Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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Held every 3 years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering (Gathering) provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity. Watch the Why the Gathering video to learn more.
During the 5 days of the Gathering, youth spend time together in God’s Word, worship, service and fellowship with others from across the synod. This event is organized by LCMS Youth Ministry in Saint Louis, MO.
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The next LCMS Youth Gathering will be July 3-7 2028 in San Antonio, TX.
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For individuals listed with their congregational registration and a deposit paid by November 3, 2027, the Gathering registration fee is $435. (Registration materials available separately will provide more information about postmark deadlines, if mailing payment.)
Following November 3, 2027 through March 1, 2028, the Gathering registration fee is $465 per participant. Following March 1, the rate is $495 per participant.
Participant registrations received after March 1, 2028, will continue to be admitted to the Gathering on a space available basis for the late registration fee of $495.
This fee covers all Gathering program and Office of National Mission Youth Ministry administrative costs and secondary insurance for all participants. Hotel, travel, and meal costs are not included in the registration fee.
More information will be made available on the Gathering website in the upcoming months.
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Yes, congregations are exempt from most state taxes. Congregations are encouraged to check and/or obtain tax exempt status as soon as possible. This process must be completed before the Gathering.
If you applied and were exempt for a previous LCMS Youth Gathering in Texas your application should be on file.
Instructions on how to search, obtain, and file for your congregation’s Texas tax exempt status can be downloaded here.
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Yes, groups will be able to submit their order for LCEF Visa cards. More information will be made available at a later date.
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Gathering planners are working with the city of San Antonio on celebrations that will be taking place over the holiday. More information will be released at a later date.
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Yes. Many session speakers were recorded and are available to listen to in through KFUO Radio, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Gathering Participant Questions
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Participants who are 21 years or older by the time of the Gathering are able to attend the Gathering as a Primary Adult Leader (PAL) or Adult Leader. Those who are 19 – 25 years old may also choose to serve as a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV).
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The LCMS Youth Gathering’s primary focus is for youth participants between the ages of 14 to 19. To register for the 2028 Gathering, youth participants must meet ONE of the two following eligibility requirements:
—Must be 14 years old at the time of the Gathering
OR
—Entering his or her ninth-grade year at the time of the Gathering.
While we do allow students from the ages of 14–20 to attend, please keep in mind that some of the program content may not be relevant to older youth participants.
We suggest that students who are 19 and older, one year out of high school, or have been to at least one previous Gathering apply to be a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV).
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The Youth Gathering promotes a ratio comparing youth to adults in order to provide sufficient space for youth to attend the event. An official ratio for the 2028 Gathering will be released at a later date. [MK1] Below, the 2025 ratio is provided as a guideline for planning. The Youth-to-Adult Ratio allows congregations flexibility in determining the number of Adult Leaders they select to attend the Gathering. The Gathering values the involvement of parents, pastors, church workers, and other supportive adults in the faith life of young people and encourages their participation as Adult Leaders at the Gathering.
Ratio Recommended:
# of Youth # of Adults
2-6 2-4
7-13 3-4
14-20 4-5
21-27 5-6
28-34 6-7
35-41 7-8
42-48 8-9
Beyond 48 youth participants, it is recommended that groups continue to add one adult for every 5 youth.
It is strongly recommended that:
-All groups have at least two adults and that each Community Group include at least two youth.
-LCMS Youth Ministry strongly encourages congregations secure criminal background checks for its Adult Leaders: www.protectmyministry.com or www.aaimea.org.
Congregations with only one youth attending the Gathering can be connected to other LCMS congregations by their District Coordinator.
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Much thought and energy goes into selecting appropriate housing for the Gathering participants. Each of the Gathering hotels has been reviewed and selected based on its location, safety, comfort, accessibility, and affordability. If a hotel is on our list, be assured that it’s been purposefully chosen.
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Yes. Typically groups may arrange to stay three days before or after the Gathering (July 3–7, 2028) in their assigned hotel rooms.
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While LCMS Youth Ministry understands the importance of family and values family experiences centered around God’s Word and Sacraments, the LCMS Youth Gathering is specifically intended for youth ages 14–19 years old. Teenagers are at an important stage of life developmentally, socially, and spiritually where values and beliefs are personally sought out and formed. Subject matter taught and discussed at the Gathering is intentionally and carefully created and presented for a teenage audience. We thank you for respecting this guideline and for prayerfully supporting your youth before, during, and after the Gathering.
People who are not registered for the LCMS Youth Gathering are unable to enter the Alamodome or contracted areas of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
LCMS Youth Ministry has provides a recommended Youth-to-Adult Ratio to provide an appropriate number of spots for all youth who wish to attend. The ratio allows for a nurturing environment that respects the youth’s desire for individualism and autonomy. (See above for information on the Youth-to-Adult ratio.)
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Nursing mothers attending the Gathering will have access to a private nursing room (as available) or restrooms in the public concourse of the convention center. Non-registered individuals, including caretakers and children/infants, are allowed in this public concourse area; however, only registered attendees (youth, Adult Leaders, guests, and volunteers) may enter Gathering programming spaces such as Sessions, the Interactive Center, and Stadium Events to maintain the safety of all participants.
Please note that the Gathering Office does not regularly provide hotel rooms for non-registered individuals, and we cannot guarantee space in your group’s assigned hotel for additional caretakers. If extra housing is needed for caretakers, groups may request an exception with the Gathering Office. Additionally, hotel assignments for registered participants will be based on availability, and we cannot guarantee proximity to the Convention Center.
We know just how important the role of parent is. Yet, for the time of the Gathering, we hope all parents attending as Adult Leaders are prioritizing their congregational group and making advanced plans to focus on the youth participants in their group. For nursing mothers serving as Adult Leaders, we recommend considering how to best utilize additional caretakers, and publicly available nursing rooms to ensure everyone's wellness and Gathering experience and plan accordingly.
If you have more questions about this topic, please email or call the Gathering Office.
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Yes! The Gathering is a great event for youth to invite friends who are not members of their church but are longing to learn more about God’s love for them in Jesus. Be sure to include these friends and their parents in all pre-Gathering meetings and events. These meetings are ideal times to discuss Scripture, support faith development, and introduce congregational pastors, church workers, and members.
General Volunteer Questions
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There are several unique ways you can serve at the Gathering:
Adults ages 19–25 with the ability to commit to serving July 1–7 can apply to serve as a Young Adult Volunteer, better known as YAVs or Orange Nation. This application will open in Summer 2027 and close December 31, 2027.Adults ages 26 and older with the ability to commit to serving June 30–July 7 can apply to serve as a Gathering Ambassador. This application will open Fall 2026 and close February 2027.
Adults ages 18 and older who do not have the ability to serve the duration of the Gathering can apply to serve on Team Flex. This application will open on January 12, 2028 and will close April 30, 2028.
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Gathering Ambassadors pay $400 and receive a travel stipend, housing, some meals, and a number of t-shirts.
Young Adult Volunteers pay the registration fee of $400 and receive housing, some meals, and a number of t-shirts.
The registration fee is waived for Team Flex volunteers. Please note, Team Flex volunteers do not receive housing or other financial support through the Gathering.
Depending on the role, there could be other costs associated with your area of service.
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Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) have the unique opportunity to work behind the scenes and help the Gathering run smoothly. While their primary role is to serve the participants, they are also able to experience some elements of the Gathering along the youth and Adult Leaders.
LCMS Youth Gatherings are also the largest gathering for young adults in the entire LCMS! While they serve, YAVs will meet hundreds of other Lutheran young adults and form new friendships. A great amount of community is cultivated within this group of young people.
The LCMS Youth Gathering’s primary focus is for Youth Participants between the ages of 14 to 19. We suggest that students who are 19 and older, one year out of high school, and have been to at least one previous Gathering apply to be a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV).
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No, volunteers may not serve as an Adult Leader for your church’s group while also serving as a volunteer. A volunteer’s time commitment does not allow a person to also serve in an Adult Leader role. Volunteers do have the opportunity to visit with their group when they are not actively serving.
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Volunteers are welcome to connect with church, friends, or other volunteers when they are not actively serving. Due to the flexible nature of volunteer schedules, volunteers will not be able to attend paid events like a district event.
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Yes. Typically, groups may arrange to stay one to three days before or after the Gathering (July 3–7, 2028) in their assigned hotel rooms. The Gathering Office does not coordinate housing for dates outside of the Gathering.