Modern paths to confirmation: Churches design new concepts in Hesse

Modern paths to confirmation: Churches design new concepts in Hesse

In the Evangelical Church, the approach to confirmation work has changed significantly in recent years. In the past, rigid lessons were the norm, today the young people are more freedom of design and a wider range of learning opportunities. The change is no coincidence; He is a reaction to the changed needs and the environment of young people. Katja Simon from the religious education institute of the Evangelical Church in Hesse and Nassau explains that modern pedagogy goes beyond traditional teaching methods. It is no longer just about reading in the Bible, but also about finding didactic approaches that involve the living environment of the young people.

The Evangelical Church is increasingly open to new concepts that offer young people freedom for decisions. Many communities now implement creative methods of teaching that are appealing and relevant. More and more municipalities are working in cooperation and offer innovative formats that also have to tackle the challenges of the membership of the membership and the wave of exit.

variety of selection options

An example of the new approach comes from the Westerwald dean's office in Rhineland-Palatinate. Here five communities have developed a common concept that offers young people the opportunity to decide for themselves how they want to explore their faith. Instead of visiting traditional lessons, the confirmands can take part in a ten -day leisure time. This is available for the first time in the coming summer vacation. The municipalities of Montabaur, Höhr-Grenzhausen, Ransbach-Baumbach/Hilgert, Wirges and Neuhäusel offer an exciting alternative to the familiar meetings.

The concept is not only limited to leisure activities. Even in the Hessian Seligenstadt, it is already being experimented with different courses in order to offer the confirmands a wide learning base. This diversity helps to make young people more identify with their faith and make active, creative contributions.

guidelines and framework conditions

In order to ensure the framework conditions for these new formats, there are clear guidelines that are intended to help the municipalities to tackle the work with young people in a structured manner. Katja Simon explains that the work should include a total of around 70 hours. It is also important that groups are not smaller than eight participants to ensure a reasonable exchange and joint learning.

These developments in confirmation work reflect a profound change that takes the needs of young people seriously and at the same time gives them the opportunity to discover their belief in appealing and contemporary ways. In times when the church is confronted with challenges, such reformed approaches can be an answer to the questions of young believers and claim the relevance of faith in the modern world.