• Understand the Core of Christianity: Pathfinders will delve into the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith from a United Methodist perspective.

• Explore What it Means to BE a Christian: Confirmation Pathfinders focuses on what it looks like to follow Jesus in day-to-day life.

• Build a Sacred Community: Confirmation Pathfinders is a supportive and caring environment where pathfinders build meaningful relationships with their peers, adult mentors, and church leaders. It’s a safe space to ask tough questions, share doubts, and grow together in faith. Each pathfinder has a responsibility to support and encourage one another.

• Encounter God: Through study, discussion, prayer, worship, and special activities like our retreat, we hope pathfinders have genuine encounters with God and deepen their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Confirmation Pathfinders journey culminates in a significant moment where pathfinders decide if they are ready to make a public profession of faith and become a full, professing member of the United Methodist Church.

This involves committing to uphold the church with their "prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness."

For Those Already Baptized

Confirmation is the opportunity to reaffirm the covenant God made with them in baptism and to formally join the church as a professing member.

For Those Not Yet Baptized

If a student has not been baptized in any Christian tradition, they will have the opportunity to be baptized as part of their Confirmation, signifying their entrance into the family of Christ and the church.

Whether a pathfinder decides to be confirmed or chooses to wait, our hope is that this experience will equip them for a lifetime of growing in their faith, experiencing God more deeply, and actively participating in the life and mission of the church.

We invite you to prayerfully consider if this is the right time for your teen to explore their faith more deeply through our Confirmation Pathfinders program.

Celebrate & Lead: Worship That Rocks!

Get ready to be celebrated! We kick off Confirmation Pathfinders by recognizing you in worship. Later on, you and the crew will actually get to plan and lead parts of a church service. And the Confirmation ceremony itself? It’s a huge, meaningful celebration in worship where the whole church cheers you on!

Big Questions, Cool Discoveries: Unlock Your Faith!

Dive deep into the stuff that matters! We’ll explore where our church came from, what we believe as United Methodists, and how we live life together. Think of it as getting the inside scoop on your faith, finding answers to your questions, and figuring out your own unique calling.

Find Your People: Faith, Friends & Fun!

You’re not on this journey alone! You'll be paired with a mentor to chat, share, and grow with. Plus, get ready for an awesome retreat to build friendships and have some super exciting experiences. And guess what? Your family gets to be part of this faith journey with you at home too (your parents get their own homework)!

So, what does this epic faith journey actually involve?

• Confirmation Pathfinders Blessing (Your Official Welcome): Get a special shout-out during worship at the beginning of the journey!

• Confirmation Pathfinders Kick-Off (The Journey Begins Party): Right after worship & your blessing, we’ll have a big Kick-Off bash for all pathfinders, your parents/guardians, and your amazing mentors!

• Regular Discovery Sessions: Join us for 21 Confirmation lessons spread throughout the year. These are packed with cool discussions and activities, so we don’t want you to miss more than 4 – you won’t want to miss out!

• Your Mentor Meetups: You’ll connect with your Mentor for at least 6 awesome sessions during the year.

• Be Part of the Sunday Experience: Worship is where our church community really gets connected to each other and to God. Hanging out with us on Sunday mornings is key to feeling connected. (No strict attendance checks, but being around more often than not helps everyone. If you find you’re missing a lot, we’ll just have a chat to make sure everything’s cool and see how we can help.)

• Epic Confirmation Retreat: Get ready for an unforgettable overnight adventure! This awesome retreat runs from a Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, packed with fun, friendship, and faith explorations with your fellow pathfinders and mentors.

• Take the Lead in Worship: You and your Confirmation Pathfinders crew will get the incredible opportunity to plan and lead a whole CHUMC worship service in the spring!

• The Big Day – Confirmation Sunday! This is a special celebration for everyone in the Confirmation program, whether you decide to officially be confirmed or not. It's a day to celebrate all you've learned and experienced!

To show you’re all in for this journey of fun, discovery, and growth, you’ll sign a special “Confirmation Pathfinders Covenant ” (think of it as your pact between your crew, the church, and yourself!) at our big Kick-Off party.

Celebrate Milestones:

• Join us for the Confirmation Pathfinders Blessing at the beginning of the Confirmation journey in September, during the 10:30am worship to celebrate your pathfinder as they officially begin this special journey.

• Attend the Confirmation Pathfinders Kick-Off party with your pathfinder, their mentors, and junior mentors after worship & the blessing.

• Attend Confirmation Sunday at the end of the journey (in May) to witness and celebrate this significant moment, especially if your pathfinder chooses to be confirmed in the United Methodist Church.

Support Active Participation:

• Help ensure your pathfinder has transportation and arrives on time for Confirmation Pathfinder activities and sessions.

• Encourage regular Sunday Worship attendance with your pathfinder throughout the year. The worshipping community is the heart of our life together, and shared experiences in worship are foundational. (While we don't formally track attendance, significant absence may prompt a supportive conversation with your family about continued participation.)

Stay Connected & Engaged:

• Read the weekly Confirmation Pathfinder Updates. These will keep you informed about what your pathfinder is learning and experiencing.

• Complete Parent/Guardian Confirmation Reflections throughout the year. These brief reflections are designed to help you discover opportunities to support and discuss faith at home.

• Participate in a Parent/Guardian Check-in in the winter. This a great opportunity to share experiences with other parents/guardians and CHUMC ministry staff.

Our Shared Commitment 

To affirm this important partnership, parents and guardians will be invited to sign a Confirmation Parent/Guardian Covenant at the Kick-Off event. This signifies our mutual commitment to supporting your pathfinder through this journey.

Here are answers to a few questions you might have. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Ryan Clements, Discipleship Director, if you have others!

Q: What is the main goal of Confirmation Pathfinders? 

The goal is to provide a supportive and engaging space for youth to explore the Christian faith, understand United Methodist traditions, and prayerfully consider making a personal commitment to discipleship and membership in the church. It's about equipping them for a lifelong journey of faith.

Q: What if my child isn't sure what they believe or if they want to be confirmed? 

That's perfectly okay and very normal! Confirmation Pathfinders is a journey of exploration and asking questions. There is no pressure to come to a particular conclusion. The program is designed to help them explore their questions in a safe space. The decision to be confirmed is their own, to be made when they feel ready.

Q: How much time commitment is involved for my pathfinder outside of Sunday sessions?

Beyond the Sunday Discovery Sessions, pathfinders will participate in mentor meetings (scheduled between your mentor & your family), the overnight retreat, and potentially some light personal reflection or preparation for sessions. The Parent/Guardian reflections are for you, to help you engage with your child's journey.

Q: What is the role of a mentor? How are they chosen? 

Mentors are adult members of our congregation who are committed to walking alongside a small group of pathfinders, offering support, encouragement, and a listening ear. They help provide new perspectives and build intergenerational community. Junior mentors are older youth who have completed Confirmation and are growing their leadership.

All Mentors and Junior Mentors are selected by ministry staff, and adult Mentors are required to complete our church's Safe Sanctuaries training and background checks.

Q: What if my child was baptized in another Christian church/denomination? 

The United Methodist Church recognizes baptisms from other Christian denominations. Your child does not need to be re-baptized. Confirmation is their opportunity to affirm the vows made at their baptism and become a professing member of this local United Methodist congregation.

Q: What if my child hasn't been baptized yet? 

If your pathfinder decides they wish to be confirmed and has not yet been baptized, they will be baptized as part of the Confirmation service.

Q: How can I best support my pathfinder through this process?

Your consistent encouragement is key! Ask open-ended questions about what they're learning, share your own faith experiences, pray for them, help them prioritize attendance, and participate in the parent/guardian components like the reflections and check-ins. Creating a supportive home environment for discussion is invaluable.

Q: What happens if we have to miss a Discovery Session or other required event? 

We understand that occasional conflicts arise. Please communicate any anticipated absences in advance to Ryan Clements. 

We will set dates for key events in discussion with all participating families to ensure availability, and once a date is confirmed, we ask that you stay committed to the date. Consistent participation in the Discovery Sessions is important for the group experience and individual growth. 

While we encourage participating in all activities, we will work with families on a case-by-case basis. If your pathfinder misses more than 4 Discovery Sessions or key events like the Confirmation Retreat, we will discuss how to continue ensuring they have a great, meaningful experience, including potentially waiting to participate in next year’s Confirmation Pathfinders program.

Q: Is there a fee for the Confirmation Pathfinders program?

There is a fee for the Confirmation Retreat (approx. $130), but scholarship options are available.

There may also be small costs if your pathfinder & mentor decide to go out to eat or do paid activities together. If you have any concerns about costs associated with your pathfinder’s mentor, please don’t hesitate to let us know. 

The cost for activity materials, curriculum, and other program expenses is covered by the generous support of the congregation!

Q: What does it mean to become a "professing member" of the church? 

Becoming a professing member means a person has professed their own Christian faith, has been baptized, and has publicly declared their intention to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, committing to support the United Methodist Church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

Q: What happens after Confirmation Pathfinders?

Confirmation is a significant milestone, but it's not the end of the faith journey! We encourage all our confirmed pathfinders to continue their growth by actively participating in our youth ministry, worship, service opportunities, and other aspects of church life. We are committed to providing ongoing opportunities for them to learn, serve, and lead.

Effective mentoring isn't about having all the answers, being a certain age, or having decades of experience. It's about impact, connection, and walking alongside our young people with an open heart. Think of yourself as a guide, an encourager, and a coach—all packaged into one for your pathfinder!

Here are some qualities that make Pathfinder Mentors truly shine:

Be Real: The Power of Authenticity 

The most effective mentor isn't someone trying to act like a teenager, but someone who is genuine. Being authentic means being yourself, in tune with the needs of your pathfinder without trying too hard to "relate." Trustworthiness is built when they see you consistently modeling your faith through your actions and words. When a pathfinder observes your life aligning with what you profess, faith becomes real and relatable.

Be All In: The Strength of Commitment 

Your commitment speaks volumes. It shows your dedication to the church, the process, and, most importantly, to them. Ask yourself: Am I regularly participating in worship? Am I engaging with Scripture, praying, and serving others? Your pathfinder is observing, and your commitment is a powerful teacher.

Be Present: The Impact of Dedication 

Investing your time in a pathfinder's life is invaluable. We encourage you to attend your pathfinders' sporting events, band concerts, plays, and other activities. Write notes of encouragement and offer prayers during challenging times. The bonds forged through shared experiences, big and small, cannot be overstated.

Be Creative: Sparking Connections 

Don't be afraid to think "outside the box" to make learning and connection meaningful! While there will be core topics to cover, your creativity can bring faith to life in unforgettable ways.

Be a Guide: The Heart of Discipleship 

Ultimately, you are a disciple-maker. Jesus is inviting you to disciple these young pathfinders. By saying yes to this role, you are responding to Jesus' call: "Come, follow me, and I’ll show you how to fish for people" (Matthew 4:19). You are not only profoundly impacting a young person’s faith journey but also growing the body of Christ and fulfilling the Great Commission.

We are especially excited to invite youth who have already journeyed through Confirmation to serve as Junior Mentors! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to step into a leadership role, grow in your own faith, and make a real difference in the lives of current pathfinders.

Your Unique Perspective is Powerful: 

Having recently walked this path yourself, you bring an invaluable understanding of what our pathfinders are experiencing. You get their questions, their excitement, and maybe even their uncertainties. Your fresh insights and shared experiences can make you an incredibly relatable and effective guide.

Leadership in Action: 

Serving as a Junior Mentor is a hands-on leadership development experience. You'll practice skills like active listening, encouragement, facilitating small group dynamics (alongside adult mentors), and sharing your faith story. These are skills that will serve you well in all areas of your life.

Bridge Builders & Role Models: 

You are a vital bridge between adult mentors and the pathfinders. You can help foster a comfortable and open environment. More than that, you are a living example of a young person continuing to grow in faith and service after Confirmation – and that’s inspiring!

Continue Your Own Journey: 

Mentoring isn't just about giving; it's also about growing. As you encourage others, share your experiences, and engage with the material alongside your group, you'll find your own understanding and commitment to your faith deepening.

Bringing the Fun & Connection: 

Your energy, creativity, and ability to connect on a peer level can be instrumental in building strong bonds within your mentor group and making the experience even more engaging for pathfinders.

The qualities of being authentic, committed, dedicated, creative, and a disciple-maker apply to you too! As a Junior Mentor, you live these out by sharing your recent experiences, being a consistent presence, and enthusiastically encouraging your group.

To ensure a supportive and enriching experience for everyone, here’s what we ask of our dedicated Mentors and Junior Mentors:

Be Present for Key Moments:

• Attend the Confirmation Student Blessing on at the beginning of the journey in September, during the 10:30 AM worship to celebrate your pathfinder(s) beginning their journey.

• Attend the Confirmation Pathfinders Kick-Off on after the blessing and worship, to meet your pathfinder and celebrate the start of this adventure.

Engage & Connect:

• Read the weekly Confirmation Pathfinder Updates from CHUMC to stay informed on what your pathfinders are learning and how the program is progressing.

• Meet with your Mentor Group at least 6 times throughout the year. These gatherings are crucial for reflecting on their experiences and building those meaningful relationships.

Invest in the Experience:

• Participate fully in the Confirmation Retreat (an overnight retreat from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon). This is a cornerstone experience for pathfinders and their mentors.

• Attend significant events for your pathfinder(s) outside of church when possible – like their sporting events, performances, recognition ceremonies, or other special occasions. Your presence speaks volumes.

Collaborate & Grow:

• Participate in a Mentor Check-in over the winter. Share experiences with fellow mentors and CHUMC Ministry staff, offering mutual support and learning.

Celebrate Their Culmination:

• Attend the worship service planned & led by the Confirmation Pathfinders.

• Attend Confirmation Sunday in May, to support all pathfinders, regardless of their individual decisions about confirmation.

Our Shared Commitment: The Mentor Covenant

To affirm your vital role and commitment to this ministry, Mentors and Junior Mentors will be invited to sign a Confirmation Mentor Covenant at the Kick-Off event. This symbolizes our shared dedication to nurturing our pathfinders on their faith journey.