June/July ‘Witness’: LCMS Youth Gathering

“Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:1–2).

It should come as no surprise to Christians when we face sufferings and trials in this life (1 Peter 4:12). But how should we face them when they come? “Looking to Jesus.”

In July, over 20,000 Lutherans (including youth, adults and volunteers) will come together in New Orleans July 19–23 for the LCMS Youth Gathering. The theme of this year’s Gathering is “ENDURE,” based on Hebrews 12. Through daily sessions, Bible studies and more, those in attendance will explore the theme of Christian endurance: how we endure to the end, in Christ and in the community of His church.

In the June/July issue of The Lutheran Witness, we take up this same theme of Christian endurance. Our hope is to open the conversation going on at the Gathering more broadly, sharing articles around this theme with our regular readers. We are also providing a copy of the June/July issue to every youth at the Gathering.

We do not endure alone, but together, as God’s people — young and old. As the Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller puts it in this issue: “All people, and especially Christians, are part of a fellowship of sufferers. We Christians are in this together. We pilgrim through this world together. We suffer together. We rejoice together. We live a life of shared hope and sorrow, love and faith. We are not alone, but bound to Christ and all who belong to Him.”

Other articles in the issue include a feature by Molly Lackey on finding inspiration for endurance from the saints in Scripture and church history; a letter of encouragement to the youth of our church from the Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling, director of LCMS Youth Ministry; and an overview of the Gathering Divine Service by the Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of LCMS Worship.

To subscribe to the print LW, and to read select print content and additional web-exclusive articles, visit witness.lcms.org.

Posted June 17, 2025