We’re changing our look.  We’re improving our format.  But the quality, Jesus-centered content you expect from thESource remains intact. Coming this March, a brand new Source will be available to the Church.  After three years, it’s time to embrace that most Lutheran of concepts – change.  Or … well.  We’re changing!

Until then, enjoy the content found at this site.  You’ve only got a month left; after that you creatures of habit will probably bemoan that “it just isn’t the same.”  But we think you’ll be pleased with what’s on the way!  

To receive an email announcing the new release, please contact youth.ministry@lcms.org 

Enjoy thESource with our new site that includes:

• A complete archive of all past articles and content, searchable by topic. 

• Key word search functions for all current thESource content

• A new forum moderated by lay, professional and volunteer youth workers at work in congregations just like yours; a space where you can connect

• The “My Source” feature that allows you to customize your experience, store articles in file folders that you create, and enhance the usability of the site (we're pretty excited about this part!)

• New Youth Worker Resources and monthly features including
• The Stride – Words of wisdom and perspective for the long haul of ministry written by veteran Lutheran educator, Ed Staude and DCE, Bob McKinney
• The Family Guy – Good youth ministry is great family ministry, and Thad Warren, DCE will dig deeply into all things familial each month
• GIRL Talk – This monthly column sounds off about all things “girl” in youth ministry.  Written by Cheri Selander, DCE and Jessica Bordeleau, DCE this column is designed to challenge,rejuvenate, and connect with women in LCMS church ministry.
• Vintage Christianity – Consideration of the Emergent Church in the LCMS, written by Seminarian Matthew Blackford
• And the return of favorite columns: Apologia and Veritas (written by students for students)
• And more special editions – such as our Passion of the Christ, Disaster Resource Guide and People of the Book editions already released at thESource

• Enhanced Youth Worker Tools
• How 2 – simple, step-by-step insights for program, administration, leader training, youth nurture and more
• Quick Tips – Each month, Signe White, DCE will give us a few “use now” ideas for practical application now!
• Resource Reviews – Dig into the must reads as suggested and reviewed by Alaina Kleinbeck, DCE and Rev. Terry Dittmer 
• Links: We will make sure you can find great sites that do what we don’t – so watch for a super new links section

And as always.monthly articles and Bible studies driven by topics that matter to youth workers across the Church.  

• March: Chaos Theory (Working with kids in a world that is frantic, media packed, and way to busy.)
• April: Stereotyped (Breaking down the “church has to be this way” mentality!)
• May: Refresh and Renew (Focuses on the youth worker and health, balance, etc.  You know, the stuff we all do really … well.)
• June: Our Big Summer Issue (Our third annual jam packed issue filled with fun ideas, games, etc.)
• July: The Emerging LCMS (Working with students to encounter who we are as Lutherans in the LCMS.)
• August: Godcasting (Youth Ministry and technology.  Myspace meets God’s space.)
• September: Leadership I Timothy Style (Transforming the idea of student leadership.)
• October: 0 to 60 in Youth Ministry (Focuses on youth workers – maintaining focus for a career long ministry to students)
• November: Authenticity: Get Real (Breaking down the “cool youth worker” myth.  Yep, that’s right.  Even LCMS youth workers fit that type.
• December: Year End Review (A recap of the “best of” from thESource)
• January: Hurting Teens (Working with students on a variety of “tough” issues)
• February: Where’s the Beef? (Getting meaty with youth ministry.)
• March: Team Jesus (Focuses on youth workers nurturing a ministry team.)