Confirmand’s Public Examination

Years ago, pastors of Lutheran Churches would schedule a Public Examination of those young persons to be confirmed in their faith. This public examination would take place the Wednesday before Confirmation Day. I remember when my classmates and I went through our public examination. It was a nervous time when we really didn’t know what to expect. Members of the congregation were invited (encouraged) to ask us questions concerning what we had learned in our three-year catechetical instruction. Yes, it was scary, but our pastor had our backs. No one was allowed to ask a question which they themselves did not know the answer.
Fast forward to our present time and you will notice that I have brought back Public Examination to the confirmation process. For our students, I am sure it is a nervous time, perhaps even scary. They will be asked to recall several items that they have learned during the eighteen months since I became their pastor, along with things they discussed with David Kibler, who has been a great help through the process. The congregation is invited to come be a part of this public examination.

The purpose of Public Examination is not to put our students on the spot.
It is to allow them an opportunity to pass along what they themselves have learned and tell the congregation about their desire to live according to the faith in which they are baptized. David Kibler and I will be asking the initial questions, then congregation members will have an opportunity to participate. Each student has been provided the materials and tools necessary to be successful in this event and I have no doubt they will do well. How could they not? They are all bright students and have learned that sharing their faith with others is really not that difficult. And besides, as my pastor assured me, I will have their back.

Public examination of our confirmands will take place on Sunday, June 2nd beginning at 4:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. The church family of St. Jacob’s is invited to attend and share this time with our 2019 Confirmation Class. Following the examination, we will enjoy a time of fellowship with food and plenty of good conversation. Please come and support these fine young people as they take the next step in their journey of faith.