LCMS Youth Gathering Sessions

Luther expressed God’s way of working in the world in terms of two kingdoms or realms: the temporal or secular, and the spiritual or sacred. While these are distinct, they are not at odds. Learning to identify the distinctions and right interactions between the two realms can help us live more faithfully in the world. This session is presented by Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann. Youth and adut sessions rec...

A culture that doesn’t “get it” can be exhausting. God created a complementary world—men as men and women as women. You’ve sensed that the idea men and women are interchangeable is false, and you’re tired of hearing that masculinity is toxic. But the answer isn’t found in the manosphere—it’s in the Bible. Jesus doesn’t just criticize broken masculinity (He calls it sin); He redeems it and sets the...

Life after high school is full of unknowns and an exhausting number of decisions and questions to be answered: Where are you going to college? Should I live at home for a few more years to save money? Will that career field even exist in 10 years? Do I need to break up with my high school love? What is God’s Plan for me? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, wondering if you’re making the “right” choices...

Who is the person that is so unforgivable that you wish they would burn in hell? Forgiving is not always easy when someone has said or done sinful things against you. This session will discuss the challenges of forgiving. But most importantly, you will learn how God’s forgiveness transforms our lives so that we can forgive the unforgivable. This session is presented by Dr. Ted Kober & Rev. Dr. Mar...

It’s a sobering truth—pun intended—we’re all addicts in some way. Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, screens, or something else, addiction touches all of us. And in the middle of it, we often cry out, “God, where are You?” Pastor Billy knows this firsthand. With a mom, three father figures, and a brother who battled addiction—and his own struggles too—he understands the pain and chaos addiction brings....

Do you find yourself asking, “Why are my emotions taking over, and is it wrong to feel this way?” Let’s get to the heart of what really drives our emotional ups and downs. This session offers Christ-centered strategies for navigating anxiety, anger, and everything in between. Learn how to stay anchored in your God-given identity when life feels overwhelming, and discover the key to enduring in Jes...

Sometimes it feels like the world is made for outgoing people to succeed. But what if you’re not outgoing—or even introverted? Does that mean something is wrong with you? Absolutely not! God created each of us uniquely, and that includes the gift of being quiet and reflective. In this session, we’ll explore the strengths of introverts and how God uses them to lead, serve, and share the Gospel. We’...

Ever catch yourself thinking, “How do I say no without losing friends—and what if I’ve already gone too far?” This session unpacks what healthy sexual boundaries actually look like and why they matter. We’ll explore real-life scenarios, dig into God’s design for dignity, and tackle hard topics like unwanted sexual experiences in a way that’s honest yet hopeful. Walk away with practical tools and t...