Many of our congregations have seen an increased median age among members and fewer children and youth. Some congregations send youth to the LCMS National Youth Gathering, while others send groups on servant events or to a Higher Things Conference. Other congregations simply do not have enough young people involved to undertake such efforts. But our congregations are all greatly concerned about reaching and retaining children, youth and families. While there are a myriad of ways to teach and equip children, youth and families, this is one of the top concerns identified in congregational surveys.

Many of our congregations have seen an increased median age among members and fewer children and youth. Some congregations send youth to the LCMS National Youth Gathering, while others send groups on servant events or to a Higher Things Conference. Other congregations simply do not have enough young people involved to undertake such efforts. But our congregations are all greatly concerned about reaching and retaining children, youth and families. While there are a myriad of ways to teach and equip children, youth and families, this is one of the top concerns identified in congregational surveys.

In some cases, congregations are banding together with others in the circuit to be able to attend a youth gathering or to build community among youth. Some small congregations are taking an inter-generational approach to Sunday morning Bible Study/Sunday School. In other cases, youth are encouraged to attend Lutheran camps such as Heits’ Point or Camp Trinity. The key is that congregations recognize the importance of intentionally reaching children, youth and families today. It may look different from one congregation to the next, but the need is common to all.

If your congregation needs assistance in youth or family ministry, the Missouri District can provide support. From our Encourage and Equip Conferences that will be held this fall and winter to family ministry coaches, the district can walk alongside your congregation as you seek to strengthen your efforts in these key areas. This fall, we will begin working with Ben Freudenburg and the Concordia Center for the Family in training coaches to work with congregations. But if your congregation wants help in enhancing your youth program, contact us and we will connect you with someone who can help.

You do not need to be young and hip to help your congregation serve young people. One of the ways that this was reinforced for me at the 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering was seeing the number of retirement age adults who were serving as adult leaders to groups because of their commitment to their congregation serving young people. While their feet were hurting and they weren’t getting their normal sleep schedule, they were overjoyed in being involved in some small way in young people growing in their faith. One couple I know in particular have attended ten and nine youth gatherings respectively. They have taken vacations just to attend youth gatherings and servant events up until they have finally reached retirement. Their faithful service over the years has been blessed by God as generations of young people have known that they have caring support through the trials of high school. That couple is just one example of how people serve children, youth and families in so many ways across our district and Synod.

The first president of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Dr. C.F.W. Walther once said, “You cannot use your time to better advantage than serving well the young people of the congregation.” My prayer is that conversations about how this is done regularly occur among Boards of Elders and Church Councils, in addition to Youth Boards. May God bless our collaboration and efforts to teach and train, serve and support, reach and retain children and youth in our congregations and communities.

Fraternally in Christ,

President Lee Hagan