Initiation As the candidate Lutheran 4 min read

Lutheran Confirmation as the candidate

What is asked of a Lutheran Confirmation candidate across the ELCA and the LCMS: the catechetical programme, the Small Catechism, and the affirmation of baptism.

01 What Lutheran Confirmation is

Lutheran Confirmation is the candidate's mature affirmation of the baptismal vows made for them as infants. It is not a separate sacrament in Lutheran theology (Lutherans recognize only baptism and the Lord's Supper as sacraments); it is a rite of affirmation that completes the candidate's catechetical formation. The ELCA and the LCMS both observe Confirmation, typically at age 13-14.

02 The catechetical programme

Lutheran Confirmation preparation is typically a two-year programme through late middle school and early high school, with structured catechesis using Luther's Small Catechism. The Six Chief Parts (Ten Commandments, Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession, the Sacrament of the Altar) are the content; the candidate is expected to memorize portions of the Catechism and to articulate Lutheran theology on each topic.

The format varies by congregation. Weekly classes through the school year are typical. LCMS congregations tend to be more procedurally specific about the catechetical examination; ELCA congregations vary.

03 The examination and Confirmation verse

In LCMS practice and some ELCA congregations, the candidates participate in a public examination shortly before Confirmation, answering catechetical questions before the gathered congregation. The pastor selects a Confirmation verse for each candidate, a scripture passage chosen as the candidate's spiritual touchstone for the years ahead.

04 The Confirmation Sunday

The Confirmation service is celebrated at a Sunday service of the congregation, often Reformation Sunday, Pentecost, or another significant Sunday. The candidates renew their baptismal vows; the pastor lays hands on each candidate and prays for the Holy Spirit. The pastor and candidate exchange specific words from the service book (Evangelical Lutheran Worship for ELCA; Lutheran Service Book for LCMS), incorporating the candidate's Confirmation verse.

In ELCA congregations, the candidate has typically been receiving Communion for several years; Confirmation does not change communion practice. In LCMS congregations, Confirmation may be the threshold to First Communion, with the candidate receiving for the first time at the Confirmation service or shortly after.

05 Common questions

At what age is Lutheran Confirmation?
Commonly age 13-14 (eighth or ninth grade) in both the ELCA and the LCMS. Practice varies; the pastor at the church is the source.
What does the preparation cover?
The Small Catechism by Martin Luther is the foundational document. The preparation covers Luther's Six Chief Parts (Ten Commandments, Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession, the Sacrament of the Altar), Lutheran theology, and the Christian life. The format is typically weekly catechism classes through two school years.
Is there a public examination?
Some LCMS congregations hold a public examination as part of or shortly before the Confirmation Sunday, in which the candidates answer catechetical questions before the gathered congregation. ELCA practice varies; many congregations have moved away from public examination. The pastor is the source for the local practice.
What happens at the rite?
The Confirmation service is celebrated at a Sunday service of the congregation. The candidates renew their baptismal vows; the pastor lays hands on each candidate and prays for the Holy Spirit. The pastor and candidate exchange specific words from the service book. Confirmation is typically marked with a verse from scripture chosen for each candidate (the "Confirmation verse").

06 Pastoral note

Last reviewed against primary sources: May 17, 2026