“I need mentors for the confirmation class!” comes the frantic call one Saturday night.

“Can you do it?”

You ask hesitantly, “What does that mean?”

“It’s really easy! All you have to do is send an occasional note and be a prayer partner for one of our students. Just keep that student in your prayers through the confirmation process.”

“That’s it?” you ask.

“That’s it!”

The caller gives you the name of a student and leaves you to your own devices.

• Instead of assigning the role of mentor to the church’s current session, find members of the church with a genuine interest in building relationships with your youth. Genuine interest is key. Youth (like all of us) can tell when someone truly cares for them, and they respond in kind.
• Have your students find their own mentors. One church begins the confirmation process at least a month before the classes begin. Each student must have a mentor before he or she can begin the class.
• Have your students write a list of church members they want to know better. Invite those listed to become mentors. Adults respond to genuine interest as well!
• Provide opportunities for all your mentors and students to gather as a group. Once a month have a meal together.
• Provide a time for your mentors to gather together. Here they can share their concerns, fears, and excitement with people going through the same experiences.
• Invite your mentors to sit in on several confirmation sessions. This way they know what their students are learning. If your church uses a student’s notebook like the one found in Professing Our Faith, provide copies for your mentors.
• Have a significant moment in worship to recognize your mentors. This can be a simple dedication service where both mentors and students covenant to work together.
• Involve your mentors in the reaffirmation of baptismal vows (confirmation) service. Ask the mentors to read certain parts of the service, lay hands on their students, or stand with them.
• Don’t forget to thank those who are willing to take on this important role. They will need your support and prayers as well.

Sample package available in pdf format.