The theme of this year’s gathering is “Endure,” based on Heb. 12:1–3. Throughout the gathering, participants will hear the Gospel proclaimed daily through mass events, Bible studies, and breakout sessions; form meaningful relationships with fellow Lutherans; and collectively complete over 150,000 hours of community service.

“The LCMS Youth Gathering provides a wonderful opportunity for the youth of our congregations to gather with others and celebrate our common faith in Jesus Christ,” said Missouri District President Rev. Dr. R. Lee Hagan. “What a joy it is for 20,000 youth and adults to grow in faith, receive the Lord’s Supper together, and serve through many opportunities. The gathering comes after months of preparation and the generosity of members back home. My prayer is that the Youth Gathering will help them know what it means to ‘endure’ with the grace and strength we have in Christ.”

From the Missouri District alone, nearly 500 participants are expected to attend the District event at Bayou Barn, a special gathering to celebrate their shared faith and community.

In preparation for the gathering, the Missouri District held five adult leader meetings across the state earlier this year, providing training, resources, and connection opportunities for group leaders. These sessions were led by District Coordinators: Director of Christian Education (DCE) Dan Kreienkamp, who serves as director of family life and youth at the Missouri District and teaches religion at Lutheran High School Association of St. Charles, St. Peters, Mo.; DCE Mark Engelhardt of Our Savior Lutheran Church, St. Charles, Mo.; and Sam Moore, math and religion teacher at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Concordia, Mo. Their leadership has been instrumental in preparing congregations for this impactful event.

“Today’s teenagers face an extraordinary amount of challenges to their faith,” said Kreienkamp. “The gathering surrounds them with a community of believers who support and encourage one another. We see Heb. 12:1–3 lived out as we look to Jesus, who endured the cross for us. May we all throw aside everything that makes us weary or fainthearted—exhaustion, heat, rain, transportation issues—and celebrate the joy we have in Jesus.”

For the youth and adults attending from Missouri and beyond, the gathering marks not an end, but a launching point—a renewed call to live out their faith with endurance and joy.

About the Missouri District of the LCMS
The Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) serves and encourages congregations to fulfill the Great Commission and promote unity of the true faith. To learn more, visit mo.lcms.org.