I’ve never been to a National Youth Gathering before.
I know, it’s hard to believe that I’ve made it this far without ever attending the LCMS Youth Gathering that’s held every three years. I’ve always wanted to go; I’ve just never had the opportunity. But this year, on July 18, twenty-six youth and six adults from our congregation will travel down to New Orleans for the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering. I’m excited to experience all the wonderful aspects of the Youth Gathering this year: good New Orleans food, Bible studies, sessions put on by hundreds of speakers, games, exhibitors, and mass worship with 20,000 people. This is an opportunity for thousands of youth and adults to come together as a community of God’s people to be encouraged in their walk with Jesus Christ and learn about the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity.
Still, I find myself experiencing a little trepidation. This is something new—what if I don’t know what to do, or where to go, or how to guide the youth entrusted to our care? I find it reassuring that our theme for this year is ENDURE, drawing from Hebrews 12:1-3:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 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, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Many young people today are struggling with anxiety, insecurity, identity, loneliness, depression, despair—and more. In light of these trials, many disengage with their faith because they see it as shallow and frail, unable to address the very real challenges of their lives. But real Biblical faith is not fragile or disconnected from their lives. It is hardy and resilient, because it is grounded in the endurance of Christ on the cross for us. The goal of this Gathering is to help young Christian endure whatever challenges they are facing with a resilient faith in Jesus and a vigorous life of love in His name. There couldn’t be a better time for this theme!
This trip, which I pray will have a great impact on all the youth and adults who will attend, would not be possible without YOU, the congregation, who has diligently offered prayer and financial resources. We are certainly blessed by our members here at Bethlehem! To follow our adventures, our DCE Jan Steinbrueck has put together a blog that you can read daily while we’re down there. You can see it at https://www.bethlehemsunprairie.org/NYG2025. These blog posts will also be posted to Bethlehem’s Facebook page. Once we return, we’ll put together a recap video to share with the congregation. We can’t wait to share all the things we experienced on our trip with you! In the meanwhile, please pray for all of youth, that they may grow in a resilient faith in Jesus Christ!
