# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1998_S26 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 26 Vision and Purpose Dreams and visions for the department in the 90s bring young people and adults together, that they may become a community of G D vi od’s people where Jesus is the central focus as we celebrate in Word and Sacrament; youth and adults develop significant relationships; young people grow in faith and develop their personal identity; youth and adults can ask hard questions about faith and life; confession, absolution, and acceptance are the hallmarks of com- munity; young people join their peers in worship, study, service, out- reach, and fellowship; young people know that they are accepted. The purpose of the department is to work in partnership with istricts to support and assist congregations in proclaiming God’s sion of hope, celebration, and service to and with young people. The department is ministry to and with young people and their families. The department affirms that young people of the church are in a Constant relationship with Christ and His people, with themselves and His world. In Holy Baptism, they have been united Ww ith Christ and His church. They are members of the church, not only a youth organization. The church sees young people as indi- viduals—not just a group. They are to be viewed and ministered to as persons. Our goal is a holistic youth ministry shaped by the G ospel—God’s Good News in Jesus Christ. : The department strives to produce events and resources for youth ministry that are in touch with today’s teen culture. To do so, the department is sensitive to and uses the following “filters” to assure quality and relevance. Lutheran doctrine and theology Youth culture issues Family Diversity Inclusivity Outreach Change issues Building relationships Experiential learning Practical application Critical Targets The department through its staff and in cooperation with Dis- trict youth ministry executives and leaders will support and service congregations in their ministry with youth in the church. The de- partment will develop/provide/support: I. The LCMS Youth Ministry Network through which ideas and resources are freely exchanged between national and District structures and congregations. . Leadership Development opportunities through which church professionals and volunteers (youth and adults) are equipped for their ministry with young people, e.g., LYF Teen Leader- ship Initiative (young people), professional and volunteer leadership conferences, church worker students, etc. . Ministry with young adolescents (grades 5-8) through which Opportunities and resources for developing positive and healthy spiritual growth are available for congregations and families. . National youth gatherings where high school youth and their adult leaders gather at a national event every three years. . Resources and products are developed or reviewed for LCMS Districts, congregations and youth ministry leaders. . Servants Events through which young people are provided opportunities to grow in a Christlike style of servanthood. The Past Triennium 1. LCMS Youth Ministry Network * A third of District youth ministry leadership groups are vis- ited each year. SYNODICAL REPORTS ‘* “Youth Ministry Bulletin” is shared with over 1,000 youth ministry leaders each quarter. ¢ One day “regional” District youth ministry leader consulta- tions were initiated. ¢ A Youth Ministry home page was created with a link from LCMS and Congregational Services. * “Youth Ministry Special/LYF Lines” is sent to congrega- tional youth leaders three times a year. . Leadership Development * Two national CLYC (Congregating of Lutheran Youth Coun- selors) have been held (1993 and 1996). * Youth Ministry workshops/classes for students at both semi- naries have been held each year. * Three national leadership conferences for church profession- als working with young people have been held. Lutheran Youth Fellowship has five teen leadership training workshops available. * “Disasters Refuge” is the theme of the LYF Mission Project for emergency disaster response. * Provide an event “Planning District Youth Gatherings” for District gathering planners. . Ministry to Young Adolescents * A national study of confirmation practice in the LCMS was completed, the first since 1968. * A new resource for Peer Ministry for junior high teens was introduced in spring 1998. . Youth Gatherings The 1995 gathering was held in San Antonio, with 28,000 participants from every District and 15 countries; 750 at- tended the Cross-Cultural Gathering, with every major eth- nic group represented. * Seven focus groups were conducted in 1995 to identify di- rections for future national youth gatherings. “Called to Be” is the theme of the July 25-29, 1998 gathering to be held in Atlanta, with over 30,000 participants from every District registered and 18 other countries. . Major resources include the following ° “RAGS” (Resources, Articles, and Good Stuff), an annual program planning and leadership resource for congregational youth ministry. ¢ The “Discovery Bible Study” series based on the church-year lectionary developed annually. “Ten of the Best” containing programmatic pieces from past issues of department resource publications. * The fourth edition of “Singing Saints Songbook.” Three print resources and a video were created based on the adolescent portion of the LCMS National Study of Adults and Youth. Recent resources include “What I’ve Learned about Retreats, Traveling with Teens,” and “FUNDraising with Teens.” “Let’s Talk,” a single topic resource and “Let’s Lead,” 1-4 page resource dealing with leadership issues available early 1998. . Servant Events * Some 55-60 events including sites in Mexico and Slovakia have been available each year. * Over four thousand youth and adults have participated in events the past two years. ¢ An annual leadership conference is held for Servant Event leaders. Future Opportunities/Challenges 1. 2. 3. Continue to be an advocate for youth ministry with renewed vigor Develop a package of 3-4 workshops to be available in Districts Develop “focused” event, i.e., evangelism with youth, etc., that can be replicated . Work to identify project managers for one-time resource projects . Develop new youth ministry partnerships with international! partner churches . Host Journey Fest III in 1999 —