To Encourage Use of Current Research and Resources for Ministry to Youth

WHEREAS, The LCMS Youth Ministry and LCMS Rosters, Statistics, and Research Services conducted an in-depth and extensive study on youth and young adults in our Synod (“Retention of Lutheran Millennials: 2017 LCMS Study of Young Adults,” www.youthesource.com/wp- content/uploads/2018/06/Full-Slide-Deck-Report_2.pdf); and

WHEREAS, This research found that only one-third of confirmands were retained in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) through young adulthood; and

WHEREAS, This research found that congregations with a lay leader (i.e., volunteer Sunday school teacher, board member, etc.) under the age of 30 had an increased retention rate amongst youth and young adults; and

WHEREAS, This research found that one of the largest effects on retention of young adults shows up in the question of whether they felt there was a “safe person” to talk to at church; and

WHEREAS, This research also found a strong correlation between the feelings young adults had of being cared for personally and their long term retention; and

WHEREAS, On the basis of this research, LCMS Youth Ministry produced the book Relationships Count: Engaging & Retaining Millennials; and

WHEREAS, LCMS Youth Ministry is continuing to research trends amongst our youth; therefore be it

Resolved, That the congregations of the LCMS be encouraged to actively seek and promote high school youth and young adults to be involved in the lay leadership of the church;

and be it further

Resolved, That pastors, youth leaders, and others in congregational leadership be encouraged to develop and maintain authentic relationships with high school youth and young adults; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to LCMS Youth Ministry and LCMS Rosters, Statistics, and Research Services for their efforts in collecting this impactful data; and be it further

Resolved, That all congregations in the Synod be encouraged to read, study, and implement suggestions from the book Relationships Count: Engaging & Retaining Millennials;

and be it finally

Resolved, That all congregations be encouraged to make use of the latest research findings and resources at youthesource.com