A Faith Partner:  Roles and Expectations

First of all, congratulations!  You are about to embark on a rewarding journey.  In accepting the invitation to be a Faith Partner for a confirmation student, you are making a commitment to help him or her grow in his or her relationship with both God the Creator, and the Church.  This is also an opportunity for you to renew and deepen your own faith.

During the course of your student’s two-year journey, they will be learning more about God, Christianity, the Church, and what it means to be a member of the church.  How can you help them?  Below are some suggestions:

5. Time with your Confirmation Student:  We ask that you make it a point to meet with your Confirmation student outside of class at least once a month.   The confirmation class meets on the second, third, and fourth Sundays of the month, from 10:45-11:45. On the 2^nd and 3^rd Sundays they will be meeting with Pastor Jacob. You are always welcome to attend these classes but are not required to.  On the 4^th Sunday they will be meeting with you, their faith partner.  There will be group activities and suggested discussion topics to do as a group and individually with your students.  It is again a chance for everyone to learn and grow together.  You, of course, are welcome to meet with them more often; worship together, enjoy fellowship time, meet for ice cream, or participate in a service project together. Please keep in mind our Safe Church Policy.
5. Help in monitoring the Confirmation Student’s requirements: Help your confirmation student stay on track with their requirements.  Review their memorization with them, offer suggestions for service opportunities, help them make arrangements with the appropriate parties to serve, and plan times when you can serve with them.
5. Little things do matter:  Whether it be attending a sporting event that your student is participating in, a “Hope you are having a great day” text, or sending a Christmas card or birthday card, it DOES make a difference and an impact on these students' lives!  Making yourself available to these students really does leave an impression.  “Little things” like this might just be the thing they need to hear/see at that moment.  It also helps reassure them that they have someone to turn to.  They are children of God, precious and loved.  Help show them they are special to you too, and our church. 
5. Confirmation service:  Participate in the Confirmation service held during the 9:30 am service on the third Sunday in May.
5. Pray, Pray, Pray!!! Pray for and with your Confirmation Student on a regular basis.

As a mentor to your student, remember you do not need to have all the answers, have a scholarly knowledge of Scripture and Christian theology, or be perfect.  We will all grow together.

Remember, being a Faith Partner is helping your students form a relationship with God, and in turn, you are forming a relationship with them, as well as furthering your own relationship with God.