What is confirmation in Christianity?

It is the step where a believer confirms the Christian faith for themselves, often affirming their baptismal promises, and in many traditions receives a strengthening of the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands (see Acts 8:17).

Is confirmation the same in every church?

No. Catholic and Orthodox churches treat it as a sacrament with anointing and laying on of hands; Anglicans and Lutherans as a public affirmation of baptismal faith; many other churches mark the same reality through believer's baptism instead.

Do I need to be confirmed?

It depends on your tradition. Some churches expect it as a normal step; others do not use the term at all. A local church can explain whether and how confirmation fits their path, and prepare you if so.

First steps

What Is Confirmation?

Confirmation is the step in which a person confirms the Christian faith for themselves, often affirming the promises made at their baptism, and, in many traditions, receives a strengthening of the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands. Practice varies: Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran and other churches understand and observe it in their own ways.

What confirmation is

In many traditions, especially those that baptize infants, confirmation is the moment a person personally owns the faith they were brought up in, and asks God to strengthen them by his Spirit for the life ahead.

“Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 8:17

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 2:38

How traditions observe it

In the Catholic and Orthodox churches, confirmation (or chrismation) is one of the sacraments, usually with anointing and the laying on of hands. Anglicans and Lutherans practise it as a public affirmation of baptismal faith, often led by a bishop. Many other churches do not use the word, and mark the same reality through a believer's baptism and profession of faith. If you are exploring it, the church you belong to can explain their path and prepare you.

Frequently asked questions

What is confirmation in Christianity?: It is the step where a believer confirms the Christian faith for themselves, often affirming their baptismal promises, and in many traditions receives a strengthening of the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands (see Acts 8:17).
Is confirmation the same in every church?: No. Catholic and Orthodox churches treat it as a sacrament with anointing and laying on of hands; Anglicans and Lutherans as a public affirmation of baptismal faith; many other churches mark the same reality through believer's baptism instead.
Do I need to be confirmed?: It depends on your tradition. Some churches expect it as a normal step; others do not use the term at all. A local church can explain whether and how confirmation fits their path, and prepare you if so.

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Following Jesus was never meant to be done by yourself. The most helpful thing you can do next is find a warm, local church family who will walk with you, answer your questions, and pray with you. And read his own words in the Gospel of John. There is no rush and nothing to prove.

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Jesus Christ is Lord.

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