Youth Ministry revamps ‘youthESource.com’

On July 1, LCMS Youth Ministry unveiled a new look and format for its “youthESource” website..

“The youthESource exists to provide Jesus-centered resources for those at work with youth in the Lutheran congregation and beyond,” according to a statement on the website, which continues that “new resources, articles and blog posts are added every week.”

Those resources include free downloadable, ready-to-use items such as Bible studies, devotions, skits, games and retreats, as well as numerous articles on issues ranging from the practical and theoretical aspects of doing youth ministry, to understanding youth culture and to the care and health of the youth worker.

“After 10 years of providing LCMS Youth Ministry resources, this spring the website has been rebuilt with a fresh look, to better meet the needs of those who work with youth and take advantage of the technology available,” said Sherrah Behrens, who is LCMS Youth Ministry’s contracted editor of youthESource.

Director of LCMS Youth Ministry Rev. Dr. Terry Dittmer added, “Given the technology to which we have access, it’s cool that we not only have an attractive new format for the youthESource but that we continue to be able to provide excellent Lutheran youth-ministry resources written by outstanding LCMS practitioners at no cost, and that anybody can access them, even non-Lutherans. This is an amazing blessing from God.”

Behrens pointed out that the revamped website “will continue to offer the same kinds of great resources written by directors of Christian education, pastors, teachers and lay leaders in the LCMS.” She added that as a new feature, the site also now houses resources from other LCMS Youth Ministry areas, including the National Youth Gathering, LCMS Servant Events and Young Adult Ministry.

“This makes the youthESource a one-stop shop for all youth ministry-related resources and allows LCMS Youth Ministry to more efficiently and effectively serve the church in this way,” said Behrens.

“The youthESource highlights a legacy within LCMS congregations of caring for young people and their Christian faith,” said the Rev. Mark Kiessling, associate director of LCMS Youth Ministry. “The contributors to this resource provide great experience, insight, knowledge and care. We thank God for the support the website has provided congregational youth ministry and look forward to what the redesign will do to provide further support and resourcing.”

Readers of youthESource can stay up-to-date on the latest offerings by subscribing to the weekly email list, or by following the youthESource on Facebook or Twitter. An RSS feed also is available on the website.

Posted July 2, 2014