Why use a catechism? Isn't the Bible Enough?

For a simple and short (2 min.) video answering this question, click here. These short videos are answers to a series of questions from students across the country who are in a theological training program. This video is by Professor Kolb.

Professor Kolb (Concordia, St. Louis) and professor Rast (CTS, Fort Wayne) have both been pastors before they began teaching at the sems. Both participate in the entire series.

Pr. Sell

Confirmation Class for 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade for 2010-2011

Confirmation begins September 8th, Wed., from 6-8pm. Confirmation will start one year sooner, in 6th grade.

Why start confirmation in 6th grade?

1. We would like to move confirmation away from a "graduation" feel associated with 8th grade.
2. This year, teaching the 6th and 7th graders will provide their 8th grade year for more in depth study with issues before they move on to high school.
3. Getting into a better practice of communing weekly through 8th grade before the many adjustments of high school arrive. (We are also talking through moving confirmation class to 5th & 6th grade beginning in fall 2011 and transition to confirmation for all Immanuel's children after 6th grade. However the plans are not final for that.)

What is the plan for being confirmed?

1. This year's 8th grade will be confirmed on Palm Sunday 2011.
2. This year's 7th grade will be confirmed on Palm Sunday 2012.
3. This year's 6th grade will be confirmed after their second year of confirmation in 2012. That means for one year, we will confirm two classes.

What is our objective?

1. This year we set the target for Immanuel to confirm her children after 7th grade. (Ideally, for the best instruction possible, the final step of this transition will have all children confirmed after 6th grade, which would give us two years of teaching and youth work targeted at a broader biblical education.)
2. Two years of confirmation class.
3. Our children are well prepared for the rest of their lives as Lutherans.

Please feel free to contact Pr. Sell or Pr. Auringer if you have any concerns or questions.

Pr. Sell