Confirmation in the United Methodist Church

What does "confirmation" mean?

United Methodists use the term "confirmation" to mark the first time a baptized Christian publicly "confirms" their intention to live the vows of the baptismal and membership covenant and so becomes a professing member of the local congregation and The United Methodist Church.

While the process of preparing to confirm or profess one's commitment to live out the baptismal and membership covenant may take considerable preparation, which may include classes, retreats, service projects, and other spiritual exercises, the term confirmation properly belongs to what we do in the ritual when we publicly confirm our commitment.

I am coming to The United Methodist Church as a confirmed member of a church in another denomination. Do I need to be confirmed again?

No, you do not. While we do ask that all persons seeking to become professing members in The United Methodist Church publicly profess our baptismal and membership vows, we do not call that process "confirmation" for those who are coming to us as "confirmed" or "full" members of other Christian denominations. We, as do many of our ecumenical partners, call it "reception." We will also offer you a process to orient you to life in our version of the baptismal covenant and in the wider life of the congregation, the district, the conference, and the denomination.

What is the Point of Confirmation?

by Faith Parry | October 11th, 2022

Many may ask why we do confirmation. What's the point? If I had to choose one thing in a teenager's life that I thought was important for the church to do, it would be confirmation. It's so important that I would go as far as to say...read the rest
During confirmation, the students will unpack a question that is foundational to the Christian faith:
  • God
  • Creation
  • Jesus
  • Salvation
  • Holy Spirit
  • The Church
  • Last Things