Slides: Types of Confession Ceremonies

Types of Confession Ceremonies

Henry Reyenga

The Connection of Confession to Ongoing Confession

Confessing faith is confession in Jesus that we are not the god of our lives. We confess that we have offended God, and we confess our sins. 

We need a Savior to forgive our sins past, present, and future. 

The blood of Jesus is enough!

The Role of Sin in Our Lives 

We still sin. 

1 John 1:8   If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

The Role of Sin in Our Lives 

2. We still need to confess our sins to unburden our souls. 

1 John 1:9-10

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  ¹⁰ If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

The Role of Sin in Our Lives 

3. God allows us to continue to struggle with sin, even though our sin is covered by the Blood of Jesus. 

Romans 7:23-25

 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.  ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death?  ²⁵ I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!

The Role of Sin in Our Lives 

4. The thorns keep us humble so as to love and reach others. 

2 Corinthians  12: 7-9

By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted excessively.  ⁸ Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  ⁹ He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 

Confession is a Regular Need

In relation to God…

In relation to others in the Seven Connections of our lives. 

Confession Booth Ceremony

One on One Booth - Personal Confession Ceremony  

Why call it a booth?  The confession booth creates a clear indication of the confidential nature of the discussion with an ordained minister. 

Step One – Personal Confession Ceremony

Is there anything you want to unburden? Do you feel bad about anything in your relation to God or others? 

Share some passages on this…

Have You Offended God?

Psalms 32:5   Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.

  I said, “I will confess

my transgressions to the LORD”—

and you forgave

the guilt of my sin.

Have You Offended God?

Psalms 38:17 For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin

Has Someone Sinned Against You? 

Hebrews 12:15   See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

Has Someone Sinned Against You? 

1 Corinthians 6:6-8   But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? ⁸ Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.

Has Someone Sinned Against You? 

1 John 4:20

²⁰ If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 

Step One – Personal Confession Ceremony

Is there anything you want to unburden? Do you feel bad about anything in your relation to God or others? 

Also state: As a licensed/ordained minister, I pledge myself to confidentiality. The Clergy confidentiality privilege applies to this conversation. I have reporting requirements for those abusing children. 

Is there anything you want to unburden? Do you feel bad about anything in your relation to God or others? 

If the answer is Yes. 

Ask:

What do you want to confess or reveal to unburden yourself?

Hear the confession. Listen do not interrupt or try to do counseling, pastoring, or life coaching. 

Do not come off as judgmental with sighs and such. 

Step Two – The Prayers 

Prayer for offending God. 

Lord, ______ has confessed that he/she --------------- and that he/she has and offended You is asking you to hear the confession. 

Then say: _______, repeat after me… Lord, I have sinned against you…. Please forgive my sins ( you could be specific, depending on his confession). I claim your forgiveness you won on the cross. I promise to surrender my life in this area of brokenness. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Step Two – The Prayers 

Prayer for offending others. 

Lord, _______ has confess that he --------------- has harmed _________. 

Then say: Repeat after me… Lord, I have sinned against you and ________.  Please forgive my sins ( you could be specific, depending on his confession). I claim your forgiveness you won on the cross. I promise to surrender my life in this area of brokenness. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Step Two – The Prayers 

Prayer about forgiving someone else and not holding on to offenses and bitterness.  

Lord, _______ has confessed that he/she is burdened by bitterness or offenses done to him. 

Then say: _______, repeat after me:  Lord, I feel that I have been sinned against by ________.  Please help me to forgive as I am forgiven. I claim your forgiveness you won on the cross for me. Help me to forgive. I promise to surrender my life in this area of brokenness. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Step Three - Plan 

Taking the Life Coach Minister role, have a conversation about if someone feels he/she should make amends to anyone? 

Does the penitence of this ceremony or conversation elicit a response such as a letter, email, or phone call? You may want to coach this so that more offense is not created. 

Step 4 – Follow-up

Ask your penitent believe if they want you to follow up with them on this matter or not. 

Do not take upon yourself to do this.  Unsolicited ministry in this area is usually not welcome.