Growing Continually in Faith
A One-Year Intensive Program for 6th Graders and Up | Wednesday Evenings at 5:00 PM | All Year Long
Immanuel’s Lutheran confirmation journey in Joplin walks students through Scripture, the sacraments, Luther’s Small Catechism, and what it means to live as a baptized child of God. New to the process? Our post What Is Lutheran Confirmation? is a helpful starting point. For the current year’s class details, see our 2026 Confirmation Class update. Many of our students also come from Martin Luther School, our Early Childhood through Grade 8 Christian school on the same campus.
Confirmation FAQs
Who can join confirmation?
Confirmation at Immanuel is open to any student in 6th grade and above — there is no fixed grade requirement. What matters is readiness: the student and their parents must genuinely agree together that this is the right time. This year’s class includes eight students from 6th through 9th grade who will be confirmed on May 3.
When and where do classes meet?
Confirmation classes meet every Wednesday evening at 5:00 PM, running all year long. Classes are held at Immanuel Lutheran Church. The program runs through Confirmation Day on May 3.
Is there a commitment required?
Yes — and that’s intentional. Before joining, both the student and a parent sign a Confirmation Covenant. This covenant, drawn from Galatians 5:16’s call to “walk in the Spirit,” includes commitments to:
- Grow as a Christian and deepen faith in Christ
- Complete required memory work and class assignments each week
- Regularly attend worship, Sunday School, and youth activities
- Participate fully in class and follow the teacher’s instruction
- Avoid scheduling conflicts during confirmation — and notify the teacher if an absence is necessary
- Respect church property and the property of others
- Pray for fellow confirmands
Parents commit to supporting their student and helping with memory work at home. If a student or parent has questions about the covenant, Pastor Chris invites a conversation before the class begins.
Can parents attend classes?
Parents are always welcome to attend class with their student. While attendance is not required, your presence is valued — it communicates that faith formation matters to your family and strengthens the conversations you can have at home throughout the week.
What will students be learning?
Pastor Chris Ramstad guides students through Luther’s Small Catechism and the Bible, covering the Six Chief Parts of the Christian faith over one intensive year:
- The Ten Commandments
- The Apostles’ Creed
- The Lord’s Prayer
- The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
- Confession and Absolution
- The Sacrament of the Altar
Memory work is expected each week. Students come to class prepared, having worked on their assigned passages at home — with their parents’ help.
What do students need to bring each week?
- A three-ring binder with pockets to store all confirmation work and announcements
- An English Standard Version (ESV) Bible — The Lutheran Study Bible with Commentary (ESV) is highly recommended and available at cph.org or Amazon
- Luther’s Small Catechism — provided on the first day of class for those who don’t yet have one
- A pen or pencil
What about Confirmation Day?
Confirmation Day for this year’s class is May 3. Confirmands publicly affirm their baptismal faith before the congregation during the worship service. This is a significant and joyful occasion for the whole church family.
What about weather cancellations?
Occasionally, weather will prevent us from meeting. As a rule, if Immanuel’s Martin Luther School is canceled for the day, we will not meet that evening for Confirmation Class or Youth Group. If weather is threatening later in the afternoon, check local TV stations. If it’s dangerous to drive, please be safe rather than sorry.
Stay Connected With GLOO
GLOO is Immanuel Youth’s text messaging service — a safe, simple way to receive updates about weather cancellations, schedule changes, and upcoming events. To sign up, text the word YOUTH to 833-225-2985. You’ll receive messages once or twice a week to keep your family informed.
How do I get started?
If you have a student in 6th grade or older who is ready to take this step, reach out to Pastor Chris Ramstad. The conversation begins with a simple question: Is this the right time? When both student and parent answer yes, the door is open.
Learn more: What Is Lutheran Confirmation? | Youth Ministry at Immanuel | What We Believe | Meet Pastor Chris Ramstad
Lutheran confirmation at Immanuel has shaped generations of young people in Joplin. It is one of the most meaningful things a family can do together — and we would be honored to walk that road with yours.