LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1981, Page 286

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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.