A Different Confirmation Model
From Information Delivery to Faith Formation
Most confirmation programs aren't limited by bad content. They're limited by the model they're built on.
Head to the Heart uses a different model. Instead of treating confirmation primarily as a class to complete, it combines large-group teaching, small peer groups, family faith practice, service, relationships, and real-life application.
The Biggest Differences
Family Participation Is Encouraged, Not Required
Head to the Heart includes optional FAITH5 Home Huddles and other tools that can help parents and caregivers continue faith conversations at home. These resources are designed to strengthen family faith connections when families are able to participate, but successful implementation of Head to the Heart does not depend on every family using them.
Traditional Confirmation vs. Head to the Heart
The distinction is less about theology than about how confirmation is structured, taught, practiced, and carried into everyday life.
| Confirmation Component | Traditional / Workbook-Centered Model | Head to the Heart Model |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Emphasis | Information and curriculum completion | Faith formation and connection to daily life |
| Learning Model | Primarily information delivery | Teaching, conversation, reflection, relationships, and practice |
| Weekly Structure | Classroom or lecture-centered | Large group, small peer groups, optional home engagement, and community support |
| Lesson Approach | Cover the lesson and move to the next topic | Preview, teach, discuss, review, and connect faith to life throughout the week |
| Pastor / Director Role | Primary teacher and content leader | Theological teacher plus coach, encourager, and equipper of other adults |
| Small Group Leader Role | Often classroom support or content delivery | Guide, role model, coach, listener, and relationship-builder |
| Parent / Caregiver Role | Family involvement varies by congregation and household | Parents and caregivers can be invited into optional FAITH5 Home Huddles and family faith conversations, without making home participation a requirement for the program to work. |
| Church Role | Primary provider of confirmation instruction | Partner with families by equipping, training, and supporting faith formation |
| Student Goal | Complete required coursework | Connect Christian faith with relationships, choices, questions, and daily life |
| Service | Often tracked through required service hours | Shared service experiences with peer groups, followed by reflection |
| Fellowship | Youth group and confirmation education may be separate | Relationships, community, and faith formation are intentionally integrated |
| Faith at Home | Varies by congregation and household | Optional FAITH5 Home Huddles give families a simple way to continue the conversation at home when they are able to participate. |
| What Keeps Students Engaged? | Attendance expectations, requirements, and classroom participation | Belonging, relationships, participation, and meaningful faith conversation |
Primary Emphasis
Information and curriculum completion
Faith formation and connection to daily life
Learning Model
Primarily information delivery
Teaching, conversation, reflection, relationships, and practice
Weekly Structure
Classroom or lecture-centered
Large group, small peer groups, optional home engagement, and community support
Lesson Approach
Cover the lesson and move to the next topic
Preview, teach, discuss, review, and connect faith to life throughout the week
Pastor / Director Role
Primary teacher and content leader
Theological teacher plus coach, encourager, and equipper of other adults
Small Group Leader Role
Often classroom support or content delivery
Guide, role model, coach, listener, and relationship-builder
Parent / Caregiver Role
Family involvement varies by congregation and household
Parents and caregivers can be invited into optional FAITH5 Home Huddles and family faith conversations, without making home participation a requirement for the program to work.
Church Role
Primary provider of confirmation instruction
Partner with families by equipping, training, and supporting faith formation
Student Goal
Complete required coursework
Connect Christian faith with relationships, choices, questions, and daily life
Service
Often tracked through required service hours
Shared service experiences with peer groups, followed by reflection
Fellowship
Youth group and confirmation education may be separate
Relationships, community, and faith formation are intentionally integrated
Faith at Home
Varies by congregation and household
Optional FAITH5 Home Huddles give families a simple way to continue the conversation at home when they are able to participate.
What Keeps Students Engaged?
Attendance expectations, requirements, and classroom participation
Belonging, relationships, participation, and meaningful faith conversation
The Difference Is the Model
Head to the Heart still teaches Scripture, theology, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the sacraments, and the other foundations of Christian confirmation. The difference is that the content is delivered through a broader faith-formation system designed to connect teaching with relationships, optional family faith practices, service, and everyday faith.
Want to See How It Works?
Explore eight complete sample lessons and see the actual PowerPoints, student materials, Leader Guides, small-group resources, and family resources included with Head to the Heart.
Download a Free Sample