# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1956_S351
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

YOUNG PEOPLE'S WORK 351

Japanese youth center, Nigeria teachers’ college building). The
Board for Young People’s Work is the liaison between Synod and
the Walther League. To quote the report:

“The survey indicates that the Walther League is doing a com-
mendable job in general as the youth program of our church by
providing a program to fulfill the objectives of Christian youth
work. ... It is apparent that even though times have changed
greatly since the Walther League was organized sixty years ago,
and even though the church has changed its outlook in the Amer-
ican scene, an organization of our young people into a unit like
the Walther League is more essential than ever before. We are
thankful we have such an organization for the young people of
our Synod.... It is our opinion that the Board for Young People’s
Work is fulfilling the obligations well which Synod has placed
upon it.”

Not all of the available young people of the church are as
yet affiliated with the Walther League. A large percentage of these
are members of congregations where a Walther League society
exists. This calls for an intensive Walther League membership
campaign. The Board for Young People’s Work is to seek more
effective ways of providing non-Walther League youth groups with
materials and guidance developed by the Walther League.

II. Congregations

The survey found that only about 18% of the congregations
have youth committees. It recommends that congregations take
an active part in the youth work, support it financially as needed,
also when there is a Walther League society, provide youth com-
mittees, provide adult counselors, and conduct an annual youth
consecration service.

III. Synodical Schools

The survey report commends the terminal institutions where
youth work is emphasized in a credit course, workshops, societies
on the campus, and actual participation in congregational youth
societies. The recommendation is made that this training be ex-
panded in all synodical schools.

IV. Leadership Training

In view of the urgency of holding our youth with Christ and
our church, the survey report urges the expansion of the youth
workers conferences and the Lutheran Service volunteer schools.
It finds a great need for the laity to serve as youth counselors
and recommends that the Board for Young People’s Work and
the Walther League expand this phase of the leadership-training
program.

inant A AEN a Bt Se ai ie aa