Students often say one of their biggest takeaways from Confirmation is a clearer understanding of the Trinity—one of the most complex doctrines for a young teen to grasp. Using the easy-to-read book
The Absolute Basics of the Christian Faith by Phil Tallon, students begin to unpack the nuances of their faith and discuss aspects of the Christian walk they may never have considered.
This past year, Schweitzer offered two Confirmation classes with 31 students total, ranging from 6th grade to college age, all taking steps toward a stronger faith journey with Jesus. Beginning in January 2026, Nicole Cologna and I—with help from high school intern Lilly Worthy—will guide another group through twelve weeks of videos, discussion, and three off-site visits, including St. Thomas Greek Orthodox and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. These trips let students ask questions and see how different denominations live out their traditions.
Stella Green, now a Family Ministry intern, went through Confirmation just a few years ago and returned this fall to help teach. She led games and object lessons to help students understand key concepts and ask better questions—something her own experience equipped her well to do.
Confirmation concludes with an interview and presentation. Will Cologna and I meet with each student, giving them space to articulate what they’ve learned. Then, during worship, the congregation witnesses the staff confirm—through liturgy and testimony—that these students are stepping forward as young disciples.
“Each year, I notice a lot of digging deeper for answers about why we choose to follow Jesus,” says Nicole Cologna. “The students are eager to learn.” As Luke 11:9 reminds us, those who ask, seek, and knock will find—and these students truly are finding.
Classes for the next session begin on Sunday, January 4, and run through late March. If you’d like to sign your teen up (6th grade and up), register on our website or through the Church Center app.
