THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION

To mature spiritually, Christians need a place to develop and test their relationship with God, to reflect on the essential theological concepts that are part of the faith tradition, and to enjoy opportunities to serve others. These are the foundation stones of the rite of confirmation. --from the Introduction The Rite of Confirmation is an adult study guide that allows clergy, Christian educators, and lay leaders to discuss and explore how confirmation can open the door to a lifelong ministry of recognizing ways to grow in faith. Monkres and Ostermillers groundbreaking research provides information on new approaches to the teaching and understanding of confirmation, and includes the authors concept of confirmation as a repeatable rite. Existing models of confirmation are explored, leading to a discussion of the ways in which confirmation can be more meaningful in the church today. Peter R. Monkres is a writer, teacher, and consultant in the United Church of Christ. He is the author of A Time to Mourn, A Time to Dance (United Church Press), Ministry with the Divorced (United Church Press), and We Follow Christ (Christian Board of Publications). R. Kenneth Ostermiller is the Assistant Conference Minister of the Penn West Conference of the United Church of Christ._,