By Meredith Smith
The 2024 National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference (NATIONAL24), held July 21–24 in New Orleans, gathered over 500 youth, young adults and adult leaders to connect and prepare for the 2025 Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Youth Gathering, while also encouraging and equipping them in their vocations to serve youth and their congregations.
The conference was centered around the Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry, a framework created by LCMS Youth Ministry for approaching ministry to young people. Adult participants received a free copy of the Concordia Publishing House book of the same name, written by the Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling, LCMS Youth Ministry director, and Director of Christian Education (DCE) Julianna Shults, Youth Ministry program manager. The book will enable these adult leaders to dive more deeply into the seven practices and to offer practical guidance to their congregations.
The Rev. Dr. Peter Nafzger served as main session speaker, guiding participants through Bible studies centered around the 2025 Gathering theme, “ENDURE.” The studies highlighted Bible stories that reflect the theme and also applied the theme to youth ministry opportunities and everyday life.
Nafzger, who serves as associate professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, said, “I found great encouragement through conversations with many dedicated DCEs, volunteer youth workers and pastors who understand the need to listen to and serve the young people in their congregations. Ministry today is not easy. If we are to be faithful, we need to listen to one another and support one another.”
Nafzger also emphasized the relevance of the Gathering theme for all Christians today, who face an “increasingly less Christian context.”
“We endure through faith in Jesus, who endured through suffering and was vindicated in His resurrection from the dead. We endure as a people who have been united with Jesus and the people of God throughout space and time. We endure to the end as we look forward to the return of Jesus, the final resurrection and the new creation.”
‘One of the best things a youth leader can do’
The conference’s four main sessions focused on the way the seven practices overlap, especially in their emphasis on relationships with parents and supportive adults in the congregation, and on a proper understanding of one’s baptismal faith, which also leads to a better understanding of vocation, service and leadership. Each main session featured experienced youth ministry practitioners, including pastors, DCEs, parents and young leaders. These leaders shared their expertise and experience with the seven practices, offering practical advice and encouragement.
Barry Pfeiffer, director of discipleship at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Ill., said, “Being at NATIONAL is one of the best things a youth leader can do. … You’re equipped to do ministry better through sessions where you learn from others who have gained valuable lessons and insights in their ministries. [Youth ministry is] so much more than implementing a program or crafting the perfect event. [NATIONAL] reaches beyond that and helps you see the relationship elements that are foundational to an enduring and timeless youth ministry built on the … grace of Jesus Christ.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in a variety of sessions focused on topical youth ministry issues, LCMS Youth Gathering-related planning and in-depth explorations of the seven practices. These sessions provided essential tools and knowledge for those leading young people in their congregations and for those planning to bring youth to the 2025 Gathering.
In addition, participants were able to connect with exhibitors and sponsors, create new relationships, discover new resources, and learn more about LCMS entities and Recognized Service Organizations.
Finally, YouthLead training was offered for youth participants looking to develop and use their leadership skills as they serve Christ within their congregations and communities. The training was led by the YouthLead executive team and focused on the theme “Sharing Hope,” with an emphasis on how worldview impacts the way Christians share their saving faith in Jesus with those around them.
Annaka Zaiser, YouthLead executive team member, said, “YouthLead … helps equip students to be leaders in Christ. It also shows young adults that they aren’t alone in their faith.”
Ready to serve
As part of NATIONAL24, youth also took part in a service project at Atonement Lutheran Church in Metairie, La. Youth participants sorted clothes for the church’s Breads and Threads event and helped beautify the campus. This hands-on service experience gave youth the opportunity to make a positive impact within the New Orleans community.
Rose Schutt, DCE at Atonement, said, “I was excited to have so many young people excited about this ministry and ready to serve. Everyone … wanted to make sure everything was organized and easily accessible to the community. … It was really cool to see these young people step up and lead and see how natural they were at working together to a complete a ministry task.”
Looking to 2025
In July in New Orleans, some 500 NATIONAL24 participants received the knowledge, inspiration and connections needed to continue healthy service in youth ministry. In 2025, thousands of youth and adults from around the world will converge on this same city for the triennial LCMS Youth Gathering.
“Our church body is blessed with numerous pastors, commissioned church workers, church staff and volunteers who invest time and energy specifically to care for young people and their life in Christ,” Kiessling said. “NATIONAL24 is one of those times when these workers can gather to encourage each other and gain resources from across our church body. We give thanks for their work in intentionally teaching God’s Word and developing relationships with young people and families in their congregation.”
Meredith Smith (meredith.smith@lcms.org) serves as communication specialist for LCMS Youth Ministry.
Posted Aug. 29, 2024
