Die rol van die gemeente as geloofsgemeenskap in die begeleiding tot belydenisaflegging

Abstract

The role of the congregation as a community of believers in preparation for and guidance in confirmation Although confirmation should be the zenith of a young person’s personal attachment to God and the congregation of believers, the exact opposite of this seems to be true when one considers the large number of young people who leave the church directly after their confirmation. What type of guidelines may be given to the congregation in the guiding of the youth towards their confirmation? In this article the focus shifts to the community of believers, more specifically to the role of such a community of believers in the guidance of young people in the process of preparing towards confirmation. The congregation as a com-munity of believers is one of the most important agents in the religious socialisation of young people. The responsibility of the community of believers lies on the following levels: the persistent practice of the fourfold ministry, and the involvement of the whole congregation (young and old) in this task. This approach will lend credibility to the community of believers and by doing this the young people will be drawn closer. Special attention must be given to the acceptance of the young people, self-sacrificing and loving service towards the youths, as well as the verbal and practical teaching and instruction of the youngsters. The crea-tion of a culture of personal religious commitment, together with accountability to that commitment, will carry the youths through their own personal commitment within confirmation, while affirming the importance of such a commitment at the same time.