Keeping the main thing, the main thing: An overview of a United States ecumenical study of confirmation

Abstract

An empirical study in five denominations in the United States provided a snapshot of current conceptions and practices of confirmation.

Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Using a mixed-methods approach, this study yielded important comparative results among Presbyterians, Methodists, Episcopalians, Lutherans, and African Methodist Episcopalians, highlighting denominational distinctives. The quantitative findings indicated priorities in both content areas and instructional practices, while the qualitative results suggested elements for constructive approaches to confirmation in the near future.