Youth Ministry Resources

Oct 28, 2026 | Education and Youth, Resources for Congregations

Subscribe for Youth Ministry Resources

Sharing His Heart is our monthly newsletter for Directors of Christian Education, and find resources that will help you as you serve the youth of your congregation and community. Subscribe HERE.

Other District Newsletters

  • Our Family Life Ministry newsletter is focused on building up healthy congregations that are engaged in biblical education for all ages and in family life ministry. Deb Jurchen, Director of Family Life Ministry, also works with congregations to learn how you can better meet the needs of the families you care for. In these consultations, Deb will work with the congregation’s pastor and leadership to develop simple solutions appropriate for the context of each congregation. Learn more about Family Life Ministry here on our website.
  • The Weekly Update has news from the District office, Synod, Nebraska congregations & schools, RSOs, and our ministry partners. The Nebraska District Reporter shares information about events taking place, workshops and conferences being offered, and ministry items that affect and include members of the District. Subscribe to any of these District newsletters here.

End Goals Podcast

End Goals is the podcast of LCMS Youth Ministry in the Office of National Mission. LCMS Youth Ministry Staff discuss practices for healthy youth ministry and interview practitioners who provide insight for experienced and new youth leaders. Details here.

Spiritual Conversations: Sharing Life, Faith, and Jesus With Friends

This 7-lesson curriculum was designed to encourage high schoolers, particularly juniors and seniors, to engage their peers with the Gospel. Get this free resource from Lutheran Hour Ministries. 

Seven Practices of Healthy Youth Ministry

Wondering how to care for the youth in your congregation? Experiencing dwindling attendance or enthusiasm? Not sure how to measure the efficacy of your ministry? LCMS Youth Ministry staff members, Rev. Dr. Mark Kiessling and DCE Julianna Shults, are here to help, offering seven markers of healthy youth ministry. With these research-based, practical insights, you’ll be empowered to take on the essential task of caring for teens in Jesus’ name. Get the book here.

2027 YouthLead Training

Registration is officially OPEN for the 2027 YouthLead trainings!

Due to the growing popularity of YouthLead, we are excited to expand our opportunities and offer two spring training sessions in St. Louis, MO for 2027! Adding a second date allows even more teens to connect with peers from across the Synod and develop their leadership skills to serve in their congregations, schools, and communities.

Spots fill up quickly, so register early!

  • March 13–16, 2027
  • April 24–27, 2027

For over 40 years, YouthLead has equipped teens to develop and use their leadership skills as they serve Christ within their congregations and communities. YouthLead training offers resources to equip teens to lead and mentor each other. Learn more and register here.

8 Church Work Vocations

Talk to your teens about the various ways they can serve their congregations, both as lay members and in profession church work vocations. Read more about this on our website.

1. Pray with teens, asking God to provide church workers.
2. Talk to teens about becoming church workers.
3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation.

Free Resources at Youth eSource

Games and activities; Bible studies and devotions; conversation guides; resources on topics including: service, outreach, vocation, identity, apologetics, and mental health… Access these resources here.

Connect Young Adults with Campus Ministry

Campus ministry can help keep students connected to the Body of Christ through regular worship opportunities, Bible studies, relationships with mature Christians, and fellowship in a Christian atmosphere. Campus ministries give students a place to connect with ministry leaders and other Lutherans while growing in their personal relationship with Christ during their time away at college. 

With changes to privacy policies, universities no longer provide information about incoming students to campus ministries, so we rely on you to help us get those students connected. Share contact information with us here on our website and we will help get your young adult connected to campus ministry. Get connected to the campus ministries at:

  • Chadron State University (via Our Savior’s, Chadron)
  • Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (via St. John’s, Curtis)
  • University of Nebraska – Kearney (via Holy Cross, Kearney)
  • University of Nebraska Lincoln and Lincoln area colleges/universities (via The Chapel)
  • Wayne State College (via Cup of Grace, at Grace, Wayne)
  • Colleges and universities in other states via LCMS U

shine community service logoCommunity Service: Serve others, connect with one another, and let the light of Jesus shine!

We encourage your congregation and school to make a plan shine a spotlight on service each year, giving witness to the love of Jesus through acts of service to their neighbors and communities. Simply join with some people from your church, school, small group, ministry group, family, etc., and serve!

How does your church or school fit into your neighborhood? Are you like someone with whom your community members can chat over the fence or share a cup of coffee – or are you the stranger who lives across the alley they wave at but never talk to? The Bible says “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7) How can we show love to our neighbors? By being neighborly!

Building relationships with your community should start inside your congregation with prayer, conversations and encouragement. The prayer is that God will show your people how they can shine His light outside the church walls. The more encouragement and equipping of your members, the more engagement that can take place.

Find ideas for community service projects here on our website.