. This was probably one of the few times they wished I was delivering a typical sermon instead of leading the promised “discussion” with them before the actual ceremony. Students who usually carry on daily conversations with me now avoided eye contact. The solemn tone of the occasion began to affect these normally-carefree teens. Rather than drilling the students with questions immediately, I invited Missionaries George and Shary Frahm to step forward. Back on medical leave from Cambodia, they presented Immanuel with a beautiful wood cutting in the shape of the country of Cambodia with an inspired artistic rendition of “Jesus” embedded in the center of the ‘country.’
Thanking Immanuel for their support while standing in the front of the about-to-be-confirmed students truly meant something to me. The message was unmistakable. “You are today’s church,” I said. Today you are confirming the faith in which you were baptized. Today you pledge to carry out the mission of our church. Standing before the students were two missionaries, real life examples of our mission. Finally, I reminded the young people of the pledge they were making that day:
“. . . to conform your life to the rule of the divine Word, to be diligent in the use of the means of grace, to conduct yourselves worthy of the Gospel of Christ, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to the Triune God”
Speaking to everyone present (those who spoke similar words at their own confirmations and those who haven’t been confirmed), I carefully unpacked the words and invited the students to consider their meaning before simply agreeing to follow them. The challenges of life await each of these young people. Some of those challenges will test them as never before. They will need God’s Word and the Sacraments to remain true to their God!
Perhaps some in attendance that evening reflected back on other confirmation services including their own. Maybe others will consider taking similar steps themselves. I am privileged to recall scores of confirmation services from the Philippines to Wisconsin, Minnesota and of course Illinois. Each time the occasions were packed with emotions as the serious nature of the occasion became obvious. Faces of hundreds of young people come to mind. It is my sincere prayer that they all continue to serve their Savior as they pledged. To God be the Glory!
See you in church,
Pastor Tom
P.S. Be sure to read Deaconess Brenna’s words on confirmation if you haven’t already!
Pastor Tom's Blog 