Brandon Metcalf

Brandon Metcalf currently serves as associate pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Illinois, and previously served as a DCE in the Missouri District. He is a contributing author to numerous books and Bible studies for youth ministries, has written and taught extensively on effective parish education and family ministry, and has spoken at youth gatherings and conferences throughout the country, including the past three LCMS Youth Gatherings. He enjoys playing volleyball, board games, and trivia and writing parody songs, but his greatest joys in life come from being a husband and a father.

5 Ways to Encourage Meaningful Discussions in Confirmation Class

Brandon Metcalf
September 25, 2025

“How do I teach confirmation class?” “How do I deal with confirmation students who don’t seem to be paying attention?” “Is it just me, or is it harder to engage students in learning today than it used to be?” These are the types of questions that I’ve received over the years from many of my seminary classmates, who hoped that my DCE experience could help fill in some gaps for them. Ironically, these questions are also frequently asked by youth workers, teachers, and other education professionals. Creating meaningful dialogue in the confirmation setting is an almost universal challenge.

Read More