Youth Ministry Conferences and Resources

LCMS Youth Ministry , a ministry area of LCMS District and Congregational Services, provides training and networking opportunities through its conferences and resources, available throughout 2008. “As we serve districts and congregations as the Youth Ministry Office of the LCMS, these annual conferences and resources are key ways LCMS meets its vision for youth ministry,” shares Gretchen Jameson – Associate Director for LCMS Youth Ministry , “That vision is to faithfully lead, serve, resource and network those at work in congregational settings with hope and celebration in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Two annual conferences are available for congregational youth workers.

The 2008 NATIONAL Lutheran Youth Workers Conference is scheduled for July 10-13, 2008, in Indianapolis, IN. “In addition to more than 20 workshop topics, daily Bible study, General Sessions, and fellowship opportunities, 2008 attendees also have the option to dig deeply into one topic of great interest to their ministry,” shares Jameson . The event’s new “ Youth Ministry Intensives” led by Concordia University System faculty include: Adolescent Development and Spiritual Nurture, Confirmation and Youth Ministry Influence, Worship and Youth, Teaching for Influence: The "Teaching" Youth Ministry , and Building Youth to be Congregational Leaders.

Registration for NATIONAL is open online at www.NLYWC.com.

Each January, the YM Symposium Series focuses on current issues in youth and congregational ministry. Designed as a smaller event, 115 professional church workers, district leaders and lay youth workers gathered to discuss young adult ministry in LCMS congregations. YM2009: Catechesis in a "Spiritual" Age is scheduled for January 9-11, 2009, in Houston . Keynote presenter, Dr. Lisa Kimball, Youth Development Leadership Program Coordinator for the University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, and Research Assistant with the Search Institute, will join Rev. Dr. John Oberdeck of Concordia University – Wisconsin to explore the impact of a recent 15 country study on adolescent spirituality in the context of Lutheran youth ministry.

thESource for Youth Ministry , online at www.youthesource.com, provides cost-free access to articles, editorials, Bible studies, skits, and talk sheets for use in the Lutheran congregation.

“thESource continues to evolve as a project of the YMO,” Jameson shares. “Our church body is blessed with youth workers who share their experience and insight via this dynamic resource, it’s worth checking out.” In 2008, thESource releases a “chat” feature. Scheduled chats will invite youth workers to participate in topic-related conversation with leading LCMS youth ministry practitioners, professors and their peers. To learn more, visit thESource and register to receive updates.

For information about other programs and resources available to districts and congregations, visit LCMS Youth Ministry on the web at www.lcms.org/youth or call 800.248.1930 x.1155.