An Events Mentality with Head to the Heart™ Confirmation

It's difficult to avoid the bone-crushing power of the "C" word: Confirmation. In most mainline denominations, this word has taken on a life of its own, with more baggage than an airport terminal.

When talking about Head to the Heart (H2H), we sometimes get pushback when we speak of the "events" mentality of our system. It's hard for people to shed the old idea of confirmation as a "sit-in-rows-and-listen" classroom experience. We challenge pastors and parents to think of our Theme Events as more than just class, as events, and as more than instruction but ministry. To do that well, you first need to lose the baggage of the past.

Somewhere along the line, we concluded that lecture is the best way to tackle confirmation education. Brain research tells us otherwise: lecture is among the least effective ways to reach adolescents. Despite this, many churches carry on with it. Why? Is it because they have some magic system that makes their lectures more engaging? Or is it that most pastors and youth workers are overworked and stretched thin, and prefer the path of least resistance when it comes to running a confirmation program?

Whatever the reason, H2H churches that think in terms of "events-teaching" have better success. So how do you develop that events mentality? It comes down to three things: pace, punch, and personal attention.

Pace means being intentional about keeping things moving. Pay attention to transitions between segments and make sure everyone involved is watching the clock.

Punch is about effectiveness, especially in the Presentation. Don't settle for a presentation that is just another sermon in disguise. Challenge yourself or your presenter to draw on the wealth of material in the H2H Leader's Guide planning section and add your own touches to create a talk that is genuinely interesting and engaging.

Personal attention is about contact with your kids. Make sure every student is welcomed when they walk in and made to feel seen: a pat on the back, a high five, eye contact. Train your leaders to watch for their kids and be proactive about gathering them. Show your kids that the adults are glad they're there.

Simple in concept, maybe not so simple for one person to pull off alone. But with an assistant or a small team, each focused on a specific part of the evening, you can put together a meaningful and fun Theme Event that leaves the standard lecture in the dust.