Confirmation
A free confirmation course for young people in the Church of England
Created by Youthscape, funded by the Church of England
About Confirmation
‘Confirmation’ is a creative and flexible resource spanning church tradition and spiritual expression, seeking to support confirmation preparation in every CofE context. The course respects the different ways our churches across the CofE express faith, and helps young people think about the significant faith step they are taking.
Combining video-based content, contemplative reflections and gamified discussion, the course challenges young people to take seriously their Christian faith, and equips and prepares them for a lifetime of discipleship to Jesus.
Grounded in evidence and research, this brand-new course has been through a rigorous development process and has been created in consultation with clergy and bishops across the UK and, of course, young people themselves.
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Discipleship that works for Gen Alpha.
Course Structure
The course is highly flexible and can be adapted to fit your context and candidates:
Core Sessions
There are four core sessions that form the foundation of every course.
Additional Sessions
Pick and choose up to eight additional sessions to enhance your course.
There are a range of supporting resources that aid the set up and facilitation of your course.
Section Structure
Each session follows the same pattern and explores the following themes:
The Way - Becoming a Christian Disciple
Through confirmation we receive the Holy Spirt who equips us as follow the way of Jesus. Through video-based storytelling and Bible focussed discussion, this part of the course explores some of the key moments in Peter’s life and discipleship to Jesus. The group will explore the question: ‘What can Peter teach us about following Jesus and becoming His disciples today?’
The Truth - Exploring Christian Beliefs
Making the decision to confirm our faith is not one we should take lightly, but trying to understand the Christian faith and the commitments made at Confirmation can be complicated. This part of the course invites young people into contemplative moments of reflection which bring liturgy to life through art. The course explores liturgy used during the confirmation service, as well as liturgy from a Sunday worship service. Young people are equipped to make sense of their own faith by exploring and reflecting on the liturgy and beliefs of the Christian church.
The Life - Living a Life of Faith
Through confirmation, we commit to following Jesus, not just in theory but in practice. Jesus lays out the lifestyle He wants His followers to live by and invites us to live differently to the world around us. This part of the session briefly explores central lifestyle traits of disciples, and helps young people consider how they might live out these practises in their lives this today, this week, this year and this lifetime.
Content
Take a scroll through an overview of our sessions:
1
Peter’s call to follow Jesus
The decision
Make space and time for God
2
Peter steps out the boat
The baptism
Develop a grateful heart
3
Peter confesses Jesus as Christ
Profession of faith and the creeds
Tell the story of Jesus
4
Peter witnesses the transfiguration
Prayer and the laying on of hands
Pay attention to God’s spirit
5
Peter’s feet are washed by Jesus
The giving of a lighted candle
Choose forgiveness
6
Peter denies knowing Jesus
Prayers of confession and absolution
Practice honesty and confession
7
Peter absent: Jesus death and resurrection
The Eucharist (Part One)
Welcome outsiders
8
Peter receives Jesus forgiveness
The Eucharist (Part Two)
Stand up for what’s right
9
Peter at Pentecost
The peace
Stay connected to the bigger story
10
Peter prays for healing
The post-communion prayer
Serve others and be humble
11
Peter and Cornelius
The greeting and collects
Be kind, on purpose
12
Peter imprisoned
The blessing and dismissal
Live lightly
Pre-Confirmation
Post-Confirmation
Download Confirmation Resources
You just need to share a few details with us before you can download Confirmation resources:
FAQs
Who is this course designed for?
This course has been designed for young people aged 11-18 who are exploring confirmation and Christian faith, but it can be adapted for slightly younger or older participants where appropriate.
Does everyone on the course need to be ready for confirmation?
No. The course helps young people explore faith, ask questions, and discern whether confirmation is the right next step for them. Participation in the course does not commit anyone to being confirmed.
Do participants need to be baptised before starting the course?
No. Young people do not need to have been baptised in order to take part in the course. However, those who decide to be confirmed will usually need to be baptised before their confirmation service. You could arrange for baptisms to take place as part of the confirmation service itself or arrange them during a different service as part of the young person’s journey towards confirmation.
How much preparation do leaders need to do?
We have included clear guidance, easy-to-use downloadable resources, activities, discussion questions, and leader notes. Most leaders should be able to prepare effectively with around 30–60 minutes of planning per session.
Do leaders need theological training to run the course?
No. We’ve ensured the course materials are accessible for clergy, youth workers, volunteers, and lay leaders. Leaders do not need to be experts but should be willing to facilitate discussion, listen well, and encourage young people as the explore and expand their faith.
Can the course be used in schools as well as churches?
Yes, absolutely! The activities and discussions can be used in school or chaplaincy contexts; however minor adaption might be required. You could deliver the course:
As part of a lunch-time programme
One 60-minute session per week, over a twelve-week term
One 20-minute session per week, delivering ‘The Way’, ‘The Truth’, and ‘The Life’ content across the three school terms.
How many young people can take part in a group?
The course is extremely flexible and can be used with 2–20+ young people. If you deliver the course with a larger group, where possible, we recommend dividing the group into small discussion groups (approximately 3-6 per group) to encourage participation and conversation during the relevant parts of the session.
How long does the course take to run?
The course can be delivered in as few as four sessions, or in as many as twelve sessions. Some leaders may run the content over consecutive weeks, while others might choose to deliver the course over a weekend away or a retreat.
What if young people ask difficult questions?
The course encourages honest conversation and welcomes questions. Leaders are not expected to have all the answers. The aim is to create a safe environment where young people can explore their faith, ask questions and grow together.
How does the course relate to Church of England confirmation practice?
The course has been developed with Church of England confirmation in mind, helping young people engage with the promises they will make and the liturgy that will be spoken. If you are unsure what organising a Confirmation service might involve in your context, we recommend speaking with your Diocese to understand what support might be available to you.
Can we adapt the sessions to fit our context?
Absolutely. We encourage leaders to use the material creatively and adjust the content to suit your church tradition, group size, available time, and the needs of your young people. The course material is simply there to aid your conversations and facilitate discussion, feel free to use as much or as little as is helpful to you.
Who are Youthscape?
Youthscape are a Christian youth work charity, based in Luton, working to see every young person in the UK reached with the transforming love of God.
We work closely with the Church of England who currently fund us to deliver a wide range of training and resources which equip the local church in their ministry with young people.
To find out more about Youthscape and the support we offer, please visit: www.youthscape.co.uk
Who wrote the ‘Confirmation’ course materials?
The course has been written and developed by youth ministry experts from Youthscape, with input and guidance from leaders across the CofE, including bishops, clergy and lay leaders.
The course has been through a rigorous development process, which began in January 2025 with a consultation phase in which clergy and lay leaders across the UK were invited to share their insights and hopes for best practice in confirmation preparation.
Following a significant content development phase, the material was BETA tested in over 50 parishes and with the feedback and insights from clergy and lay leaders shaping the final resource that is now available to download for free today.
Who can I speak to if I have any questions?
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with the Youthscape team who will be happy to try and help you find the answers you need. You can email the team: [email protected]