It is important to recognise publicly a growth in your maturity as a committed Christian, and to witness to your faith, and for that to be affirmed. Confirmation does that and many denominations offer this rite. Confirmation is when you publicly confirm the promises that you made, or were made on your behalf (if you were baptised as a baby). In the service the minister lays his/her hands on your head and says 'Lord, confirm [strengthen] your servant (your name) by your Holy Spirit that she/he may continue yours for ever.'

 

In Confirmation, those who have been baptized declare their faith in Christ and are Strengthened by the Holy Spirit for continuing discipleship. Confirmation reminds us that we are baptized and that God continues to be at work in our lives: we respond by affirming that we belong to Christ and to the whole People of God. At a Service of Confirmation, baptized Christians are also received into membership of the Methodist Church and take their place as such in a local congregation.

 

Being 'received into membership' means that you are welcomed into a particular Methodist church (ie: usually your local church) which can support you in your discipleship and where you can support others. In the service, the minister welcomes you into membership saying: 'We receive and welcome you as members of the Methodist Church, and of the church in this place.' The minister and a representative of the local church then shake your hand.

 

If you move to another Methodist church then you will not be confirmed again, though when your membership is transferred to that church, you will often be formally greeted by a handshake during a service.

 

If you would like to be confirmed please fill in this form or contact the minister or the church office.

 

If you would like to be received into membership or transfer your membership from another church, please contact the minister or the church office.