Dear Friend,
Each evening at the recent WELS International Youth Rally in Bowling Green, Ohio, hundreds of youth groups gathered in small circles across the university campus. They talked about what they had heard in worship and in God’s Word. Some teenagers even asked if they could lead the conversation. As I walked past those groups, I was deeply encouraged. More than 1,700 WELS teenagers had come together to hear again about salvation through Christ and to consider how they could live as his ambassadors. But I was also reminded how much is at stake.
During the past ten years, WELS membership among teens and young adults has declined by about 16 percent. The years after confirmation bring greater independence, difficult questions, cultural pressure, and often a growing distance from the church. We must be more intentional about keeping young people connected to Christ, his Word, and his people. That is why youth discipleship is a strategic priority for WELS.
The International Youth Rally is one important part of that effort. We hope to welcome as many as 2,500 teens to the next rally. We want more young people to experience large-scale Lutheran worship, study God’s Word with faithful teachers, build Christian friendships, and see that they are not alone in confessing Christ.
But the cost puts the rally beyond reach for some families. Two teenagers from St. Paul in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, were able to attend the rally thanks to their congregation’s generosity. When Pastor Jacob Klug invited teens from other area churches, he heard, “The cost is too great. Too many families are living paycheck to paycheck.” Their experience reminds us that behind every registration is a teenager and their family, some of whom need assistance to make the opportunity possible. Your gift of any size can help—$200 keeps the registration cost down for each teen attending; $475 allows a teen who otherwise could not afford it to attend.
And the rally must be part of a greater, year-round effort in youth discipleship. Through WELS Congregational Services, hundreds of teenagers gather online during the school year for the National Online Teen Bible Study. We also provide WELS Youth Night materials; weekly teen devotions; studies rooted in teens’ identity in Christ; apologetics resources; and tools for pastors, parents, and youth leaders. Our task is to keep placing Christ’s sure promises before our young people—in their homes, congregations, online, and at the rally.
The Bowling Green rally has ended, but this work cannot wait. Planning for the next rally begins long before registration opens, and new resources are needed for the teenagers back home. You already support gospel ministry faithfully through your congregational offerings—thank you! Today, I ask you to consider an additional gift to the WELS Youth and Family Ministry Fund to assist with this important work.
I still picture those circles of teenagers in Bowling Green, gathered around God’s Word. With your help, we can invite thousands more into that circle—and keep bringing the peace and joy of Christ Jesus to them every week between rallies.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. Donn Dobberstein
WELS Director of Discipleship
P.S. WELS has about 16 percent fewer teens and young adults than it did ten years ago. Your gift helps keep the next youth rally affordable and strengthens the year-round resources that place Christ’s Word before young people.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding young men and women that you love them, and for giving them worth and purpose in you. Bless parents, pastors, and congregations as they encourage teens with your Word and point them to the firm foundation of Christ. Help young people hear your voice over competing voices and give them the courage to invite others to know your salvation. Use WELS youth ministries to strengthen faith, build Christian community, and keep the next generation connected to you. Amen.
