What God's Word Says
Read these passages in context and listen for what God exposes, promises, and gives in Christ.
Introduction Conversation
What does it mean to know Jesus?
Use these introductory prompts to prepare for a course centered on knowing Jesus through His Word and gifts.
Introduction: Knowing Jesus, not only knowing about Him. Prompts are paraphrased for this website companion. Use the book for the full material.Scripture to reflect on
Jesus receives sinners and speaks forgiveness.
God knows His creatures completely and personally.
Christ is supreme in creation, redemption, and His Church.
Think and pray
- What is the difference between knowing facts about Jesus and knowing Him in faith?
- Who or what has helped you learn the Christian faith?
- What honest question would you like to carry into this course?
Privacy: Share only what you choose. Private or painful spiritual history is never required.
Prayer prompt: Ask Jesus to make Himself known through His Word and keep you in His grace.
What Does the Catechism Say?
Course overview and the six chief parts
What does this mean?
The Small Catechism gathers the Christian faith around what God commands, who He is, how His children pray, and how He gives forgiveness, life, and salvation.
Official Book of Concord text from Concordia Publishing House.Law
What truth does God's Word expose?
We can mistake knowing facts for trusting Jesus, or treat Confirmation as a finish line we achieve.
Gospel
What does Christ give or promise?
Jesus makes Himself known through His Word and gifts, forgives sinners, and keeps His people in faith.
Jesus at the Center
The journey begins with Christ for you, not with a plan for proving yourself.
In Real Life
Faith where life actually happens.
- Bring honest questions instead of pretending certainty.
- Make room for a short faith conversation at home.
South Lake Confirmation Book
Catechism in Real Life
IntroductionWelcome to the tablePages 18-24
Look for: How ordinary household moments can become places for receiving and speaking the faith.
- Faith belongs in everyday life.
- Formation is receiving, not achieving.
- Scripture and the Catechism are meant to be spoken together.
Read
Read the welcome and choose one simple household rhythm to try.
Discussion Guide
A facilitator toolbox for the session.
Introduction: Knowing Jesus, not only knowing about Him
Choose the questions that best serve the group. The guide is not a checklist, and students may answer generally.Getting Started
- What makes a relationship grow in depth and trust?
- How do time, attention, communication, and commitment show what we treasure?
- Which course theme raises the most interest or questions?
Digging Deeper
Jesus receives the sinner
- How do the Pharisee and the woman respond differently to Jesus?
- What does Jesus reveal about sin, forgiveness, and love?
Known by God
- What does this Psalm reveal about God's knowledge and care?
- Which part gives comfort or raises a question?
The supremacy of Christ
- What does this passage confess about Jesus?
- Why does this description matter for the whole course?
Connecting the Dots
- What is one important thing you learned about Jesus?
- Where would you describe yourself in the journey of faith right now?
- How might trust, honesty, and commitment help us think about knowing Jesus?
Pastoral note: Welcome honest questions and general answers. Do not require students to narrate private or painful spiritual history.
Keep the Faith
South Lake Confirmation
What is the Bible? [Animated Explainer]
This introduction follows Scripture's unified story into Jesus and supports the course's foundation in God's Word.
Video resources support Scripture, the Small Catechism, pastoral teaching, and family conversation. They do not replace them.Watch & Learn
Trusted Lutheran Resource
A carefully selected resource to support this session after Scripture, the Small Catechism, and South Lake's teaching.
What is Confirmation?
This accessible overview presents Confirmation as Christian instruction and lifelong confession of the faith, not graduation from the Church.
Watch on the Publisher SiteGo Deeper
For those who want more.
Are We Teaching Answers Instead of Jesus?
Tim Ahlman with Rev. Dr. Mark Hoehner
A longer conversation for parents and leaders about catechesis that joins Scripture and doctrine to knowing Jesus within the life of the Church.
Listen to the ResourceTalk About It
Questions for honest conversation.
- What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus?
- What questions do you hope this course will help you explore?
At the Kitchen Table
What people, experiences, and practices have helped you grow in knowing Jesus?
Ten thoughtful minutes is plenty. Listen before correcting, welcome honest questions, and end in prayer.