Registration open for YouthLead training

Participants gather for a photograph during YouthLead training in 2022. (LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

Registration is open for YouthLead training, set for March 8–11, 2025, in St. Louis. This annual event, sponsored by LCMS Youth Ministry and led by an Executive Team of young people, gives teens the tools they need to mature in their faith, become leaders in their congregations, and reach out to their peers with the love of Christ. High school youth who are active members of an LCMS congregation are invited to attend along with their adult mentor or congregational leader.

YouthLead, formerly Lutheran Youth Fellowship, has been equipping teens for more than 40 years to develop and use their leadership skills to serve Christ, their congregations and their communities. Each year, youth participate in the development of a new curriculum and learn to lead that curriculum back home. YouthLead registration, for both youth and adults, is $375 per person. This amount covers the individual’s training, food, housing and transportation to and from the airport if needed. Transportation to and from St. Louis is not covered. Participants are encouraged to contact their district office before registering, as some LCMS districts offer support for those who attend.

Most recently, YouthLead’s curriculum has aligned with Seven Practices for Healthy Youth Ministry, a resource created by the Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling, Youth Ministry director, and Director of Christian Education Julianna Shults, Youth Ministry program manager.

At the March 2025 event, a new Executive Team will be elected for the upcoming three years. This team, which will include representatives from each region of the country as well as one at-large member, will be elected by the youth in attendance. Applications for those interested in running for election to the Executive Team will be available in early 2025 on the YouthLead website.

For more information, visit lcms.org/youthlead or send an email to youth.ministry@lcms.org.

Posted Oct. 30, 2024