Building Fellowship

One of the objectives I have for confirmands is to build fellowship between them and their families.

Whether your confirmation classes are large or small, we all share this challenge.

I would like to suggest that, in addition to whatever youth activies you may have, that your confirmation ministry structure experiences for parents, confirmands and their families to build community in Christ. Such activies can range from mini-golf, bowling, or a Christian movie night. Of course, they can invite their friends (an opportunity for more ministry points!).

This can be easy to implement. At the Confirmation orientation meeting, simply ask parents to host one event each year. Parents can work in teams if they choose. Ask them to select a month in which they would like sponsor the activity.

Then, at least 4 weeks in advance, have them provide the location, time and nature of the activity for publicity. Be mindful of cost-prohibitive activities and of any travel liability that may be necessary. I generally have the activities held at or near the church to avoid travel liability. Participants, then, are “on their own” for travel.

Does it work? Of course! Parents don’t mind helping out on this one-time basis. The activities may be on Saturdays or Sundays and last about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Give it a try. It’s a real “Win-Win” for the families, your church and the Lord!

BTW, if you’d like a sample of the form I use, please feel free to contact me.

God bless your catechetical ministry!

Pastor Tom

This entry was posted on September 17, 2009 at 17:25 and is filed under Small Catechism.org Blog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.