Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation)

The Affirmation of Baptism (or Confirmation) experience is a way for students to explore and grow in faith and then affirm their faith publicly. The experience also provides community, connection with caring adults, and the opportunity to affirm their baptismal identities as God’s beloved children.

Email Pastor Kristen if you are interested in confirmation at Good Shepherd: pastorkristen@goodshepherddecorah.org.

Confirmation Classes at Good Shepherd

Here is a general overview:

  • Classes are taught by Pastor Kristen and other adult helpers.
  • Students explore both the Old and New Testament, as well as learning about the Lutheran tradition. 
  • Class is held most Wednesday nights in the school year from 6-7pm except during Advent and Lent. During Advent and Lent, students are expected to attend midweek worship with their family. 
  • Confirmation classes begin in 6th grade, and students will be confirmed in the fall of their 9th grade year. 
  • During the fall of 9th grade, students meet additional times to prepare for Affirmation of Baptism. During this time 9th graders are asked to write a brief faith statement to discuss with the Pastor.
  • The Affirmation of Baptism service happens on the last Sunday in October on Reformation Sunday during the 9:30am worship service.

Here are specifics for the 2025-26 program year for 6th-8th graders:

  • Wednesday, September 17 – Student/Parent Orientation meeting in the Gathering Space from 6-7pm. 
  • Wednesday, September 24 – First day of Confirmation class – meet in the Library from 6-7pm. 
  • Wednesday, October 29th – Trick or Treating for the Decorah Food Pantry – dress appropriately for the weather. 
  • Wednesday, November 19 – Last day of regular Confirmation classes – students are expected to attend Advent worship services with their families. 
  • Wednesday, January 7 – Confirmation classes begin for Spring semester. 
  • Wednesday, February 11 – Last day of regular Confirmation classes until after Lent. Students are expected to attend Lenten worship services with their families. 
  • Wednesday, February 19 – Ash Wednesday service. 
  • Wednesday, April 8 – Confirmation class resumes.
  • Wednesday, May 13 – Last day of Wednesday programming. 

Current Confirmation students: Use this link to see the Sign-Up sheet for assisting in worship! Be sure to track your worship assisting using the sheets outside of the sanctuary. You can also find worship notes sheets outside of the Sanctuary, and you can return them to the mailbox on Pastor’s office door.