Confirmation is an educational and pastoral ministry of Christ Lutheran Church rooted in Jesus Christ’s command and promise as he ascended into heaven:

            Then Jesus came to them and said:  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:18-20)

Christ’s commission to his Church is to make disciples of all people baptizing and teaching them to obey everything he commanded in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  This word motivates us at Christ Lutheran Church to nurture children and adults in the promise of God’s grace in Holy Baptism.  The “Great Commission” unites both baptizing and teaching in our life together.  As Christians we invite people into the Church, assuring them Christ’s promise is surely true:  he will be with us until the end of the age in his Word and Sacraments.  This means Baptism is the most precious of all gifts, and at the same time the most important tasks of the Church.

At Confirmation—or Affirmation of Baptism, as it is sometimes called—young people publicly affirm their baptism, after a period of study, training, relationship building, and preparation. The intention is not only to deepen their commitment to the Triune God in whose name they were baptized, but also the Church’s goal is to intensify the relationships in both church and home. Likewise we seek to shape the child’s obedience and discipleship to Christ in the world, helping them believe that Christ will be with them until the “end of the age.”

Normally, young people between 5th and 8th grades at Christ Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Nebraska study the Bible, God’s inspired Word – the only true source, norm, and rule in faith and life for the Christian Church, and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism and Large Catechism – a true exposition of God’s Word, the Bible.  The young people of Christ Lutheran Church in this age group participate in group and individual activities, in weekly instruction and in their homes, to nurture and to explore the Christian faith and life.  Confirmation occurs on the first Sunday in May, with the first reception of Holy Communion the week following.  Confirmation begins each August in the third week.