The God of Your Understanding

Beginning in February, a committed group of Youth from Richmond Beach UCC begin the hopeful journey of self-discovery about one’s own thoughts about God, Jesus, Church, Justice, and Spirituality.   For many, this process is known as Confirmation.  Richmond Beach Congregational Church UCC has seen and heard over 55 youth since 2008 come to affirm their own spiritual journey through this process known as ‘Confirmation’. 
 
‘Confirmation’ at RBCC is spiritual exploration through the lens of Christianity. Spiritual exploration fills the hollow place within us that can’t be met in the secular world.  An awareness of one’s spiritual core that gives each of us a sense of more and it is this ‘more’ that youth discover through this process.
 
RBCC has a wonderfully non-traditional format created over the years through a collaboration of ideas and methods.  Confirmation at RBCC is not pledging allegiance to Jesus.  It also is not a test or a proof of faith.  In fact, baptism, membership, pledging or even attending are not required outcomes of the process. Youth will wrestle with these activities of faith during their Confirmation journey and decide for themselves the impactful-ness of the church as part of the spiritual life.
 
Confirmation at RBCC is all about exploring one’s own thoughts and curiosity about Spirituality, Christianity, Justice, Jesus' ways, and the God of one’s personal understanding.  Confirmation helps youth find language to speak of their faith and of their truth.   During Confirmation youth will learn skills of discernment and become aware of spiritual practices that resonate within them.  They will journey along side a group of adult mentors learning biblical history for clarity and having progressive discussions to move new ideas forward.  Confirmation is an activity-based process with interactive learning, playful activity, youth driven discussion and intentional questioning.
 
Our spiritual journeys are lifelong. Faith, spirituality, and church expression are continuous in their evolution through one’s life.   It is an exciting and hopeful time in our faith community to witness and encourage the spiritual journeys of youth; youth who are committed and willing to engage in this formational aspect of life.

Maybe the youth will find a new word for this journey of spiritual exploration.                                      Does the title of  'Confirmation'  feel relevant in this present day?  Hmmmm.

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