LCMS Youth Ministry’s third National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference — set for July 10-13 at the Westin Hotel In Indianapolis — will offer 20 workshops, first-time in-depth “intensives,” and an optional “boot camp” to enhance team building.
Registration is now open for the conference, known as “NATIONAL,” which provides leadership training for volunteer and professional youth workers in Synod congregations in years when there is no National LCMS Youth Gathering.
“This conference has been a successful one for youth workers from all settings,” said Gretchen Jameson, associate director for LCMS District and Congregational Services Youth Ministry, and director of the event. She emphasized that it “provides those serving the church with the unique opportunity to be challenged as they network with volunteers and professionals from across the LCMS.”
The number of participants at the 2008 event is expected to be similar to that of NATIONAL in 2005 and 2006 — 450 youth workers representing all 35 LCMS districts, according to Jameson.
She explained that the intensives will be led by Concordia University System faculty members who will “help participants explore a single topic of interest to their ministry” over the four-day conference.
Those topics will include:
- “Adolescent development and spiritual nurture.”
- “Confirmation and youth ministry influence.”
- “Worship and youth.”
- “Teaching for Influence: the ‘teaching’ youth ministry.”
- “Building youth to be congregational leaders.”
Jameson described “TEAM Boot Camp” as “a two-day experience for youth ministry staffs, boards, and teams, [guiding them] through facilitated group initiative challenges designed to enhance team building.”
Registration for NATIONAL is $285 per person, and may be completed online at the conference Web site, www.nlywc.com. Lodging at the Westin is $119 per night — for single or double occupancy.
For more information, visit the conference Web site or call (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1155.
Posted Oct. 16, 2007
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