As I mentioned previously, I am the confirmation sponsor for the girlfriend (the boy’s). I arrived home after the first sponsor meeting to share that there would be many more such meetings and that the group, by comparison of our former home, is rather small. There are 35 confirmands, as they call them, and therefore, 35 of us sponsor-types.
I told the boy, “It’s a lot different than when you were confirmed.” The boy got away with confirmation three years ago at our giant mega church in Cottleville, Mo. where 6,000 onlookers witnessed his commitment to his religion.
“Yeah,” he said, “that was kinda like getting married in Vegas.”
Because he would know what that’s like, of course.
When I lived in C-ville, I was asked to be a confirmation sponsor by one of the kids whose parents listened to my radio station all the time and who attended my church (Incarnation). I was taken aback given the fact that I had always thought it was supposed to be someone close to you. But I guess times had changed.
Anyway, I, like you, thought it was a situation where you got dressed up nice, showed up for rehearsal, bought the kid a bible and stood with your hand on their shoulder. But oh how wrong I was.
Which is why I’m commenting…because what it turned out to be was truly an amazing spiritual experience for me.
I was so glad I was asked to be his sponsor. If the girl you’re sponsoring is part of Incarnation Church, I can assure you you’ll have a similar experience.
John and Christie (the youth directors) are not only personal friends but amazing people to know and wonderful mentors for the kids. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did.