Confirmation Classes

Growing Continually in Faith

A One-Year Program for 6th Graders and Up | Wednesdays at 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall | September through Confirmation Day

Confirmation Parent Meeting — Wednesday, September 2, 5:00 PM, Fellowship Hall

Pastor Chris Ramstad will walk parents through the year ahead. What students learn. What memory work looks like at home. What the Confirmation Covenant asks of a family. Any family with a student in 6th grade or above is welcome, whether you have already decided or you are still deciding. Bring your questions. The first class meets the following Wednesday, September 9.

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. To see where the road leads, read about last spring’s confirmation class. 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 need to agree together that this is the right time. Eight students, in 6th through 9th grade, were confirmed this past May. The 2026–27 class is forming now.

When and where do classes meet?

Classes meet every Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall, on Immanuel’s campus at 2616 S Connecticut Ave. The first class of the year is Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The year runs through Confirmation Day on Sunday, May 2, 2027.

Class lets out right as the Wednesday youth meal is served at 6:00. Confirmation students can stay on for youth night without a second trip across town.

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. The September 2 parent meeting is the place to ask about any of it. If you have questions before then, Pastor Chris welcomes a conversation.

Can parents attend classes?

Parents are always welcome to attend class with their student. Attendance is not required. Your presence is still valued — it shows your family that faith formation matters, and it strengthens the conversations you can have at home during 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. The full text of the Small Catechism is free to read at catechism.cph.org.

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
Lutheran confirmation class of 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, Missouri
The eight students confirmed at Immanuel on May 3, 2026.

What about Confirmation Day?

Confirmation Day for the 2026–27 class is Sunday, May 2, 2027. Confirmands publicly affirm their baptismal faith before the congregation during the worship service. It 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?

Start with the parent meeting on Wednesday, September 2 at 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Nothing is required of you there but your questions. You can also reach Pastor Chris Ramstad directly, or call the church office at 417-624-0333.

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.