Christian Confirmation Fellowship from the age of 3 until the age of 16

New Testament baptism promotes qualitative and quantitative growth of the Church and employs a minimal period of instruction in pre‑baptismal preparation perhaps because the Apostles and leaders of the Church had more confidence in the effectiveness of their practice of baptism coupled as it was with the eucharistic fellowship of all Christians. Thus, the original Matthian discipleship scheme with an all‑age and continuous post‑baptismal catechumenal process would appear to possess not only the example of the New Testament and Early Church but also prima facie the continuing authority of the Lord Jesus Christ as the head of the Church until 'the very end of the age' (Matt. 28.20 NIV) The Early Church ensured that baptism remained a respected sacrament by changes in policy over the centuries. Thus the New Testament period for pre‑baptismal preparation of probably only a few days was extended into a catechumenate period of up to three years. Later a developed post‑baptismal teaching responsibility was undertaken by a child's godparents and parents in collaboration with the Church and State.

The English Church does need a catechumenal process and communion for children. Although a teaching programme may be essential from an educational standpoint it may not be immediately popular. The graded use of the C.P.A.S. scheme (taken over from the Church Society) for teaching children with beginners (Scramblers), Explorers, Pathfinders and CYFA was gradually adopted in a new church planting in St Helens. These fellowships involved two parts, belonging to a weekly club night and attending a 45 minute teaching session on Sunday mornings at 11.15 in the multi‑purpose church. The church was designed to be attractive to outsiders and draw them gradually inside. There was an illuminated spire and cross. An attempt was made to make the church building an enjoyable place for children (and for adults too) so they would wish to belong. A Welcome Group was added on Sunday mornings also at 11.15 with coffee and informal discussions for parents whose children were attending one of the other fellowships. It was hoped to encourage parents and their godparents in keeping their baptismal vows on behalf of their children and seeing that they were brought up in the Christian fellowship. This approach functioned remarkably well during the thirteen years 1971‑1984.

The Report (General Synod, 1995), On the Way: Towards an Integrated Approach to Christian Initiation suggested an approach that facilitates the admission of children to communion before confirmation, and encourages the adoption of the 'catechumenal process', the term to be 'used for any pattern of Christian formation' (General Synod, 1995, p.127). Thus, 'catechumenal process' embraces a variety of already existing methods of preparation for confirmation or baptism, and includes adults and children, 'We do not propose a single elaborate series of stages and rites as set out in the Roman Catholic Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults' (General Synod, 1995, p.98). The scheme adopted for St Paul's Blackbrook could be fully developed into a certificated catechumenal process, operating from the age of three years old until the age of sixteen years of age, with staged modular teaching such as that provided by the C.P.A.S. scheme for Scramblers, Climbers, Explorers, Pathfinders and CYFA (General Synod Board of Education, 1988, pp.83‑84). The appropriate clubs and fellowships should be included as part of the formative teaching. The aim is to develop mature relationships fitting to the age of children within the communicant fellowship of the Church of England. The rite of passage associated with puberty could be fixed for the time of transfer from Pathfinders to CYFA with a suitable religious ceremony. Confirmation would be reserved for recognition of adulthood at age 16 years or over.