The Gathering is more than five days. One of the ways we hope that groups come together is in pre-Gathering Bible studies. Pastor Doug Bender and DCE AJ Vega, members of the Gathering Bible Study Team, join us to talk about the themes and values of pre-Gathering Bible studies.  Bios:  Pastor Doug Bender serves as an associate pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Macomb, Michigan. Before serving at Immanuel, Pastor Doug was a campus pastor for six years at Concordia University Wisconsin. One of his greatest passions is supporting and encouraging students and young people in faith and life, and he is thrilled to join the Gathering planning team and for the ways God’s Word will impact countless lives before, during, and after the Gathering!  AJ Vega is the Director of Discipleship and Outreach at St. John's Church and Renewal Church in Denver, Colorado. AJ has served on multiple teams for the Gathering in the past, including serving as an Emcee for the 2019 Gathering in Minneapolis and serving on the Bible Study Team in 2022 in Houston. When not working, AJ loves to spend time with his expecting wife (!) his cat, Bruno, and drinking pour-over coffee in the wee hours of the morning.  Youth Gathering Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website – lcmsgathering.com Facebook Page – facebook.com/lcmsgathering Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry LCMS Youth Gathering Pre- Event Bible Studies www.lcmsgathering.com/biblestudy  YouthESource Website – www.youthesource.com 

It is almost time for registration to start for the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering! New staff Becky Kammeier and Emily Myers join us to discuss key things to know about how to plan for your registration to the Gathering.   Youth Gathering Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website – lcmsgathering.com Facebook Page – facebook.com/lcmsgathering Facebook Group – facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry

One component that is a part of every youth ministry is time in God’s Word. This episode is a discussion of how you can intentionally plan, choose, and write Bible Studies and Devotions for your teens.   Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

New Orleans is a city with a lot of LCMS Youth Gathering history, and we are excited to be there again in 2025. Listen to Mark and Julianna talk about NOLA as we prepare for the next Gathering. Youth Gathering Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website - lcmsgathering.com Facebook Page - facebook.com/lcmsgathering Facebook Group - facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry

Most youth ministries use games regularly, but new youth leaders might not know how to best use those games. We are joined by Signe White, Ellie Lutz, and Keith Peters, who all serve in camp ministry, to talk about how to use games for teaching, community building, and more. Resources in this episode: National Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Association: nloma.org Games on YouthESource: youthesource.com/category/free-resources/activities-games YouthESource Website: youthesource.com Guests in this episode: With three decades of service in the LCMS, Signe White is a seasoned ministry leader whose passion for the outdoors and leadership development has shaped her role as Executive Director of Camp Perkins, a thriving outdoors ministry and conference center. Signe blends her passion for nature and outdoor play with her focus on fostering and empowering new leaders through visionary guidance and strategic leadership, both within the organization and the wider church community. Ellie "Frisbee" Lutz has been a camp professional for 13 years and also served as a church youth leader for 2 years. She has led programs at camps in Wisconsin, Idaho, and her current location, Lakeview Ministries in southern Indiana. Her camp nickname is "Frisbee" because (as she tells the kids) she's fun to play with and good at spinning in circles. Keith Peters served in various Christian camp ministries and in a parish ministry, prior to joining Lutherhaven’s team as the Director of Summer and Youth Ministry in 2021. During summers at Camp Lutherhoma throughout high school and college he was privileged to learn game leading and has been training others to lead games for two decades. His other interests include teaching adult bible study classes, logging miles either by running or cycling, and drinking good coffee.

DCE Jeremy Becker joins Julianna and Mark for a conversation about how youth leaders can foster community and relationships that build belonging in their youth ministry. Bio: Jeremy Becker is a Director of Christian Education with over 24 years. He currently serves St. Paul Lutheran Church in Weston, Florida before that, he served at Concordia Lutheran in Kirkwood, Missouri. He was recently awarded the Master DCE award from the National Association of DCEs. He is married to Kristin and has two daughters.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

It’s time to start planning for the 2025 Youth Gathering! Mark and Julianna talk about things to consider as you begin to prepare your congregation, youth, parents and other adults for the Gathering. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

The next episode in our second starter pack discusses child safety and risk management. Mark and Julianna talk about what can go wrong and how you can prepare to keep youth and adults safe and healthy. Resources mentioned in this episode: The LCMS Youth Ministry resource website: youthesource.com Ministry Safe: ministrysafe.com/lcms LCMS Page on Child Abuse/Safety: lcms.org/social-issues/child-abuse

Mark and Julianna are starting a new series of podcasts for those who are starting out in youth ministry. For the first episode, we invite LCMS Youth Ministry Communications Specialist Meredith Smith to discuss communications. Meredith Smith is the communications specialist for LCMS Youth Ministry, communicating about everything we do at LCMS Youth Ministry, including the Gathering. She is a Houston native, a graduate of Texas A&M, and is married to Pastor Alex Smith. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

We are excited to be revealing the theme “Endure” for the upcoming 2025 Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger joins Mark and Julianna to talk about the theme, the passages of Hebrews we will focus on and more about our theological paper. Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger is an Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Student Life at Concordia Seminary here in St. Louis. He served a congregation in Minnesota before coming to the Seminary. Peter has served on our Theological Advisory Team for several Gatherings and wrote our thematic paper.

Service work is a key component of a healthy youth ministry. Service on longer, intensive weeks like servant events or mission trips give youth a chance to live out their faith through the work of the Holy Spirit and build relationships that keep them tied to their congregation. LCMS Youth Ministry has supported LCMS Servant Events for over 40 years and today we hear more about their benefits to young people, those who serve alongside them, and those they serve in the name of Christ. Resources for Servant Events: LCMS Servant Events - lcms.org/servantevents Event Listing - lcms-servantevents.org Service Resources - youthesource.com/service Bio: Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minnesota hosts an LCMS Servant Event called Heart of a Servant. Two of the event leaders joined the podcast to discuss their event and why they love hosting young people from across the United States. Rev. Craig Bertram is Pastor at Lord of the Lakes and serves as the Event Coordinator for Heart of a Servant. Shelly Carlson has served as Youth and Education Director at Lord of the Lakes since 1991 and serves as the event’s Community Life Coordinator.

College academic years have started across the country. This is a momentous time of transition for a freshman, and exciting times for upper classmen. A new living arrangement, a new schedule, new freedom, and new relationships all meet young people as they go from high school to their next academic adventure. Campus Ministries and home congregations provide ongoing prayer and support for their walk with Jesus. In this episode, we hear how parents and supportive adults provide this care for students they love. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and LCMS Campus Ministry at lcms.org/lcmsu. Bio: Ron DuPree is a DCE who serves as the Director of Youth and College Ministries at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denton, Texas. Ron serves youth and families at the church as well as students at the University of North Texas, and Texas Woman’s University. Ron is a graduate of Concordia University Irvine, and a current graduate student at Concordia Irvine’s Townsend Institute for Executive Coaching and Consulting.  When there is free time, he enjoys restoring an old Corvette, motorcycle riding and dirt biking and most importantly spending time with his children and grandchildren. 

One of the biggest struggles we know are a part of adolescence, especially today, is identity formation. We talk with DCE Cassie Moore about how youth ministry can play a role in helping form an identity in Christ and about her recent study on identity. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Cassie Moore is an author, international speaker, and leadership consultant with 15 years of experience as a Director of Christian Education in Lutheran churches and schools, including multi-site ministries. She’s author of Authentic Youth Ministry: Straight Talk about Working with Kids, Teens & In-Betweens, contributor for Connected for Life: Essential Guide to Youth Ministry, and the upcoming Jesus' Survival Kit for Young Women. Having grown up in Illinois and Minnesota, Cassie received her undergraduate degree from Concordia University in Irvine, California, and is currently finishing her master’s degree in organizational leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University, Irvine. In her free time, Cassie loves dogs, chatting with friends over coffee, hiking and kayaking, and travel with her husband, Tyler. 

We conclude our short series on Christian Apologetics, inviting Dr. Brad Alles and Rev. Joe Cox to give insight to worldviews and philosophies faced by Christians. Resources in this episode: YouthESource Website — youthesource.com  Brad Alles’ Resource Website — bradalles.com   “Share Hope” YouthLead Curriculum (Leader: Brad Alles) — youthesource.com/2019/12/12/share-hope Life’s Big Questions, God’s Big Answers by Brad Alles — cph.org/lifes-big-questions-gods-big-answers     Starting at the End by Brad Alles — cph.org/starting-at-the-end   Postmodern Times: A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture by Gene Edward Veith — amazon.com/Postmodern-Times-Christian-Contemporary-Thought/dp/0891077685   Bios: Dr. Brad Alles is an Assistant Professor of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin. He is a frequent Bible study teacher and speaker at local, state and national youth gatherings, as well as youth worker, teacher, and pastor conferences. Rev. Joe Cox is Campus Pastor and Director of Curriculum at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, Missouri. He teaches English and Theology and coaches the school’s mock trial teams.

We continue a short series on Christian Apologetics with guests Dr. Brad Alles and Rev. Joe Cox.  In this episode we tackle a few questions raised by those inside and outside of the faith.  Our guests give insight to answers to defend the faith and share it with others.  Bios: Dr. Brad Alles is an Assistant Professor of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin.  He is a frequent Bible study teacher and speaker at local, state and national youth gatherings, as well as youth worker, teacher, and pastor conferences.  Rev. Joe Cox is Campus Pastor and Director of Curriculum at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, Missouri.  He teaches English and Theology and coaches the school’s mock trial teams.   Resources from this episode: The LCMS Youth Ministry resource website youthesource.com “Share Hope” YouthLead Curriculum (Leader: Brad Alles) - youthesource.com/2019/12/12/share-hope Brad Alles’ Resource Website – bradalles.com Life’s Big Questions, God’s Big Answers by Brad Alles – cph.org/lifes-big-questions-gods-big-answers Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell – amazon.com/Evidence-That-Demands-Verdict-Life-Changing/dp/1401676707 History, Law, and Christianity by John Warwick Montgomery – amazon.com/History-Christianity-John-Warwick-Montgomery/dp/1945500018

We continue a short series on Christian Apologetics, exploring the role of Apologetics in Christian education and youth ministry.  Faith Spelbring, DCE, joins us to give insight and resources to equip young people to think critically about the intersection of faith and life and witnessing to others. Resources in this episode: Life's Big Questions, God’s Big Answers by Brad Alles cph.org/lifes-big-questions-gods-big-answers The Defense Never Rests by Craig Parton cph.org/the-defense-never-rests-second-edition Bio: Faith Spelbring, DCE, lives with her husband Chris, and four children in Belleville, Illinois. Faith has a bachelor’s degree in religious education with a youth ministry emphasis from Concordia University –Irvine.  She is also a Fellow of the Academy of Christian Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.    Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

We start a short series on Christian Apologetics, starting with the basics of Christian Worldview.  Dr. Brad Alles and Rev. Joe Cox join us to give resources to develop our worldview grounded in God’s Word and truth. Resources mentioned in this episode: “Share Hope” YouthLead Curriculum (Leader: Brad Alles) - youthesource.com/2019/12/12/share-hope/   Brad Alles’ Resource Website  – bradalles.com   Summit Ministries – summit.org   Answers in Genesis – answeresingenesis.og   Bios: Dr. Brad Alles is an Assistant Professor of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin.  He is a frequent Bible study teacher and speaker at local, state and national youth gatherings, as well as youth worker, teacher, and pastor conferences.  Rev. Joe Cox is Campus Pastor and Director of Curriculum at Lutheran High School South in St. Louis, Missouri.  He teaches English and Theology and coaches the school’s mock trial teams.   Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Members of the YouthLead Executive Team, teens elected to serve the program for a three year term, join Mark and Julianna in talking about how to support teen leaders and what they enjoy about being young leaders themselves Bios: Reagan Martens, Austin Barber, and Adam Beadle are representatives from the YouthLead Executive Team. This team is elected by their peers to serve for three years. They provide leadership and direction to the YouthLead program and serve as leaders during our YouthLead training. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Part of our 40 End Goals talks about how we engage and support in service and mission locally and across the globe. Rev. Mark Rabe and Erin Alter from the LCMS Office of International Mission join us to talk about how youth leaders can explore these topics and support current and future missionaries. Find the LCMS Office of International Mission at international.lcms.org, Missions Unpacked at international.lcms.org/missions-unpacked, and the Five Minutes with a Missionary Podcast at kfuo.org/category/missionary-podcast. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bios: Rev. Dr. Mark A. Rabe is the director of recruitment for the LCMS Office of International Mission.  Rabe served from 2015–2021 as an LCMS missionary and theological educator at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.   Erin Alter is the director of short-term missions for the LCMS Office of International Mission. 

Both in the 2022 Gathering Theological paper and in the Seven Practices we talk about the importance of telling personal stories, but especially God’s story. Julianna and Mark talk to Pastor Ted Doering about his study that dives into God’s story and our story. Bio: Rev. Ted Doering is the pastor at Narrative Church, an LCMS church plant in Williamson County, Texas, just north of Austin. He is blessed to be married to Chelsey, who works as the hospitality coordinator for TX district. Ted enjoys spending his free time with friends over a good meal, sampling the many local forms of breakfast tacos and BBQ, hiking in the Texas Hill Country, catching a movie, and cheering for all forms of professional Houston sports teams. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

In our last episode on difficult conversations, Pastor Jonathan and Christa Petzold help us think about how to approach issues of gender and sexuality in our youth ministry.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Rev. Jonathan Petzold holds an MDiv from Concordia Seminary St. Louis. He serves as Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Roselle, Illinois. Christa Petzold holds an MA in Theology from Concordia University Irvine and a degree in Mathematics and Lutheran Secondary Education from Concordia University Wisconsin. She works as a stay-at-home mother, homeschooling their four children. Jonathan and Christa have been married since 2010 and enjoy learning and teaching God's Word together. They also love coffee, Star Wars, traveling, and quiet evenings at home.  Between them, they have authored multiple books and blogs and one that we want to highlight is Male and Female: Embracing Your Role in God’s Design, published by Concordia Publishing House.

We are highlighting a second study in this year after the Gathering on Vocation. DCE Amanda Jahnke joins us to talk about vocation with teens now and in the future. Bio: Amanda Jahnke is a DCE currently serving Concordia Preparatory School in Townsend, Maryland. She previously served at St. Paul in Fort Worth, TX. She received her undergrad and graduate degree in Family Sciences from Concordia St. Paul. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Suicide is not easy to talk about in your youth ministry, but it is necessary as it is the second-leading cause of death among people ages 10-24. Megan Miessler, LCSW, joins us to talk about how we can approach this topic well and care for young people who may experience crisis around suicide. Find the Columbia Protocol App at apps.apple.com/us/app/columbia-protocol/id1450966911 and Mental Health First Aid at mentalhealthfirstaid.org. If you or someone you know is in crisis or mental distress, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Bio: Megan Miessler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Megan began working with children and youth as a DCE in the Lutheran Church. She received her MSW from University of Central Florida and her DCE from Concordia St. Paul. Megan works with children and families and focuses on play therapy, depression, Anxiety, Crisis Intervention, School Counseling and Marriage Therapy. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Deaconess Emma Heinz and Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor join Mark and Julianna to talk about how we approach life issues in youth ministry and teach a full theology of life in all things to our youth. Find LCMS Life Ministry resources at lcmslife.org and life resources on the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com/life. Bio: Deaconess Emma Heinz lives in St. Louis and is married to Seminarian Ben Heinz. She has served as a Deaconess intern in the Office of National Mission, including helping with the LCMS Gathering registration. She currently serves as registrar for Higher Things and in her spare time likes to read and write.   Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor serves as director of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life Ministry.  After a first career in marketing, she received an M.A. from Concordia Theological Seminary and earned a doctorate from Bethel University. She is married to Rev. Jonathan Manor, and they have five children and two grandchildren. 

Mark and Julianna continue the series on challenging issues you might face in youth ministry. Rev. Brian Earl joins them to talk about ministering in the face of drug and substance use and addiction.     Bio: Rev. Brian Earl is a board-certified chaplain currently serving in mental health populations at the Raymond G Murphy Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM since 2019. Before that Brian completed a VA Interprofessional Advanced Fellowship in Addiction Treatment at the West Haven, CT VA. Brian is an ordained LCMS Pastor and before being called to chaplaincy in 2015, Brian served as a parish pastor in Nebraska. He and his wife Christa have three children and two cats.    Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Our next study in the 40 End Goals series helps us to think about how we navigate difficult times with humble confidence and teach youth to do the same. Pastor Brandon Metcalf joins us to talk about his study and how we can support teens regardless of what challenges they face. Bio: Rev. Brandon Metcalf serves as Associate Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Illinois. Brandon has a degree from Concordia University Nebraska and served as a Director of Christian Education in Missouri before entering the Seminary. Brandon loves any chance to work with God’s people to help them hold onto the promises of God. Along with “Connected for Life: Essential Guide to Youth Ministry” and youthesource.com, he is a contributing author to “Word of Strength and Promise: Devotions for Youth” and has spoken at district and national youth gatherings. He enjoys Frisbee, volleyball, and board games but his greatest joys come from being a husband and father. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

LCMS Servant Events have supported youth and adults in learning that serving others can make a difference because of Jesus Christ for more than 35 years. In this episode, our Servant Event Committee joins us to talk about how these servant events across the country.  Guests in this episode: Rev. Barry Akers — Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI Shelly Carlson — Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Forest Lake, MN Joe Palinkas — Zion Lutheran Church, Painesville, OH Randy Ronning, DCE — Trinity Lutheran Church, Richmond, VA Leah Sallach — Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Buffalo, NY Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and LCMS Youth Ministry at lcms.org/youth.

As we continue to highlight the studies around the 40 End Goals, Mark and Julianna talk to DCE Bekah Freed about her study and devotions on Sabbath and rest. Bio: Bekah Freed is Kansas-grown girl who now lives in cornfields of Nebraska (with a 9-year stop in Buffalo, NY). She currently serves the students of Concordia University, Nebraska as the Director in the Student Life Office and loves helping youth and young adults know how much Jesus loves them. (Hint: It’s a lot!) She is a Director of Christian Education (DCE) and has a master's degree in Discipleship in the context of Trauma and Crisis Response. She enjoys kayaking, conversations about things that matter, fresh-baked cookies, traveling, a fuzzy blanket on a cold winter day, hugs from her nieces, hiking, and celebrating the everyday blessings in life. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Mark and Julianna celebrate 100 episodes of End Goals Podcast by letting the listeners turn the tables and answering their questions. We are so thankful for your support these last three years. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Bullying is not anything new, and youth ministries have had to deal with it many times over and in various ways. Today, much of the bullying happens not face to face but online. Kari Smith joins us to talk about how to prevent and approach this issue. Bio: Kari Smith has been a teacher, youth leader, and now works with Lutheran Family Service as Congregational Services and Adoption Case Work. She graduated from Concordia Nebraska. She lives in Iowa with her husband of 22 years and is a mom of four.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

We all have roles, responsibilities, and relationships where God uses us to serve others and share the Gospel. Pastor Andrew Jones joins Mark and Julianna to talk about the importance to teaching about vocation.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Andrew R. Jones lives in the Bay Area of California where he enjoys writing, hiking, and adventures with his wife, Stephanie. He has served the church on three continents in varying roles including campus ministry, international mission work, professor of preaching, and parish pastor. His writings speak to the importance of spiritual disciplines in the midst of a hectic world. 

This Fall we are taking on some important, but difficult topics for teens that might be tough for youth leaders to approach. In this episode, we talk with Jayme Nichols about how we can prepare to care and support youth who are impacted by depression and anxiety. Bio: DCE Jayme Nichols is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the Austin, TX area. Before becoming a counselor, she served in youth ministry for 18 years. Jayme and her husband, Kobi, grew up in Saginaw, MI and met at Valley Lutheran High School. They have been married 13 years and have three children: Isaac (10), Carrington (9), and Jeremiah (5). In their down time, the Nichols’ enjoy watching Michigan football, Tigers baseball, and Red Wing hockey.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Both the 7 Practices and the 40 End Goals use the term “Humble Confidence” but what does that mean? Join Mark and Julianna in a discussion with Rev. Trevor Sutton about his study on Humble Confidence available on YouthESource right now. Bio: Rev. Trevor Sutton is a senior pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan. He is also a PhD candidate at Concordia Seminary and teaches in the digital humanities graduate program at Concordia Ann Arbor. His most recent books include Redeeming Technology and Clearly Christian: Following Jesus in This Age of Confusion. Sutton’s writing on technology has appeared in The Washington Post, Religion News Service, The Lutheran Witness, The Christian Century and elsewhere. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Our 40 Teaching End Goals are a part of our 7 Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry and our Bible studies on the YouthESource for the next year will explore those End Goals. In this episode we look at the first of those Bible studies and devotions by talking about Christian Community with author Cassie Schermbeck. Bio: Cassie Schermbeck is a DCE in Centennial, CO, and has served in youth ministry for more than twenty years. She went to Concordia University Nebraska and received her MA in Youth and Family Ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. She and her husband Tim have two kids in elementary school. Cassie loves teenagers, speaking, listening, the Spurs, the Cubs, reading, swimming, triathlons and worshiping Jesus.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Join us for a special crossover episode with Friends for Life! Host Stephanie Neugebauer talked with us about the importance of intergenerational relationships, particularly with older generations honoring and serving the younger generation. As we think about the life of the church, how we care for pre-teens, teens, and young adults is a part of how we engage and value God’s people in every aspect of life. Find the Friends for Life Podcast at kfuo.org/friendsforlife. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. About Friends for Life: We believe that God is the author and sustainer of all life. We also know it can be hard to speak about the intrinsic value of that life when it feels like the world is trying to drown us out. We’re right here beside you. In this podcast of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life Ministry, we’re coming alongside one another as a community of Christ’s redeemed people, ones who are speaking up for and living out the sanctity of human life. Together we’ll explore life issues in a way that honors our heavenly Father’s value of human life, serves our neighbor, and connects us to others who are doing the same. Join us, so that together we can be friends for life. Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at [email protected].

Even though you may still be sharing your 2022 Gathering experience, our team is already well at work on the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Hear a little bit about what happens between Gatherings and ways you can stay connected to us. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Now that we have experienced the LCMS Youth Gathering, we checked in with the staff of LCMS Youth Ministry to hear their reflections on the event. The staff works hard for years to make the Gathering possible and have a unique perspective of where God was at work in Houston. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

LCMS Youth Gathering participants can be noticeable with their matching shirts and backpacks. More than just being seen, God can use Gathering participants to leave an impact on the city and those residents they come into contact with. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Mark and Julianna talk about how the Gathering can help your youth ministry beyond the five days of the event. We pray it can help spur ministry for the next three years and beyond. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

We know you are exhausted and just looking for a little rest. But in the first in our Gathering Finishing Pack series, we will talk about how you might think about sharing your group’s experience at the 2022 Youth Gathering back home. This also has a special segment for pastors on the theme: In All Things! Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

We have finally made it to Houston for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering. Join Mark and Julianna on the Interactive Floor as they talk about their experiences and give thanks for what is happening at the Gathering. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

While we hope that every part of your LCMS Youth Gathering experience goes perfectly, we know that you want to plan for all the contingencies. This podcast will cover some of the big “What if” questions so you can hear about some of the plans and supports we have in place for you. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

We know that hotels and transportation aren’t necessarily glamorous, but they are necessary. Krista Miller and Dean Luker join us to talk about key things to know about both pieces as a part of your Youth Gathering experience. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bios: Krista Miller is LCMS Youth Ministry’s Associate Director, Gathering Registrar and Operations. She has served LCMS Youth Ministry for almost 23 years. Dean Luker is a volunteer on our planning teams to direct the shuttling team. This is Dean’s seventh Gathering serving in this role.  

The 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering is coming soon and we are excited to be sharing new information about everything you and your youth will experience. This podcast will review the reveals from last week and give a few tips and recaps for you as you prepare for the Gathering. Find all things Gathering at lcmsgathering.com. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

It’s the time of year as we plan for high school and college graduations! Mark and Julianna invited Pastor Jay Winter to talk about campus ministry and transitioning young people into next steps in college. Bio: Pastor Jay Winters has served University Lutheran in Tallahassee since 2007. He grew up on the mission field as the son of a missionary in the Philippines where he lived until he was almost 13. Pastor Jay got his undergraduate degree at Concordia University – Nebraska, and moved on to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis MO. It was while he was at Concordia Seminary that Pastor Jay began to become interested in campus ministry work. This led him to be able to take a vicarage (internship) assignment at First Lutheran in Gainesville, FL – the campus ministry to the campus of the University of Florida. After completing his time at Concordia Seminary, Pastor Jay was called to University Lutheran in Tallahassee. While in Gainesville, Pastor Jay met his wife, Liz. They have three daughters together, Cricket Belle, Tempest Jane, and Willow Ann. Find LCMS Campus Ministry (LCMSU) at lcms.org/lcmsu. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

In the final episode of our series on parents, we talk with DCE Jeremy Becker to discuss the unique benefits and strains when a parent serves as a youth ministry leader.   Bio: Jeremy Becker graduated from Concordia University in Chicago as a DCE. He served at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood and currently serves at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Weston, Florida.   He is married to Kristin Becker and has two daughters, Mikayla and Natalie. They enjoy running marathons, going to Disney, and watching movies together!  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Many parents and youth leaders want to be positive, Christ centered mentors and have solid listening skills. Mark and Julianna talk with DCE Darcy Paape on her experience and recent development of curriculum that can help both youth leaders and parents do just that.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Darcy Paape has 20 years of experience working with emerging young adult leaders in high school, church, and university settings.  She is passionate about creating programming that is practical, interactive, and cross-generational and using it to support emerging leaders in the church and workplace.  Currently, she serves at Concordia University Wisconsin as Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute, Adjunct Interpersonal Communication Instructor, and member of the Campus Ministry Team.   As Director she oversees a variety of volunteer work teams to fulfill the institute’s mission to educate, encourage, and embolden women in exemplary Christian leadership.   The Women’s Leadership Institute provides in-person events, leadership articles, an online academy, and a speaker’s bureau.   In her campus ministry role, Darcy serves as a mentor and advisor for a variety of student ministry groups and works very closely with the young women’s ministry on Concordia Wisconsin’s campus.  Darcy lives in Grafton, Wisconsin with her husband Adam, two daughters, and one delightful full-size doodle 

Young people don’t just have parents or guardians; they come from full households that all look different. Talk about how to help foster spiritually vibrant Households of Faith is Rev. Jason Broge of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Find their resources at lhm.org/households. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Rev. Jason Broge is the Director, Design & Development for Lutheran Hour Ministries. Jason joined the Lutheran Hour Ministries team in April of 2018 as the associate director of design and development. Prior to serving at LHM, Broge spent seven years in curriculum design and development at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He also served as an adjunct instructor on classes on topics such as teaching the faith, confirmation, Christianity in the postmodern age, and the emerging church. He has a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, and a Ph.D. in education from Saint Louis University. Jason and his wife Mary Jane reside in St. Louis, MO, with their four children.

Adolescence is an important part of development. Youth ministry and parents can work together to help young people navigate through this potentially tumultuous time. In this episode, DCE Tim Rippstein helps us talk about how youth ministry leaders can work with parents. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Tim Rippstein is a DCE who serves St. John’s Lutheran in Seward, NE. He has served as a missionary in Japan, and as a DCE in Reno, NV, and Portland, OR. Tim has been on the faculties at Concordia Chicago and Concordia Nebraska teaching DCE courses and theology. He contributed a chapter of Connected for Life. He is married to Kathy and they have two grown kids.

Planning for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering is in full swing. Hear more about the volunteers and the service opportunities that will happen at the Gathering from our fantastic volunteer planners.  Bios: Lindsey Schmidt is a DCE who serves as Director of Youth Ministry at Woodbury Lutheran Church. She also serves as the Director of Volunteer Management for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering.  She lives in the Twin Cities and is married to Tad.  Jen Hall is a DCE who has served as Director of Family Ministry at Golden Valley Lutheran for 25 years. She is a mom and grandma. She is currently serving on our servant event planning team.    Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

In our series on parents, we are talking to practitioners like DCE Blake Brockman about how to partner well with parents in youth ministry.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: DCE Blake Brockman. Blake is the Director of Youth & Family Ministries at Peace Lutheran in Antigo, WI. He writes for YouthESource regularly and presented about engaged parents at the National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference this past summer. He loves his wife Hannah, sports, and being creative with writing and his YouTube channel. Blake loves to learn and teach practical ways to walk with God. 

Mark and Julianna set some groundwork for our upcoming series on parents in Youth Ministry. They talk about how critical engaged parents are and how partnering with them can benefit both teens and your ministry. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and Gathering Resources at lcmsgathering.com/resources.

Most adults who are now serving in professional church work can point back to supportive adults and parents who encouraged them to consider that career track. In this episode, Rev. Dr. James Baneck talks about who and how to encourage young people who may be a good fit for church work. Bio: Rev. Dr. James Baneck is the executive director of LCMS Pastoral Education. In this role, he encourages the spiritual, character, confessional, physical, emotional and intellectual development of LCMS pastors and other church workers. He and his wife, Myrna, live in St. Louis and are blessed with four grown children and five grandchildren. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

As you prepare for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering in Houston, hear about all the locations, transportation, food and programming each day along with tips and tricks to help you make the experience awesome for your participants.   Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

We have talked about opportunities to serve and lead before, but today we dive deeper with DCE Pete Hiller. We will hear how he provides these key opportunities for young people and families in his church.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: DCE Peter Hiller serves in the area of Youth and Family Ministry at Family of Christ Lutheran in Ham Lake, MN. Yes, there is actually a lake in the city that looks like a ham. Pete is a 30 year veteran working in Youth Ministry and is passionate about engaging students in meaningful service. Pete and his DCE wife Mary have three grown daughters who also serve as educators. 

Mark and Julianna pull from experience with YouthLead (previously Lutheran Youth Fellowship) and what they have learned from research and talking with practitioners about mentoring and supporting young leaders. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Many young people in Gen Z who do not claim any religious affiliation and our culture can make it challenging for Christian teens to share their faith in Jesus. Jessica Bordeleau joins us to talk about how to encourage youth to witness in their every day lives. Bio: Jessica Bordeleau has spent the last 15 years in Christian media production. She has worked as the creative producer of video based resources for LCMS Youth Ministry she was artistic producer and co-host of 100 episodes of Speaking of Jesus, a weekly podcast from Lutheran Hour Ministries. Her devotional writing and Christian educational resources have been published by Christ To All Publishing, Concordia Publishing House, and LCMS Youth Ministry. Jessica holds a BA in Education and MA in Systematic Theology. She is passionate about developing creative ways to share the love of Christ. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Every young person has a variety of roles and responsibilities where they are God’s hands and feet. Mark and Julianna are joined by DCE Cassie Moore to discuss how helping youth to understand and grow into those vocations is one of key things healthy youth ministry can do.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Cassie Moore is an author, speaker, and Director of Next Gen Ministries at St. Mark Lutheran Church & School in Houston, Texas. She’s author of “Authentic Youth Ministry: Straight Talk about Working with Kids, Teens & In-Betweens”, contributor for “Connected for Life: Essential Guide to Youth Ministry”, and an upcoming historical fiction series. She grew up in Illinois & Minnesota, has a degree from Concordia University in Irvine, California, has worked on national & district youth gatherings, and enjoys speaking nationally. She loves observing culture, travel, & talking to strangers. She and her husband, Pastor Tyler, have two dogs. 

As you prepare for the 2022 Youth Gathering in Houston, we want to support you by introducing you to some of our fantastic partners. In this episode we will talk with Scott Guenther, manager of the District Coordinators, and Rehema Kavugha, Synod Relations Manager for Lutheran Church Extension Fund.   Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Scott Guenther is a rostered Lutheran teacher who taught in Lutheran High schools for 15 years. He served as a Director of Youth Ministries for another 15 years and now serves as Director of Digital Ministries at Messiah in Lincoln. He also serves on our planning team as the Manager of this District Coordinators.  Rehema Kavugha is Synod Relations Manager with Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). She is a native of Houston and is a rostered Lutheran teacher who got her bachelors and MBA from Concordia Nebraska.  

The size of a youth ministry and congregation can change many aspects of programing and caring for the faith lives of teens. Pastor Leon Jameson joins Mark and Julianna talk about how large youth ministry can be healthy youth ministry and how that might look different from other sizes.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Pastor Leon Jameson is Associate Pastor of NextGen Ministries at Hales Corner Lutheran Church in Hales Corner, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee.  Leon served as a Director of Christian Education in large  congregations in Wisconsin and Missouri, working mainly with families and youth.  While serving in Missouri he started at Concordia Seminary to become an ordained minister and has since completed his studies.  Leon grew up on the Denver, CO area (a Bronco fan), is a proud graduate of Concordia University Nebraska where he met his wonderful wife, Gretchen.  They live in Milwaukee area with their two wonderful daughters.   

Even the smallest youth ministries can be healthy and help young people become disciples for life. DCE Leah Abel joins Mark and Julianna in talking about the strengths and how God can work through small youth ministries. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Leah Abel is a Director of Christian Education who lives in Denver, Colorado.  Leah graduated from Concordia University Nebraska and spent 11 years serving as a DCE in Florida and another six years serving youth and families in Colorado.  She now serves as a Project Manager & Ministry Facilitator who serves events like the LCMS Youth Gathering and the National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference as well as churches and church workers.  Leah loves her husband, Scott, who is an LCMS pastor and their wonderful daughter, Amelia.  Leah also loves great music, cooking, being outdoors, and a great cup of coffee.

At the National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference in 2021, we held a sectional specifically for first time leaders to the LCMS Youth Gathering. It went so well we invited DCE Annie Anderson to join us and share some of her insights for first time (and experienced) adult leaders!  Learn more about the LCMS Youth Gathering at lcmsgathering.com and find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Annie Anderson is a DCE from Mesa, Arizona, currently Called to Hosanna Lutheran Church. She’s been to 7 LCMS Youth Gatherings in a variety of roles (student, YAV, adult leader and Gathering Planner), and has experience leading groups to many local and regional gatherings. She has led big and small groups. She recently married her husband, Pastor Tim Anderson. 

We can experience diversity and inclusivity in our communities, congregations and youth ministry in many areas of life from ethnic and cultural diversity to socio-economic, education diversity, to physical skills and abilities. Mark and Julianna talk with Ashley Paavola about how youth ministry can thrive when a church brings together a diverse group of young people.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Ashley Paavola has served youth and families for over 17 years of ministry.  Ashley currently serves as the Youth & Family Director of All Nations Church, an LCMS church plant in University City, Missouri. Ashley met her husband, Chris, while serving together at Pathfinder Lutheran Church in Ellisville, Missouri. They have been married for 16 years and have five children.   

In preparation for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering, Mark and Julianna talk to Krista Miller, the registrar and operations manager for the Gathering. They talk about what registration for the upcoming Gathering will look like. Bio: Joining us is Krista Miller. Krista serves as the Gathering Registrar and Operations Manager for the LCMS Youth Gathering. “In All Things” is her eighth Gathering. Before working for LCMS Youth Ministry, she worked in a number of medical and businesses positions. She lives in St. Louis with her husband, John, and they have two grown children and children-in-laws and two beautiful grandchildren.

Urban ministry can have its own unique challenges and joys. Join Mark and Julianna as we have a conversation with Heidi Lewis, DCE in urban south St. Louis. We will discuss the ways a setting in the city can impact youth ministry.   Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Join the LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry. Bio: Heidi Lewis is a DCE serving in urban south St. Louis where they actively share the Light, Life and Hope of Jesus with their neighbors and community.  Heid has unique and varied serving experiences in m inistry: suburban large congregations, urban, urban re-vitalization and a church plant.  Mostly she loves to hang out with people and love them, do creative projects and plant flowers (though keeping them alive has proved problematic). She is married to Pastor Dave Lewis and mom to a Skylar.

In the first of our series looking at different youth ministry contexts Mark and Julianna talk to Angela Kollbaum who has worked with rural youth and families for 25 years. She shares some of the joys and concerns of doing ministry in Rural and Small Town. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Join the LCMS Rural and Small Town Youth Workers Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/1038543456170629, and the LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Group at facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry. Bio: Angela Kollbaum has been working with rural youth and families for 25 years.  Angela is currently serving as the DCE at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madison, NE and as a therapist in a local counseling agency. Angela received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Psychology in 1990 from Dana College.  She also completed her Master's in Family Life Education and Ministry in 2011 from Concordia University-Nebraska.  She most recently completed her Master’s in Theology with DCE certification from Concordia University-Irvine and a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Concordia University-Wisconsin. Angela is married to Pastor Todd Kollbaum and they count as their greatest blessings, being parents to five pretty amazing kids and grandparents of 3 amazing grandsons.  Angela also finds great joy in relationships with countless other youth that are not her biological children. 

Mark and Julianna kick off a series on how context impacts youth ministry by talking about some key features of identifying the context of your youth ministry.   Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Over four hundred youth, adults, and ministry supporters attended the 2021 National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference in Houston. Participants and speakers from the conference join the podcast to discuss takeaways and highlights from the event. Learn more about the National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference at lcmsgathering.com/national-2021. Find more information on YouthLead at lcms.org/youth-ministry/youthlead. Guests: Rev. Jacob Heine — Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas  Heather McCormick, DCE — Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kansas  Isaiah Duport — YouthLead Executive Team Leah Abel, DCE — Denver, Colorado  Cassie Moore, DCE — St. Mark Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas 

Being a youth leader means taking on many different roles depending on your youth’s needs and the situation. As we look at another chapter of Connected for Life, Mark and Julianna discuss key roles of the youth worker with Pastor AJ Mastic.  Bio: AJ Mastic is the Highlands Campus pastor at Renewal Church, a multi-site congregation in Denver, CO. He is a 2007 graduate of Concordia University Texas and previously served as a Director of Christian Education in Arkansas and Colorado. As a DCE at St. John’s Lutheran in Denver, he entered the Specific Ministry Pastor program with Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and has served as a pastor since 2013, planting Renewal Church in 2018. He is married to Megan and they have four young children.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and your copy of Connected for Life at cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx.

The LCMS Youth Gathering is far more than the five days. We want the Gathering to be just one part of your ongoing healthy youth ministry. In our final episode of this starter pack we will talk about how to bring the Gathering home.   Bio: Alan Wunderlich is a rostered teacher in the LCMS and serves as Assistant Principal and Youth Director at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Washington, MO.  He has taken numerous groups to the LCMS Youth Gathering and for the 2022 Gathering serves on the Adult Leader Support Team who has been working diligently to put together great resources for adult leaders planning to attend the LCMS Youth Gathering.  LCMS Gathering Online Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website lcmsgathering.com In All Things Adult Leader Resource, including Things to Do in Houston lcmsgathering.com/resources LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Leader Group facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry

As adult leaders, it can be easy for our sole focus to be on our youth and their experience. But you and your adult leader team need to care for yourselves at the LCMS Youth Gathering. This episode will look at how adults can stay healthy and energized to make the most of their whole group’s time at the Gathering. Bio: Anne Franklin has led youth groups to three LCMS Youth Gatherings as a lay leader at Our Father Lutheran in Centennial, CO. She now serves on the Adult Leader Resource Team.  LCMS Gathering Online Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website lcmsgathering.com In All Things Adult Leader Resource, including Things to Do in Houston lcmsgathering.com/resources LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Leader Group facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry

As we continue the Gathering Starter Pack, we are going to talk about how the many different program elements of the Gathering can help every young person explore their unique vocations. Bio: Rhonda Palmersheim serves at Concordia University in St. Paul MN where she has held positions in admissions and university advancement over the last 20 years. NYG 2022 marks her sixth gathering experience. As a member of the Adult Leader Support Team Rhonda and her teammates strive to provide resources and mentorship to the thousands of adult youth workers and lay leaders that will be attending the gathering. Rhonda is married and has two teenage sons. They reside in Plymouth MN and have been lifelong members at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Plymouth. LCMS Gathering Online Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website lcmsgathering.com In All Things Adult Leader Resource, including Things to Do in Houston lcmsgathering.com/resources LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Leader Group facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry

Parents are important partners for your Gathering team! As you begin to plan, this episode of a Gathering Starter Pack is designed to help you think about how to work with and support parents as they play a critical role in the Gathering experience for their teens.  Bio: Amanda Jahnke is a DCE at St. Paul Lutheran in Fort Worth, TX. She is finishing a Masters in Family Science in Concordia St. Paul and is a certified parent coach. Amanda is a member of our 2022 Gathering Planning team working on Adult Leader Resources.  LCMS Gathering Online Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website lcmsgathering.com In All Things Adult Leader Resource, including Things to Do in Houston lcmsgathering.com/resources LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Leader Group facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry

We pray congregational groups have a positive, healthy, and impactful experience at the Gathering. However, we know that during the Gathering a teen may experience or express a struggle or crisis. Rather than being reactionary, we hope this podcast will help all supportive adult leaders to prepare to care for young people in difficult experiences.  Guests: Amanda Jahnke, DCE at St. Paul in Fort Worth, TX. Amanda is a member of our 2022 Gathering Planning team working on Adult Leader Resources. Karen Merritt is a licensed professional counselor in TX and the school counselor at St. Paul Fort Worth.  LCMS Gathering Online Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website lcmsgathering.com In All Things Adult Leader Resource, including Things to Do in Houston lcmsgathering.com/resources LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Leader Group facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry

We have just over a year before the 2022 Gathering. The list for preparation is long, so Mark and Julianna talk you through some key things to do with guest DCE Annie Anderson.   Bio: DCE Annie Anderson is serving a congregation in the East Valley of Phoenix. 2022 will be her 8th Gathering and in this Gathering cycle she is serving as a planner on our Adult Leader Resource Team.  LCMS Gathering Online Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website lcmsgathering.com In All Things Adult Leader Resource, including Things to Do in Houston lcmsgathering.com/resources LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Leader Group facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry

The 2022 Gathering will bring us together in Houston. In the next part of our Gathering Starter Pack, we talk about traveling to the Gathering and highlights of the Houston area with Meredith Whitefield.   LCMS Gathering Online Resources: LCMS Youth Gathering Website lcmsgathering.com In All Things Adult Leader Resource, including Things to Do in Houston lcmsgathering.com/resources LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Leader Group facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry

As we kick of the Gathering Starter Pack we will be looking into the theme: In All Things. We want all our planning to start with God’s Word and how your time connected to the Gathering can point young people to Jesus. Learn more on the LCMS Youth Gathering website lcmsgathering.com. Read the In All Things Thematic Development Paper and Talking Points at lcmsgathering.com/resources. Find the Colossians Devotions at YouthESource at youthesource.com/2021/04/27/devotions-and-studies-in-colossians. Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger Bio: After serving as a parish pastor for nine years, Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger teaches Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. With four children between ages 9-15, youth ministry is far from theoretical. Together as a family they enjoy camping, hiking, road trips, German board games, and reading the Chronicles of Narnia. Much to his children’s chagrin, he refused to dye his hair with them during quarantine.  Shelly Schwalm Bio: Shelly Schwalm, MFA, is a Director of Christian Education (DCE) who serves as University Ministry Associate at Concordia University, St. Paul in St. Paul, MN for the past 7 years, walking with college students through their developing life and faith. She is an alum of CSP and has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing. Shelly is part of the theological advisory team for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering and served on the Bible study team for the 2019 Gathering. 

Youth ministry wouldn’t be possible without dedicated adult leaders who care for young people in their congregation. Dr. Jacob Youmans joins Mark and Julianna to talk about encouraging and supporting youth leaders. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com, and find Connected for Life at cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx. Bio: Dr. Jacob Youmans has served as a Youth and Family Minister in Hawaii and California, and in July 2009, he started as the Director of the DCE (Director of Christian Education) program at Concordia University Texas. Jake has led and served on mission teams to every continent except Antarctica, authored four books and has spoken to groups of students and adults all over the world. Most importantly, he's married to Christy, a teacher, artist and musician, and has two princesses, Maile who's 17 and Leilani who's 16. 

Mark and Julianna continue their series on the book Connected for Life with DCE Mark Cook. They discuss his chapter on building Christian community in youth ministry one teen at a time. Find Connected for Life at cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. DCE Mark Cook Bio: Mark Cook is a graduate of Concordia Nebraska and is in his 12th year serving as DCE at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. He serves mainly in the areas of youth ministry, confirmation, and children’s ministry. He enjoys playing with his kids, music, camping, backpacking, and anything that involves being outdoors and going on adventures with his wife Libby and three children, Micah (4) and Karis (2) and baby on the way. 

We continue our series on topics from Connected for Life.  In this episode, Dr. Deb Arfsten returns to talk about the importance of developing a support system for youth ministry in your congregation.  This network of the church goes beyond volunteers and parents, and helps increase the focus of the family of God on the next generation.    Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Get your copy of Connected for Life at cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx. Find Four Devotions for Ministry Teams at youthesource.com/2021/01/28/four-devotions-for-ministry-teams-encouragement-from-paul. Bio: Dr. Debbie Arfsten is the professor of Christian Education, DCE Program Director, and Synodical Placement Director at Concordia Chicago. In addition to teaching and administration, she serves as coordinator of all field experiences including supervision of internships. Dr. Arfsten’s has a Ph.D. in leadership from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. She has also written for various publications on these same topics, most recently contributing a chapter to “Connected for Life: Essential Guide to Youth Ministry.” Dr. Arfsten has served the LCMS Youth Gathering since 1992, most recently as the manager for international participants. She also is currently serving as the chair of the wellness committee at the LCMS Northern Illinois District, and is part of the Ministerial Care Coalition of the LCMS. 

Our end goal of young people who are disciples of Jesus Christ for life is not exclusive to the young people who are already in our church. Mark and Julianna talk with Rev. Derek Broten about how to reach out with the Gospel in Community Focused Youth Ministry. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Get your copy of "Connected for Life" at cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx. Bio: Rev. Derek Broten served for 20 years as a Director of Christian Education (DCE) in Wichita, KS and Woodbury, MN and as a Campus Pastor at Woodbury Lutheran.  Derek comes with a wealth of expertise from the congregation and has experience leading at the LCMS Youth Gathering and 14 different mission trips.  He has also served on the staff of LCMS Youth Ministry. 

Young leaders are important to the heath of the church, but they need support and mentoring to be successful and stay Christ centered. For 40 years, LCMS Youth Ministry has equipped and trained young leaders through YouthLead. Hear more about the program and the value of young leaders in your church. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Learn more about YouthLead on the LCMS Youth Ministry homepage lcms.org/youth-ministry/youthlead and read about YouthLead in the LCMS Reporter at blogs.lcms.org/2020/meet-youthlead-lutheran-youth-fellowship-gets-new-name. Joanna Shaw is from Millersville, MO, and is a freshman at Concordia Irvine studying to be a Lutheran teacher. She serves on YouthLead’s Executive Team representing the Central Region.   Ally Graves is from Cincinnati, OH, and is a freshman at Lipscomb University studying to become a dietitian. She currently serves on YouthLead’s Executive Team representing the Great Lakes Region.   

In our continued look at the authors in Connected for Life, Dr. Mark Blanke joins Mark and Julianna to talk about the importance of strategic planning for youth ministry including how young people can be engaged in service and leadership as a part of that process. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Dr. Mark Blanke is the DCE Program Director, Director of Strategic Planning and University Institutes, and Director of the Institute for Religious Education at Concordia University, Nebraska. He also teaches courses in confirmation ministry, adult education, leadership development and DCE practicum. Dr. Blanke earned a B.S.Ed. and M.A. in Parish Education from Concordia Nebraska, as well as an M.S. in Counseling and Guidance from California Lutheran University and an Ed.D. in Adult Education from Northern Illinois University. Prior to coming to Concordia Nebraska in 1995, Blanke served as a DCE and Lutheran elementary school principal in California and taught at Concordia University Chicago.

In our continued series on topics from Connected for Life, we talk about the importance of recruiting, involving, and supporting volunteers in youth ministry. DCE and classroom instructor Darius “Bo” Chapman joins us to provide insight and wisdom from his experience of working alongside and learning from volunteers in ministry. Find Connected for Life at cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx.  Volunteer Longevity: youthesource.com/2018/10/23/volunteer-longevity The Spiritual Care and Nurture of Volunteers: youthesource.com/2012/05/15/the-spiritual-care-and-nurture-of-volunteers LCMS resources on Child Abuse Protection: lcms.org/social-issues/child-abuse  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.  Bio: Dr. Darius “Bo” Chapman serves as a Theology teacher at Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas, Nevada.  He received his DCE Certification from Concordia University Texas and also holds a Doctorate in Human Resource Development from the University of Texas at Tyler.  Before teaching in Las Vegas, he served as the Director of Student Ministries at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Macomb, MI.  He and his wife April have been married for 17 years and have two beautiful children.    He loves listening to music (especially 80's hair bands) and looks forward to attending concerts, travelling with his family once COVID is over, and enjoys ending the evening with a really good book.    

In our continued series on topics from Connected for Life, we talk about the importance of teaching the faith in youth ministry. Vicar and DCE Brandon Metcalf joins us to talk about how our teaching tactics and focus can help us better share the Gospel and help form disciples for life.   Resources from this episode: LCMS Youth Ministry resource website: youthesource.com. Connected for Life: cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx  Brandon Metcalf Bible Study on Identity: youthesource.com/2020/07/21/bible-study-worth-dying-for/  CPH book on teaching the faith to all ages: Timeless Truth: cph.org/p-32551-timeless-truth-an-essential-guide-for-teaching-the-faith.aspx#productCollateral  Brandon Metcalf Bio: Brandon Metcalf serves as Vicar at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Illinois.  He is a MDiv student at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.  Brandon has a degree from Concordia University Nebraska and served as a Director of Christian Education in Missouri before entering the Seminary.  Brandon loves any chance to work with God’s people to help them hold onto the promises of God. Along with “Connected for Life: Essential Guide to Youth Ministry”, he is a contributing author to “Word of Strength and Promise: Devotions for Youth” and has spoken at district and national youth gatherings. He enjoys Frisbee, volleyball, and board games but his greatest joys come from being a husband and father. 

What does your congregation believe about ministry with young people in your context?  Do your behaviors align with those beliefs?  A philosophy of youth ministry helps you answer the “Why?” questions in your youth ministry and bring clarity and consistency to your ministry with young people.  Dr. Heath Lewis focuses on his chapter in Connected for Life and gives brief introduction to the value of creating a philosophy of Youth Ministry. Find "Connected for Life" from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Heath Lewis, DCE Bio: Dr. Heath Lewis serves at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota.  In his role as Instructor of Christian Education and DCE Program Director, Heath teaches courses in the Christian Ministry major, supervises Director of Christian Education (DCE) and Director of Chrisian Outreach internships.     Prior to coming to Concordia University Lewis served as the Director of Discipleship at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he oversaw parish education, youth ministry, communication, and more for nearly 10 years. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences and a Certification as a Director of Christian Education from Concordia University Nebraska, a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, and just recently earned his Degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Drake University.

In our second episode with Dr. Dave Rueter, we will focus on his second chapter in "Connected for Life". We give a brief introduction to the value of creating a philosophy of Christian Education in a congregation. These conversations help you evaluate, assess, pivot and re-focus on Christian Education in your congregation. Find "Connected for Life" at cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Dave Rueter is a DCE serving at Our Savior Lutheran in Livermore, CA. He has served previously at the Pacific Southwest District and at Concordia University Irvine. He has authored two books Teaching Faith in the Home and Called to Serve published by CPH. He also served on the LCMS research team and co-author Relationships Count.  He also wrote chapters in Connected for Life, an Essential Guide to Youth Ministry also published by CPH. 

Mark and Julianna are joined by Dr. Dave Rueter, author of two chapters in Connected for Life: Essential Guide to Youth Ministry.  In this episode, we discuss strategies and theories for the faith formation of young people and how these can help us see the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Find Connected for Life at cph.org/p-31891-Connected-for-Life-Essential-Guide-to-Youth-Ministry.aspx. Other resources in this episode: Deeply Understand Baptismal Faith (on youthESource): youthesource.com/2019/07/02/deeply-understand-baptismal-faith-discussion-guide Teaching the Faith at Home: What Does This Mean? How Is This Done? from CPH: cph.org/p-29611-teaching-the-faith-at-home-what-does-this-mean-how-is-this-done.aspx  Bio: Dave Rueter is a DCE serving at Our Savior Lutheran in Livermore, CA. He has served previously at the Pacific Southwest District and at Concordia University Irvine. He has authored two books Teaching Faith at Home and Called to Serve published by Concordia Publishing House. He also served on the LCMS research team and co-author Relationships Count.  He also wrote chapters in Connected for Life, an Essential Guide to Youth Ministry also published by CPH.  

For youth leaders to be around for the long-term, they need healthy balance.  It’s is God pleasing when we prioritize our own spiritual practices, like worship, prayer, Bible reading, while also taking care of our bodies, their minds, and their many responsibilities. Deaconess Heidi Goehmann joins us to talk about how we care for ourselves as lay and professional youth leaders. Find all of Deaconess Heidi's work at heidigoehmann.com. Additional resources: Article on Finding the Right Mental Health Professional: blogs.lcms.org/2020/who-should-i-talk-to Heidi’s Bible Study on Play: youthesource.com/2020/12/08/bible-study-series-the-power-of-play LCMS Youth Ministry resource website: youthesource.com. Deaconess Heidi Goehmann Bio: Heidi Goehmann is a licensed clinical social worker and mental health care provider, theologian, writer, and speaker. She received her bachelor's degree in theology and psychology from Concordia University Chicago, and her master's degree in social work from the University of Toledo with an emphasis on children, families, and social justice. Heidi can always be found at heidigoehmann.com, which provides resources and advocacy for mental health and genuine relationships. She is also a contributor to youthesource.com. Heidi loves her family, sticky notes, Jesus, adventure, Star Wars, Star Trek, and new ideas...not necessarily in that order.

Conflict impacts all congregations, including youth ministry. When conflict is handled well, it can build relationships, trust and be a good example to young people. When it isn’t, it can push young people away from the congregation. Rev. Marty Hasz joins us to talk about how to address conflict in your ministry.   Resources from this episode: Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Ambassadors of Reconciliation Resources at aorhope.org  Skits to use including youth: aorhope.org/search-results/q-youth   Trauma resources for those who work with youth: nctsn.org/audiences/youth   Suicide Prevention poster with 5 Action Steps: nimh.nih.gov/suicideprevention  Rev. Marty Hasz Bio: Rev. Marty Hasz, PLPC, serves as Assistant to the President of the Missouri District of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.  In his role he is a resource to support the health of Missouri District Church Workers and Congregations.  A native of Indiana, Rev. Hasz served as a Director of Christian Education for 15 years before obtaining his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 2012. Rev. Hasz also has a Master of Arts in mental health counseling and brings with him years of experience in counseling, reconciliation, and conflict management. 

Mark and Julianna review the data that we receive every three years at the LCMS Youth Gathering. The youth, young adult, and adult polls all help us to understand more about the young people in our congregations over time. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

In our second session diving into LCMS Youth Ministry’s research, we dive into the 2017 review with LCMS congregations, their retention, and their relationships with Millennials. Mark and Julianna are joined by Ryan Curnutt, Senior Research Analyst at the LCMS, as they share findings and how they can benefit your youth ministry. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Find the book "Relationships Count" at cph.org/p-34106-relationships-count-engaging-retaining-millennials-ebook-edition.aspx. Ryan Curnutt Bio: Ryan Curnutt is senior research analyst at LCMS Research Services. He has served the LCMS national office for 11 years. He was the lead researcher for the 2017 Millennials and the LCMS research. Ryan serves as the evaluator of the LCMS Youth Gathering and worked on other projects such as the LYF and Young Adult Volunteer poll. Ryan is married to Kristina with three daughters. 

We continue diving into LCMS Youth Ministry’s 2017 research on Millennials and the LCMS. Mark and Julianna are joined by DCE Dr. Kevin Borchers. We will talk about the ways that we found the church unintentionally neglected young people and how we can do differently to prioritize Gen Z in our churches now. Read Dr. Borcher’s Article on Unintentional Neglect at youthesource.com/2019/07/03/unintentional-neglect-keeping-track-of-a-generation. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and Relationships Count at cph.org/p-34106-relationships-count-engaging-retaining-millennials-ebook-edition.aspx. Dr. Kevin Borchers Bio: Dr. Borchers has been a member of the Concordia-Chicago faculty since 2008 teaching Christian education courses to students pursuing careers as professional church workers, particularly DCEs. Prior to his role at CUC, he served as a parish DCE for 27 years. He has a PhD in Organizational Leadership and a Masters in Family Life.  

Mark and Julianna are joined by Dr. Dave Rueter, a member of the 2017 research team. We are going to be discussing what we found in our study about the impact of parents and leadership of youth, young people and church retention. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Get your copies of Relationships Count from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/p-34106-relationships-count-engaging-retaining-millennials-ebook-edition.aspx and Teaching the Faith at Home: What Does This Mean? How Is This Done? from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/p-29611-teaching-the-faith-at-home-what-does-this-mean-how-is-this-done.aspx. Dr. Dave Rueter Bio: Dave Rueter is a DCE serving at Our Savior Lutheran in Livermore, CA. He has served previously at the Pacific Southwest District and at Concordia University Irvine. He has authored two books Teaching Faith in the Home and Called to Serve published by CPH. He also served on our research team and helped co-author Relationships Count. 

We continue diving into LCMS Youth Ministry’s 2017 research on Millennials and the LCMS. Mark and Julianna are joined by Ryan Curnutt, Senior Research Analyst at the LCMS, as they share findings from the young adult survey and focus groups. These phases of research gave great insight into those who grew up in the LCMS as young adults.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.comand the book Relationships Count from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/p-34106-relationships-count-engaging-retaining-millennials-ebook-edition.aspx. Ryan Curnutt Bio: Ryan Curnutt is senior research analyst at LCMS Research Services. He has served the LCMS national office for 11 years. He was the lead researcher for the 2017 Millennials and the LCMS research.  Ryan serves as the evaluator of the LCMS Youth Gathering and worked on other projects such as the LYF and Young Adult Volunteer poll.  Ryan is married to Kristina with three daughters. 

In our second session diving into LCMS Youth Ministry’s research, we dive into the 2017 review with LCMS congregations, their retention, and their relationships with Millennials. Mark and Julianna are joined by Ryan Curnutt, Senior Research Analyst at the LCMS, as they share findings and how they can benefit your youth ministry. Find "Relationships Count" at cph.org/p-34082-relationships-count-engaging-retaining-millennials.aspx. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Ryan Curnutt Bio: Ryan Curnutt is senior research analyst at LCMS Research Services. He has served the LCMS national office for 11 years. He was the lead researcher for the 2017 Millennials and the LCMS research.  Ryan serves as the evaluator of the LCMS Youth Gathering and worked on other projects such as the LYF and Young Adult Volunteer poll.  Ryan is married to Kristina with three daughters. 

With the internet, data on every topic, including faith and youth ministry, is at your fingertips. Mark and Julianna are joined by Ryan Curnutt, Senior Research Analyst at the LCMS, to talk about how to assess, acquire, and use good data to help your ministry. This first session kicks off a series on our LCMS Youth Ministry research. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.comand the book Relationships Count from Concordia Publishing House at cph.org/p-34106-relationships-count-engaging-retaining-millennials-ebook-edition.aspx. Ryan Curnutt Bio: Ryan Curnutt is senior research analyst at LCMS Research Services. He has served the LCMS national office for 11 years. He was the lead researcher for the 2017 Millennials and the LCMS research.  Ryan serves as the evaluator of the LCMS Youth Gathering and worked on other projects such as the LYF and Young Adult Volunteer poll.  Ryan is married to Kristina with three daughters. 

The theme for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering has been announced.  “In All Things” will focus on Christ’s relationship to all things in our lives and world.  LCMS Youth Ministry staff, Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger, and Sarah Salzberg discuss the process for selecting the theme and set the thematic and theological foundation found in Colossians. Find all things LCMS Youth Gathering at lcmsgathering.com and the Law and Gospel Primer at youthesource.com/2019/03/07/a-law-and-gospel-primer. Bio: Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger After serving as a parish pastor for nine years, Peter Nafzger teaches Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. With four children between ages 9-15, youth ministry is far from theoretical. Together as a family they enjoy camping, hiking, road trips, German board games, and reading the Chronicles of Narnia. Much to his children’s chagrin, he refused to dye his hair with them during quarantine. Bio: Sarah Salzberg  Sarah Salzberg lives in Los Angeles and serves as an Old Testament theology teacher at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, CA. She earned her BS in Education with concentrations in Theology and English from Concordia University, Nebraska and Masters of Arts in Theology from Concordia University in Irvine. In addition to her classroom, she also teaches as a speaker in the LCMS for a variety of ministry contexts.

It’s been just a year since the 2019 LCMS Youth Gathering. The LCMS Youth Ministry staff is taking this chance to reflect back on how God worked through the event and what impacts are still felt today.  Learn more about the LCMS Youth Gathering at lcmsgathering.com.

In the final episode of the Youth Ministry Starter Pack series, Mark and Julianna talk about how you can engage and support young leaders in your youth ministry and the church. We know that young leaders benefit the church in many ways, and youth ministry can be a key place for opportunities and mentoring. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

In the Youth Ministry Starter Pack series, Mark and Julianna talk with Dr. Debbie Arfsten about how to develop congregational support for youth ministry. Youth ministry doesn’t happen on its own; it’s a part of the bigger work God is doing in your congregation. Developing support from leaders, families, and other members of the congregation helps develop a healthier overall ministry for your teens. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and learn more about Concordia University Chicago at cuchicago.edu. Dr. Debbie Arfsten Bio: Dr. Debbie Arfsten is the professor of Christian Education, DCE Program Director, and Synodical Placement Director at Concordia Chicago. In addition to teaching and administration, she serves as coordinator of all field experiences including supervision of internships. Dr. Arfsten’s has a Ph.D. in leadership from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. She has also written for various publications on these same topics, most recently contributing a chapter to “Connected for Life: Essential Guide to Youth Ministry.” Dr. Arfsten has served the LCMS National Youth Gathering since 1992, most recently as the manager for international participants. She also is currently serving as the chair of the wellness committee at the LCMS Northern Illinois District, and is part of the Ministerial Care Coalition of the LCMS. 

TikTok, Twitter, and more! Social Media can be overwhelming but necessary to connect with your youth. In the Youth Ministry Starter Pack series, Mark and Julianna are joined by Meredith Whitefield to talk about how your youth ministry can healthfully engage and share the Gospel youth and parents on social media.   Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Healthy youth ministry cares for the whole young person, including their mental health. In the Youth Ministry Starter Pack series, Mark and Julianna are joined by Deaconess Tiffany Manor to talk about supporting the mental health of youth in your congregation and community. Resources for this episode:  National Alliance on Mental Health nami.org/Home  Anxiety and Depression Association of America adaa.org/mental-health-awareness-month   MentalHealth.gov MentalHealth.gov       Mental Health First Aid mentalhealthfirstaid.org/    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline suicidepreventionlifeline.org Q & A with a Therapist about Youth Depression youthesource.com/2016/02/10/qa-with-a-therapist-about-teen-depression Real Truths You Need to Know about Depression   youthesource.com/2016/02/18/real-truths-you-need-to-know-about-depression Let’s Talk About Mental Health   youthesource.com/2018/11/27/lets-talk-about-mental-health LCMS Church Worker Wellness Resources  lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/church-worker-wellness  LCMS Youth Ministry Resource Website: youthesource.com  Bio: Deaconess Tiffany Manor serves as the Director of LCMS Life Ministry.  Before serving for The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Tiffany was called by the New England District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to be the Deaconess for Human Care, her work was focused on caring for rostered church workers and their family members.  Previously she served congregations in Michigan and Illinois, as well as Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and the Mill Neck Family of Organizations. After a first career in business, B.A. in Marketing, and studying in an MBA program, Deaconess Tiffany received a M.A. from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Tiffany is married to Rev. Jonathan Manor. The Lord has blessed the Manors with four children. 

Fundraising can be a chore and can frustrate youth and congregations alike. In the Youth Ministry Starter Pack series, Mark and Julianna talk about how fundraising can be done wisely and benefit not just your youth ministry, but your congregation and community as well. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

In the Youth Ministry Starter Pack series, Mark, Julianna and Rev. Derek Broten discuss how large events like servant events, district events or the LCMS Youth Gathering can have a long-term positive effect on your youth ministry. With some planning and care, these events can last far longer than just a few days to help make disciples for life. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and the LCMS Youth Gathering website at lcmsgathering.com.

In the Youth Ministry Starter Pack series, Mark and Julianna are joined by DCE Jim Lohman as they talk about how you can manage risk and keep your youth and adults safe in youth ministry. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

In the Youth Ministry Starter Pack series, Mark and Julianna talk about how you can engage and foster healthy supportive adults to serve as volunteers in your youth ministry.  It takes a whole team of adults to help raise young people as disciples of Jesus. Those who volunteer in your youth ministry are a critical part of its health. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Volunteer Longevity: youthesource.com/2018/10/23/volunteer-longevity Making the Most of Adult Volunteers: youthesource.com/2016/01/12/all-things-new-making-the-most-of-adult-volunteers

Pastor Gerard Bolling joins Mark and Julianna to discuss how we can engage with young people around issues of race, racism, our life in the church, and in our society. Pastor Bolling gives great wisdom and insight so we can reach the end goals of young people and a church which embrace and value the diversity of ethnicity, language, and culture God has created in His community. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Rev. Gerard Bolling was born and raised in New York City and currently serves as Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO. Gerard is passionate about Urban/Deaf ministry, and treasures the dynamic programming Bethlehem does to reach people in rough urban areas including Ferguson, MO through the “More Greater Things Program” and Hope Center. He teaches at Concordia Texas, Concordia St. Paul and Concordia Wisconsin the leadership and theology. He also served as a morning session speaker at the 2019 Gathering. Gerard has a beautiful wife, Lorenda, and two super cute kids, Lincoln and Monroe. Resources from Pastor Keith Haney: The Search for My Identity by Pastor Keith Haney: youthesource.com/2019/07/25/bible-study-the-search-for-my-identity/  Keith Haney End Goals Podcast to discuss his study: kfuo.org/2020/03/24/end-goals-episode-15-youth-gathering-resource-rev-keith-haney-and-racial-reconciliation/  Kathy Haney’s Book, One Nation Under God: Healing Racial Divides in America Published by Concordia Publishing House   cph.org/p-31186-one-nation-under-god-healing-racial-divides-in-america-downloadable.aspx  Sessions at the Gathering dealing with race and our Christian identity:  Youth Session: Our View of Justice Effects our Evangelism (Rev. B. Keith Haney) kfuo.org/2019/11/21/lcms-gathering-2019-rev-keith-haney-our-view-of-justice-impacts-evangelism/  Youth Session: Real Talk (Rev. Matthew Gonzalez) kfuo.org/2019/11/15/lcms-gathering-2019-rev-matthew-gonzalez-real-talk/   Adult Session: Race, Ethnicity, and Faith: Why We Need To Be Talking About This (Rev. Matt Gonzalez) kfuo.org/2019/11/15/lcms-gathering-2019-rev-matthew-gonzalez-race-ethnicity-and-faith-why-we-need-to-be-talking-about-this/  Youth Session: Do We Really Need to Talk About Racism (Rev. Micah Glenn) kfuo.org/2019/11/15/lcms-gathering-2019-rev-micah-glenn-do-we-really-need-to-talk-about-racism/  LCMS Resources: LCMS page on racism: lcms.org/social-issues/racism  President Harrison’s Statement: blogs.lcms.org/2020/statement-on-the-death-of-george-floyd-and-the-ensuing-riots/ 

Young people today are living in a world marked by fear, anxiety and shame. Mark and Julianna are joined by DCE Rebecca Duport to talk about how we can address that fear by pointing young people to our God who has conquered fear. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: DCE Rebecca Duport who serves as Director of the DCE Program at Concordia University in Irvine, CA and Assistant Professor of Christian Education Leadership.  Rebecca has served at Concordia since 2014 and is also the Associate Director of Crosswise Institute.  Prior to CUI - Rebecca has served as a DCE in Idaho, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Florida in life-span education roles working with Children, Youth, Family, Older Adults. She also speaks at youth gatherings, retreats and conferences. Along with her husband, Kyle, she enjoys spending time with her four boys and their events in scouting, sports and school. 

As we move through the tremendous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not too early to be thinking about what happens as we return to a new normal. This is a great moment for assessment and strategy to build on what we have experienced and learned through this difficult time. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. End Goals is the podcast of LCMS Youth Ministry in the Office of National Mission. LCMS Youth Ministry Staff discuss practices for healthy youth ministry and interview practitioners who provide insight for experienced and new youth leaders.

Social media is a part of nearly all of our lives and it has an impact your youth ministry shouldn’t ignore. DCE Kayla Brock joins Mark and Julianna to talk about her resource “Created to Connect” and how youth ministries can help young people utilize social media in a healthy, God pleasing way.  Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Kayla is a born and raised Texas who was born smack dab in the middle of the millennial generation and she takes great pride in the millennial title. Kayla loves seeing God work in people of all ages and across all cultures and she finds her deepest joy in the invitation God gives us to go and make disciples. In her free time, Kayla can be found snap chatting, not answering phone calls, and adventuring.  End Goals is the podcast of LCMS Youth Ministry in the Office of National Mission. LCMS Youth Ministry Staff discuss practices for healthy youth ministry and interview practitioners who provide insight for experienced and new youth leaders.

Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann joins Rev. Mark Kiessling and DCE Julianna Shults to talk about the importance of vocation for youth ministry and his resource “Leading Lives that Matter”. They will discuss how to guide young people as they discover their purpose in life and plan for the future by deepening their understanding of vocation. Learn about Concordia St. Paul at csp.edu. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Rev. Dr. Mark Koschmann serves as Assistant Professor of Theology and Ministry and the Hoffmann Mentoring Initiatives Director at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Dr. Koschmann teaches courses on Christian mission and outreach, world religions, and a special course offering for students taking part in the Hoffmann Mentoring Initiative called, “Faith and Justice in the City.” He also teaches courses specifically related to Concordia’s Director of Christian Outreach program. 

Heather Ruesch joins Rev. Mark Kiessling and DCE Julianna Shults in the studio to talk about her resource “Sexuality Mentality – Creating a Culture of Biblical Integrity”. She talks about how these discussions are critical with teens as they prepare to live a life of biblical sexual integrity. Her recent tour focuses on the value of all human life and the importance of our identity in Christ. Sexuality Mentality from CPH: https://www.cph.org/p-31989-sexuality-mentality-creating-a-culture-of-biblical-integrity.aspx Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Heather Ruesch is a respected life-issues advocate, communicator, and author. She has served as the executive director of crisis pregnancy centers and is a dynamic sexual integrity educator. “Equipping Christians to speak boldly the value that every human life has to our Creator, through clear and focused teaching in God’s Word, that begins first and foremost when we comprehend our own intrinsic value found solely in Jesus Christ.”

Healthy youth ministry helps young people to live out their unique vocation. Every young person has a number of vocational roles in their home, school, church and community. Mark and Julianna discuss how healthy youth ministry can help teens embrace their vocation and live it out to love and care for their neighbor. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Mark and Julianna interview Rev. Keith Haney about his resource on racial reconciliation and how we can help young people form healthy, Christ centered identity. We discuss his story in ministry and how the church can talk with our young people about faith, justice, and racial issues to point people to Christ. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and read Pastor Haney’s blog at alightbreaksthrough.org. Bio: Poplar Grove, Illinois. Rev. B. Keith Haney, Mission Facilitator, Northern Illinois District LCMS since 2007. An ordained pastor for over 20 years. Serving multi-ethnic urban congregations in Detroit, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. In January 2016, he started to write a blog to encourage believers in their faith journey and non-believers to explore difficult faith issues. The blog has over 2,600 faithful followers, over 700 of those are Millennials. The blog address is revheadpin.org.

In a time where we may have several weeks without in-person youth ministry, we wanted to talk through some practices that may help care for young people. We wanted to give you ideas, encouragement, and thoughts about how we can be light in a dark, troubling world. Resources mentioned in this podcast: LCMS Youth Ministry Resource Website: youthesource.com LCMS Youth Ministry Facebook Group (where additional conversations are taking place): facebook.com/groups/LCMSYouthMinistry How to do a group study on The Bible App – YouVersion: ymsidekick.com/2018/10/18/how-to-create-an-online-group-bible-study-with-youversion Listing of LCMS congregations planning to stream worship services: docs.google.com/spreadsheets

Healthy youth ministry helps young people to develop a resilient identity in Christ. As a part of our ongoing series on 7 Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry, we break apart the pieces of developing a resiliency and humble confidence in young people as they face everything that life throws at them. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Mark and Julianna interview Rev. Dr. Chitwood about how we can engage young people in meaningful conversations about events and worldviews that shape the world around them. As we face the complexity of world events together, we cling to God’s Word and encourage each other to thrive in our faith and share the love of Jesus with all people. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com and find all things by Pastor Chitwood at kenchitwood.com. Bio: Ken thinks religion is cool. Interesting. Diverse. He also thinks learning about religion is so important that he dedicated his life to it — studying theology, teaching religious studies, and writing on the topic of religion and spirituality in newspapers and magazines across the world. This summer, Ken is traveling through the U.S. with his wife Paula and hanging out at the Gathering with cool kids like you before moving to Germany in August.

Part of designing a healthy youth ministry is focusing on what we want to see in the young people who come through our congregation. As a part of our ongoing series on 7 Practices on healthy youth ministry, we will focus on what it means for young people to deeply understand their Baptismal faith. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Mark and Julianna interview Rev. Dr. Peterson about how we can guide young people during key moments of decision making. As they navigate transitions, we can help youth grow in their understanding of their Baptismal faith. Learn about Concordia Ann Arbor at cuaa.edu. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson Bio: Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson serves as Vice President of Administration at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Prior to serving in this role, he was the Campus Pastor at CUAA since 2013. He has degrees from Concordia University Wisconsin, Concordia Seminary St. Louis, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ryan and his wife Kristy have four energetic kids and love camping, traveling, and experiencing the adventures of life while serving on a college campus.

For more than 35 years, LCMS Servant Events have supported youth and adults in learning that serving others can make a difference because of Jesus Christ. Servant Events are opportunities for young people to learn new skills and grow in confidence. Members of the LCMS Servant Event Committee join Rev. Mark Kiessling and DCE Jim Lohman in the studio to talk about the impact of LCMS Servant Events. These events bring together youth and adults to serve in the name of Jesus. Guests for this episode are: Rev. Barry Akers, Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Kokomo, IN Shelly Carlson, Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Forest Lake, MN, Joe Palinkas, Painesville, OH, Zion Lutheran Church Randy Ronning, DCE, Trinity Lutheran Church, Richmond, VA Links mentioned from this episode: LCMS Servant Events: servantevents.lcms.org/ Heart of a Servant: servantevents.lcms.org/viewFULL.asp?EventID=1375 Riches in Richmond: servantevents.lcms.org/viewFULL.asp?EventID=1394 Mission Possible: servantevents.lcms.org/viewFULL.asp?EventID=1459 Noble Servants: servantevents.lcms.org/viewFULL.asp?EventID=1451

Opportunities to serve and lead give young people ways to live out their faith and use their God given gifts and skills. Mark and Julianna discuss how to develop these key roles and how young people can be given opportunities to make a meaningful impact in their church. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Mark and Julianna interview Rev. Michael Salemink who serves as the executive director of Lutherans for Life. They discuss his study “Real. Present. God. in Life Issues” and how young people can be drawn into important discussions around the sanctity of life. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Learn more about Lutherans for Life at lutheransforlife.org. Bio: Rev. Michael W. Salemink has served as the executive director of Lutherans For Life since 2016. He has degrees from Concordia University Chicago and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He has served as a parish pastor in Minnesota and Indiana. He now lives with his wife, Heather, and family in St. Louis, Missouri. Beyond his regular career duties he has also been active as a relationship counselor, fatherhood mentor, and abstinence educator. He also has served on the board of a local pregnancy resource center. He embraces the opportunity to speak truth, especially in the middle of controversy, and show love, especially in crisis.

Congregational environment is a key factor for healthy youth ministry, but it can be hard to describe. Rev. Mark Kiessling and DCE Julianna Shults discuss how Warmth, Challenge and Grace best describe what young people told us helped keep them attached to the church community. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Mark and Julianna interview Rev. Dr. Trevor Sutton about his resource “What Does it Mean to Be Lutheran?” and how young people navigate the tensions of Lutheranism in the world. It is a great discussion for how young people can develop a resilient identity in Christ. Find Pastor Sutton’s books from Concordia Publishing House: https://www.cph.org/m-173-a-trevor-sutton.aspx Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Trevor Sutton is associate pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan. He has published multiple books, sermons, Bible studies, and devotional books with various Christian publishers. Sutton holds an MDiv from Concordia Seminary and an MA in writing and rhetoric from Michigan State University. Sutton is currently a PhD student at Concordia Seminary.

Healthy youth ministry depends on supportive adults who engage young people in long term relationships. Mark and Julianna discuss the reason why supportive adults make such a big impact on engaging and retaining young people. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Mark and Julianna interview Pastor Casey Kegley who wrote a Bible study on the Psalms titled, “The King in the Psalms” (available on the Youth E-Source) that continues many themes from the 2019 Youth Gathering where he served on the Morning Sessions team. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com. Bio: Pastor Casey Kegley was born and raised around Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to entering pastoral ministry, Casey studied theological languages at Concordia University Wisconsin and later earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Sacred Theology from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Casey is married to Beth, his high school sweetheart, and they have two amazing children: Boaz and Adah. They love spending time outdoors, eating good food, and making new friends. Casey serves as Associate Pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ridgewood, NJ.

Engaged parents are a critical part of healthy youth ministry. Mark and Julianna discuss the role of parents in youth ministry and how congregations can support parents in their vocation. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

LCMS Youth Ministry staff Rev. Mark Kiessling and DCE Julianna Shults introduce End Goals and how they hope it will help you develop seven practices of healthy youth ministry in your congregation. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.

Join Rev. Mark Kiessling and DCE Julianna Shults as they introduce the End Goals podcast. End Goals is a new resource from LCMS Youth Ministry to bring parents, church workers, and lay leaders discussions and resources to help your youth ministry meet its end goal: young people who are disciples for life. Find the LCMS Youth Ministry resource website at youthesource.com.