I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back …
These are the words of a beautiful song called ‘I have decided to follow Jesus.’ It was written by an Indian Christian in the 19th Century after he came to faith in Jesus Christ. He based his words on John 12:26:
‘Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.’
We believe that as people of faith and as followers of Jesus, that we should all have the opportunity to stand up and declare for ourselves – ‘I have decided to follow Jesus.’
At our baptism, our parents and godparents promised to bring us up in the family of the church and to model Christian living and discipleship to us. They promised to teach us about God, about the great things He has done for us and for the promises He makes us. We believe there should be a time in every Christian’s life to claim those promises for themselves. We believe that everyone, young and old (and everyone in between!), should have that opportunity.
These promises are made on a specific Confirmation Sunday when the Bishop joins us, prays and lays hands on those seeking to be confirmed.
If you would like to explore Confirmation, please speak to one of the clergy.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-5