Our vision for Youth Ministry brings young people and adults together as a community of God's people where . . .

• Jesus Christ is the central focus in celebrating in Word and Sacrament (Colossians 3:16-17)
• Youth develop significant relationships with their peers and caring adults (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
• Young people grow in faith, their personal relationship with Christ and who they are as God's people (Ephesians 3:16-19)
• Youth can ask hard questions and find answers about faith and life (2 Timothy 3:14-17, Matthew 7:7)
• Confession, absolution and unconditional love are the hallmarks of Christian community (Ephesians 4:32)
• Young people join in worship, nurture, service, outreach and fellowship activities (1 Timothy 4:12, Acts 2:42-47)
• Young people know that they are accepted (Romans 15:5-7)
• Young people are able to serve in meaningful ways in the church and in the world (2 Corinthians 9:12)
• Youth can use their gifts to the glory of God (1 Peter 4:10, Romans 12:4-8)

LCMS District and Congregational Services—Youth Ministry is responsible for the direction, development, implementation and coordination of youth ministry in support of or on behalf of congregations in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, encouraging and supporting ministry to, by, with, through and for youth (grades 5-12) in all churches and districts, identifing and providing resources and training for youth and adult leaders in ministering to youth in the church and community.

Holy Scripture provides the framework which shapes our understanding of youth ministry. (see Youth Ministry Vision above)

Youth are called by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament to full partnership in the community of faith and challenged to full participation in the life and ministry of Christ and His church.

Youth Ministry . . .

• Is centered in Jesus Christ . . . given in baptism . . . nurtured through the proclamation and study of God's Word . . . strengthened through participation in the Lord's Supper.
• Supports young people as full members of the church today as well as the church of the future.
• Challenges young people to take a role in shaping the church's mission to the world.
• Is a part of and not apart from the congregation's life and mission.
• Equips youth to utilize their God-given gifts as faithful disciples.
• Speaks to the full range of life issues of youth in the congregation and the community.
• Is person oriented.
• Is family inclusive.
• Is congregation based.
• Is outward focused.
• Is ministry to, by, with, through and for youth.

The logo features three fish, drawing from an ancient symbol for the Christian church. The logo represents the focus of the LCMS vision for youth ministry. The logo fish are "cross-eyed" suggesting that all youth ministry first focuses on Christ and strives to help build a young person's relationship with his or her Savior. The use of three fish calls to mind our triune God and also represents the relational nature of youth ministry including relationships with God, with each other, with adults and family members and with the local congregation. Building strong relationships is a key element in effective youth ministry. With a bit of humor, the logo is appropriate for youth ministry in that fish and youth both travel in schools. The fish "swim" together, focused on Christ.

The logo replaces the two versions of the butterfly logo used to mark LCMS Youth Ministry over the past 23 years. The logo was designed by Rev. Terry Dittmer, Director of LCMS Youth Ministry, and graphically interpreted by Steve Teson, Owl Design It Graphic Design, St. Peters, Missouri.

Download the new Youth Ministry logo for use in congregational publicity. The logo use policy is included and must be accepted before download of the logo can be completed.