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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
June 2001 |
My Witness:
My son the confirmand
By Patrick M. Jackson
When leading a confirmation class, my style isn't too technical or too academic, I like to teach experientially. My students learn the Apostle's Creed; they understand and experience it. There are written assignments, Bible studies, a personal interview with me and a final exam. Students are confirmed for only one reason, because they believe the Apostle's Creed.
But, I have a confession to make. My son Peter was born with Down syndrome in 1985. We never thought that he would ever be confirmed because of his learning disabilities. Peter could have been in last year's class, but we passed because we didn't think he was ready. To tell the truth, I didn't know when or if Pete would ever be confirmed. He is a special-education kid, and I didn't think he could fulfill the requirements of memorizing the Apostle's Creed and other work. I thought he might never be confirmed because he couldn't meet my requirements. I ignored the doctrine of grace.
Then a friend recommended that I read a book called The Power of the Powerless by Christopher de Vinck. The book is a tribute to the author's brother, Oliver, who was born severely brain damaged. The doctors encouraged Mrs. de Vinck to put him in an institution because he would just be a "vegetable."
A devout Catholic, Mrs. de Vinck would have none of it. She replied, "He is our son. We will take Oliver home, of course."
The parish priest baptized Oliver when he was an infant, fully knowing his condition. I understood this. But when I read that the priest later confirmed Oliver, the words leapt off the page and into my heart. Because Oliver was a part and maybe the most important part of this remarkable Christian family, he was accepted as a full member of the church.
That is why I wanted my son Peter to go through the confirmation class. Can he memorize the Apostle's Creed? No, but he is at church every Sunday and served meals in the soup kitchen before it was required by confirmation. He comes to church meetings and never complains. He gives money every Sunday even though we never told him to. Our biggest challenge is convincing him not to put his entire allowance in the offering plate on Sunday morning. His faith is real and when he vowed to support the church with his prayers, presence, gifts and service I have no doubts that he will, because he already does.
Last updated on 01/14/2004The Rev. Patrick M. Jackson is a pastor at Methodist Temple in the Evansville District.