The purpose of our confirmation instruction is to prepare our young people for adult membership in their congregations and the parish and to assist them on their journey toward adult faith. The confirmation program for Salem Lutheran Church is a 3 year program. The first two years of 7th and 8th grades are offered at two different sites and times each week. One is an afternoon session held at Winnebago Lutheran Church and the other is evening classes held at Salem. The 9th grade year uses a mentoring relationship with an adult Christian and focuses on discipleship traits. The pastors are the primary teachers for confirmation and we also utilize adult guides. The adult guides are volunteers who add much to our program by leading small group discussions after the pastor's lectures and by seeking to develop healthy relationships between our youth and Christian adults.

Below is a more thorough description of each of the years.

7th grade: This year of instruction focuses on a study of the Bible using Crossways. Adult guides are recruited to serve as discussion and small group leaders. Students have a choice of meeting at Winnebago on Wednesdays at 4:15 pm or at Salem at 6:15pm. Pastor Bill Peters is the instructor for the Bible class.

8th grade: This year of instruction focuses on a study of the Catechism, especially the Creeds, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Sacraments. Adult guides serve as discussion and small group leaders. Students have the choice of meeting on Wednesdays at Winnebago at 4:15pm or at 6:15 pm at Salem. Pastor Steve Smith will be filling in as the instructor for the Catechism class.

9th grade: The theme for the 9th grade year is discipleship. 9th graders choose an adult mentor assists them in considering what it means to be an adult disciple - a follower of Jesus. 9th graders and mentors meet once a month for a class taught by the pastors. The classes each focus on a discipleship trait. 9th grades and their mentors are then be given a discussion sheet based on the lecture, and the assignment to meet together in the coming month to have that discussion. 9th grade classes are generally be held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm at Salem. Pastor Kevin L. Mackey is the administrator of the 9th grade year.

Copyright 2006, Salem Lutheran Church, Lake Mills,IA