Claiming the Name: A Theological and Practical Overview of Confirmation

Claiming the Name: A Theological and Practical Overview of Confirmation offers pastors and other confirmation leaders the basics for a successful program, including theological background, goals, tips for working with youth, celebration ideas, training helps, meeting outlines, and much more. The material is thoroughly grounded in biblical, theological, historical, liturgical and practical perspectives and provides leaders and planners a solid foundation upon which to build a transforming confirmation experience for younger and older youth, their parents, mentors, and congregation. In a totally different approach to confirmation, Claiming the Name emphasizes confirmation as a rite of passage and a significant marker on the journey of discipleship and sanctification.

John O. Gooch, a retired United Methodist pastor, has served churches ranging in size from 15 to 1100. He is a freelance writer and a former editor of curriculum resources at the United Methodist Publishing House. He earned a B.A. in history, the M. Div. and a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from St. Louis University. and has taught classes at St. Louis University, Eden Theological Seminary, St. Paul School of Theology, and Perkins School of Youth Ministry. He wrote Being a Christian in the Wesleyan Tradition, John Wesley for the 21st Century, and Claiming the Name: A Theological and Practical Overview of Confirmation and he is a frequent writer of articles and curriculum resources. He and his wife Beth live in Lee's Summit, Missouri.