Every 3 years, our denomination (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) has a colossal gathering for youth and their leaders. It’s called the Youth Gathering. Clever, I know. The next one will be in July of 2025, and will take place in New Orleans. Students who just finished 8th grade to students who just finished their senior year of high school are able to be a part of this event. It is the single largest gathering of people in our denomination every time it comes around.
The theme for the 2025 Youth Gathering is “ENDURE.” Over 20,000 youth and adults will join together in these activities:
· Serving
· Diving into God’s Word
· Hundreds of different sessions to learn from
· Creative and active play
· Of course, some amazing Cajun cuisine
· Inspiring nights where everyone comes together at the Caeser’s Superdome
· Worship and communion
I’ve had the honor of being a planner for this event in 2019 and 2022, and I’m back for more in 2025. Other people on staff, including Zach Zehnder and Amanda Wood and so many more, have also helped make this event a success.
What does it mean to ENDURE?
First, we ENDURE in Jesus. Jesus “endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2) for us. We get to hold onto this promise every day. The promise of baptism is that we have been united to Jesus in His suffering and will be united with Him in His resurrection. We can endure through faith, “looking to Jesus.” (Hebrews 12:2) Even in our own pain and challenge, we can trust and take joy in Jesus.
Secondly, we ENDURE as a people. Jesus gathers us into community through His church. I love seeing God’s people each week, smiling at them, worshipping and hearing God’s Word together. We also belong to the people of God across time. From Abraham and Sarah to those who haven’t even been born yet, Jesus brings us all together.
Jesus gathers us into community through His church. I love seeing God’s people each week, smiling at them, worshipping and hearing God’s Word together.
Finally, we ENDURE to the end. Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. Hebrews says that this day is “drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25) All will be brought to completion that Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. Jesus will bring salvation to each of us who believe in Him. There will no longer be death and suffering. We endure until that day with hope and compassion. We show hospitality to all people.
Please be praying for the Youth Gathering. Pray for the youth and adults who will attend. Pray for the planners who will be creating and organizing from now until it’s complete. Pray for endurance through God for all involved. If you have a student who would like to be involved or you would like to help, visit www.lcmsgathering.com to learn more. Feel free to reach out to me or our Director of Student Ministry, Amanda Wood, for more information.
Enduring,
Peter Baye
