Growing up in the church is a journey, and Confirmation marks one of its most meaningful milestones. At First Methodist Midland, Confirmation is much more than a class or a tradition—it is an invitation for young people to begin taking ownership of a faith that has been nurtured by their families and church community since childhood.

For many children, faith begins with parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers, and church leaders who faithfully teach them about Jesus. Confirmation is the season when that inherited faith begins to become their own. As our students move from childhood into adolescence, they are invited to explore what it truly means to follow Christ, ask honest questions, and make a personal commitment to live as His disciples.

In the Methodist tradition, Confirmation is the first time a baptized Christian publicly professes the faith that was proclaimed on their behalf at baptism. Those who were baptized as infants or young children now have the opportunity to personally affirm the promises made for them years earlier. For students who have never been baptized, Confirmation also provides the opportunity to receive the sacrament of baptism before professing their faith and joining the church as professing members. In every case, Confirmation is a celebration of God’s grace at work in a young person’s life and a significant step in their lifelong walk with Christ.

Our Confirmation journey takes place over several weeks through engaging, discussion-based classes designed specifically for middle school students. Together, confirmands explore the story of Scripture, the life and teachings of Jesus, the work of the Holy Spirit, the meaning of salvation and grace, the importance of prayer and worship, and what it means to live as a disciple every day. They also learn about the history and beliefs of the Methodist tradition and discover how God has uniquely gifted them to serve the Church and the world.

One of the things that makes Confirmation at First Methodist Midland especially meaningful is that it isn’t just for students. We believe parents remain the primary spiritual leaders in their children’s lives, especially during these formative years. That’s why parents participate in classes alongside the Confirmation journey, equipping them with practical tools to encourage conversations about faith at home, navigate the challenges of adolescence, and continue discipling their children long after Confirmation Sunday has passed.

The journey culminates in one of the most joyful services of the year. Surrounded by family, friends, mentors, and the entire congregation, our confirmands stand before the church to publicly proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ. Some receive the sacrament of baptism for the very first time. Others remember and reaffirm the promises made at their baptism. Together they profess their faith, take membership vows, and are welcomed as professing members of the church family. As a congregation, we promise to continue encouraging, praying for, and walking alongside them as they grow in faith and service.

Confirmation is not the finish line of faith—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. It marks the moment when young people begin living out their relationship with Christ with greater purpose, responsibility, and confidence. Our hope is that every student who completes Confirmation will continue to grow as a disciple of Jesus, becoming more like Him throughout their lives and discovering the joy of following Him wherever He leads.

If your child is approaching Confirmation age, we would be honored to walk alongside your family during this important season. We invite you to join us as together we help the next generation claim their faith, grow in Christ, and become active members of His Church.