Closer to Jesus
As Bailey (pictured, back right) reflects on her experience as a student in Confirmation years ago, she recalls feeling assured of her faith in Jesus because of the process and leaders who helped guide her through it. Now, as she steps into the role of confirmation leader herself, she shares, “I’m really excited to get to know each of the girls and meet them where they are in their faith journey. 7th grade can be such a hard age, so I’m so excited to walk alongside them. And to be a safe place for them as they learn more about their faith.”
Confirmation leaders meet with a small group of 7th graders two times a month to guide them in discussions about the Christian faith throughout the school year. It’s an opportunity for students to ask hard questions, learn about our church and denomination, and build relationships with other students their age. Bailey shares, “My prayer is that every child who goes through this process will fall more in love with Jesus and more in love with our church.”
Embarking on a new journey through their faith, Bailey resonates with the 7th graders in Confirmation because this is new territory for her as well. Although the questions that the students face are ones that Bailey was asked years ago when she was a Confirmand, she is learning to rely on God in new and fresh ways. She shares, “I think this process is going to make me a lot more dependent on God. I’ll have to recognize Him, in a different way to meet these girls where they are in their own faith.”
With young children of her own, Bailey has been waiting for the perfect time to volunteer in the Highland Student Ministry. After reflecting on all the times God has called Bailey to step into a new role in the church, she was in awe of how He has provided a way with her time, energy, and support system every single time. When she saw the link to register as a Confirmation leader this summer, she knew that God would make a way because He has done so time and time again. She shares, “Every single ‘yes’ I have given to the Lord has multiplied my faith and my joy tenfold. It’s never come back void.”
As the students and leaders attending the Confirmation retreat this past weekend return home, join us in praying that God will continue to draw them closer to Him in new ways throughout the rest of confirmation process. Learn more at hppres.org/7th-8th.
