Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
God has entrusted the young people of our synod to the spiritual care of Christian parents, pastors, teachers, youth leaders, and fellow believers. At a time when many teenagers and young adults can feel isolated or disconnected, we have the privilege of surrounding them with God’s Word and with relationships that remind them they belong to Christ and his church. In the following article, Rev. Donn Dobberstein encourages us to consider how each of us can help young people know that they do not walk alone.
Consider two 18-year-olds, both confirmed together, both participants in the church youth group. Five years later, one is still connected to church. The other has not attended since high school graduation.
What made the difference?
I posed that question at a WELS youth leader breakout. The responses were fascinating and revealing. They showed that someone had taken a personal interest in the young person who remained connected. Someone showed up at a game. Someone listened. Someone invited that teenager to participate in the congregation’s ministry—not simply attend a program in the youth room.
Programs end. Relationships do not.
At a synod or area youth gathering, I watch teenagers connect with one another. A young person who may be one of a few teens in the home congregation enters a room filled with Christians his or her own age.
The message is immediate: “I am not the only one who believes this. I am not alone walking with Christ.”
The number of WELS members ages 14 through 24 declined from 48,183 in 2015 to 41,701 in 2025—a decrease of 13.5 percent. The reasons are complex, and the implication is clear: We dare not assume young people will remain connected to Christ and his church without intentional spiritual care.
Young adults need Christians who know their names, listen to them, open Scripture with them, and model a lifelong walk with Christ. Christian relationships allow us to keep placing a better message before them: “You are a baptized child of God. You belong to Christ.”
How can we help them develop healthy independence without severing their connection to their faith and church? Part of the answer is greater spiritual mentorship. The relationships of the Christian home and congregation widen the circle of encouragement surrounding a young person.
That emphasis is reflected in “Christ through us,” WELS’ long-range plan. It calls us to build deep Christian community, engage all God’s people in ministry, provide sound Lutheran resources, and elevate the home as the first mission field. WELS supports that work through resources for parents and congregations, training for youth leaders, online Bible studies, Youth Nights, and the WELS International Youth Rally. These efforts provide another opportunity to place young people within reach of God’s promises—and among God’s people.
Our teenagers are not merely the future of the church. They are Christ’s people today and Christ’s ambassadors now.
So, learn a teenager’s name. Ask a thoughtful question—and listen to the answer. Encourage a parent or youth leader. Invite young people to serve. Above all, keep bringing them to Jesus and his promises.
Programs end. Relationships do not. Through us, Christ continues to assure another generation: “You belong to me. You do not walk alone.”
Rev. Donn Dobberstein
WELS Director of Discipleship
We pray for the young people of our synod. Keep them close to you and your Word. Give Christian parents, pastors, teachers, youth leaders, and congregation members wisdom, patience, and genuine love as they listen to, encourage, and walk alongside the next generation. Use our homes and congregations to assure young people that they belong to Christ and that, in him, they never walk alone.
Serving together with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder
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