# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1981_S286 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 286 PARISH SERVICES theme. emphasizing friends, family. faith, and self-identity. It has grown to be a well-respected youth ministry resource, both in the Lutheran Church as well as in other denominations. District Network A key area of communications and support is through the District youth ministry executives and District chairpersons. A monthly BYM-KIT is sent to them, as well as our “‘District Youth Ministry Bulletin,” which also goes to other youth and adults involved in District ministries. In October 1980 our biannual District Leaders Conference was held. Almost every District was represented. The BYM outlined plans for the future, as well as shared ideas, resources, and other materials with the District leaders. The next DLC conference is set for fall 1982. In addition to these services the staff regularly leads workshops, consultations, and other gatherings in many Districts. Youth-Staffer Program Eleven Districts are currently involved in the staffer pro- gram, which provides a District with a young adult volunteer to serve as a resource in youth ministry for one year in that particular District. Les Stroh is continuing to develop this ministry in fine fashion. A number of new Districts will be entering this program in the coming years. Tragedy struck this program in November 1980 when Miss Margy Heyse, District staffer in North Wisconsin was killed in an automobile accident. We continue to rejoice with the Heyse family in the power and comfort of the Resurrection. A Margy Heyse Memorial Fund has been established in the North Wisconsin District to provide films for youth ministry. Overseas Volunteer Program Another strong program geared for young-adult involve- mentis the Overseas Volunteers. Presently there are more than 20 young adults serving 2'% years in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Mr. Stroh is giving increased time and leadership to this vital part of youth ministry. The BYM works cooperatively with the Board for Missions and LCMS partner churches as they recruit, select, train, and support these volunteers. Young Adults The BYM is responsible for ministry to post-high-school persons, ages 18—25. A new position paper has recently been developed to clarify these responsibilities with other boards. Materials, networks, conferences, and other growth opportuni- ties are all a part of a continuing ministry to and with this group. A number of Districts are supporting and helping to sponsor youth-adult conferences throughout the Synod. Others continue to help make professional leaders aware of the need for a ministry to this age group. “43 S.A.M.S.” (Single Adult Ministry Suggestions) and “Young Adults: a Meaningful Ministry” are two recent publications. Junior High Ministry The BYM is sponsoring workshops and conferences to help train adults to be more effective in this ministry. A new junior high kit is also being developed. Pastor Terry Dittmer is the staff person working in this area. Here again Districts continue to promote this ministry through workshops, conferences, camps, and confirmation ministries. Another major part of this emphasis is coming through an ambitious Early Adolescent Study, of which the BYM isa part. Working together with the Synod’s Board of Parish Education, this project will develop materials and other training events to help our parishes become more effective in working and relating to this age group. About 12 other major denominations are also involved in this study, coordinated by Search Institute, Minneapolis, Minn. Synodical Schools The BYM continues to service our synodical schools through workshops and materials. Youth ministry courses have begun recently on a number of our campuses. Workshops and confer- ences are also being held. It is hoped that this is one area of youth ministry that will continue to grow and develop as we work together with the synodical school staffs. For example, a vicars’ workshop has been sponsored with Concordia Sem- inary, St. Louis, during the past two years. Youth-ministry workshops and classes are also being held at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and other synodical schools. Civic Youth Agencies Another part of vouth ministry is taking place in our civic and community agencies. The BYM works closely with LCUSA’s Department of National Youth Agency Relation- ships, Ralph Dinger, executive. Pastor Leo Symmank is our staff person assigned to this task. Further District Youth Ministry Involvement TheBYM staff continues to bestrongly involved in District services. Through workshops, conferences, gatherings, and consultations the staff provides resources and ideas to those involved in District work. The staff sees these relationships as crucial as they work to help youth ministry happen on the parish level. Even though a staff vacancy still remains in this area, all staff persons are heavily involved in this vital service. Youth Gatherings Youth gatherings are a major focus of youth ministry these days. Thirty-three Districts are sponsoring gatherings this vear. A Midwest Regional Lutheran Youth Gathering, involv- ing 15 Districts, is set for Aug. 5—8, 1982. A youth gathering planned by the Black Ministry Commission is geared for August 1982 at Concordia College, Bronxville, N.Y. Other regional gatherings are also happening. These gatherings will each attract from 100—3,000 voung people and adults. Praise God for this avenue of ministry that brings youth and adults together for worship, Bible study, and fellowship. Youth Ministry Special The BYM provides every parish with three to four news- papers each year dealing with specific areas of youth ministry. Issues since the last convention have dealt with hunger, Bible study, rural youth ministry, and Lenten pilgrimages. These have received good feedback. Other New Materials from the BYM During the past two years other helpful resources have been developed. These include an “Index of Sorts,” which lists all of the articles from past Resources for Youth Ministry issues; a drama resource; a Care Ministry Kit; helpful listings of ideas for youth ministry; and other helps. The board and staff continue to be aware and sensitive to the needs of parishes that may find such printed pieces valuable tools for ministry. Youth Ministry Research During the past two years, the BYM has worked extensively with the Synod's Department of Research and Planning in attempting to keep in touch with the feelings and views of youth and adults. John O’Hara (Department of Research and Planning) and Dr. Bud Schulz (Board for Higher Education) were instrumental in providing an excellent evaluation tool for the 1980 youth gathering. The BYM has also attempted to keep other departments of the Synod aware of the various needs and gifts of young people in their specific ministry areas. A poll of participants at the 1980 youth gathering is serving as a resource for the BYM in dealing with youth issues. Finances for Youth Ministry In order to continue to provide the necessary resources and services in youth ministry the Synod needs to continue to have the funds available to do this work. During the last two years, two major programs have been added to the BYM: Lutheran Youth Fellowship and synodical youth gatherings. These two programs have taken immense time to develop and continue and also need the finances necessarv to get the job done. The Synod’s interest in youth ministry also needs to show in an increased budget for these tasks. The scope and visibility of youth ministry has increased greatly in the Synod; now the BYM needs the means to continue such work and efforts.