Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 1969 · 48th Convention › Page 373
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1969, Page 373

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

YOUNG PEOPLE'S WORK 373

on the board’s understanding of the possibilities and
problems of youth ministry. The data received through
Church Youth Research has led to intensified training
of adult workers with youth and to implementation of
youth counseling seminars. The Youth Leadership
Training Program has resulted in many experimental
forms of youth ministry in the parish.

Although not classified as research, information sup-
plied by the field is closely analyzed. Programs showing
promise are shared at large with other youth leaders
in Districts and parishes. The board also shares those
programs which have failed, thus avoiding possible
repetition of the same mistakes. The board continues
to solicit all data relevant to youth ministry in Synod.

IV. Present and Future Challenges

The 1968 District Youth Board Chairmen’s Confer-
ence produced 14 summary statements which reflect the
challenges which face the people of God as they attempt
to realize their faith in the unity of Christ’s body. par-
ticularly those challenges which impinge most keenly
on youth ministry:

1. Youth are positively interested in their role as
the church in the world and all which that implies.
Can the church capitalize on that interest in this gen-
eration?

2. Youth are not seeking an “out” from the institu-
tional church but rather an honest and meaningful role
in the church which their baptism has already given
them. Can the church, through Word and sacrament,
remain open to the possible renewing changes which
such commitment may entail?

3. God’s people need to seek their role as one of
action and as servants of the world. How can this vision
be implemented and sustained? How can the energies
of young people be utilized and expressed?

4. God’s people need to speak out on current issues
of life both individually and corporately. Can the
church immerse itself in the issues of our time and re-
tain both its distinctive character and peculiar mission?

5. God’s people must see their oneness as a family
of believers of all ages rather than a divided society.
The families of God must see themselves as the family
of God. How can the church become one and express
its unity in the world?

6. The church must improve its vision and practice
of Christian education. What is Christian education?
How can it be improved?

7. Communication is still the key word in the min-
istry between adults and young people. Can the gener-
ation gap be overcome? How?

8. The church needs to see that it is free to celebrate
and proclaim in a variety of ways. In unity can we
have diversity and joy in variety? Is the church free
to change?

9. The gathered church must see that it is a means
and not an end in itself. How can the church assume
the garb of a servant in this world?

10. The church needs to see that it is free to risk,
to fail, to forgive, and to rejoice as it ministers. Can
we take these risks with courage? Can such risks teach
us something about the character of our ministry?

11. The church must give not its best but itself. Is
not the church’s best the people of the church? Can
we give of ourselves?

12. The church needs to see civic organizations and
community projects as cooperative efforts rather than
as competitors. Can the church contribute distinctively
to community life in all of its aspects? How?

13. The ecumenical movement (formal and informal)
is an attempt to affirm the oneness of God's people.
Can we humbly and meekly seek such unity and affirm
that oneness?

14. Youth want and need more involvement in the
church and community, but such involvement must be
with adults. Can ‘adults and young people discover the
common mission together and express their unity in the
body of Christ through joint efforts?

These are great challenges — challenges which the
will of our Lord and the character of this present gen-
eration impel us to confront. The questions which such
challenges provoke cut deep into the nature of our life
together as members of His body, the church. As chal-
lenges placed before the Board for Young People’s
Work by a variety of adult leaders of youth and youth
themselves, it is imperative that ways and means be
sought to meet such challenges. To do less would be
to fail our young people and the calling of our Lord.

These challenges and the challenges discussed
throughout this report weigh heavily on the common
mind of the Board for Young People’s Work. The board
recognizes the limitations both of people and of time
and yet acknowledges that time is redeemed from fu-
tility by the resurrection of our Lord and that people
are redeemed for a life of service. Jesus Christ has re-
deemed us and has given us the will, the courage, and
the audacity to work, to fail, to risk, and to rejoice.

Conclusion: To Return to a Question

The Board for Young People’s Work believes that
this generation of young people is a gift of God. While
the board has difficulty in understanding the new and
sometimes strange forms this gift may take, the board
does confess that God does work in mysterious ways,
that He does give strange and wondrous gifts to His
people. The gift of Christ Himself is a wonder beyond
wonders. But from this gift the church has received
both its life and its mission. Our young people are an
assurance of the ongoing life of the church and a sign
that God's mission will continue. The task now is to
understand, appreciate, and commit this gift to God’s
glory.

Such understandings will guide the Board for Young
People’s Work in its ministry. However, the eloquence
or persuasiveness of any report does not assure a reality
of ministry performed. Intentions and practices are
often divided. But we seek forgiveness with courage,