Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • 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.

  • The next LCMS Youth Gathering will be July 3-7 2028 in San Antonio, TX.

  • Yes. Many session speakers were recorded and will be available to listen to in Fall 2025 through KFUO Radio or Spotify.

Gathering Participant Questions

  • 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). 

  • The LCMS Youth Gathering’s primary focus is for youth participants between the ages of 14 to 19. To register for the 2025 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 to 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.

  • 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 2025 Gathering will be released at a later date. Below, the 2022 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.

    Youth-to-Adult 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 recommends 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes. Typically, groups may arrange to stay one to three days before or after the Gathering (July 19–23, 2025) in their assigned hotel rooms.

  • 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 aged 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. Additionally, it is also important for us to keep facilities where Gathering programming occurs is secure by only allowing in properly registered participants, volunteers, and planners. Wristbands and other credentials will be checked regularly. We thank you for respecting these guidelines and for prayerfully supporting your youth before, during, and after the Gathering.

    LCMS Youth Ministry has provided 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.)

  • 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.

  • 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

  • There are several unique ways you can serve at the Gathering:

    Gathering Ambassadors are adult volunteers ages 26 and older (at the time of the Gathering). These volunteers serve in many different capacities for the duration of the Gathering. They are servant leaders and trusted voices, helping participants have a safe and remarkable experience. The Ambassador team is filled with pastors, church workers, and lay people. 

    Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) are adults ages 19–25 who serve as role models and servant leaders throughout all corners of the Gathering. The YAV team is filled with college students and young professionals.

    Team FLEX volunteer positions are open to any adult ages 18+ who want to serve with a more flexible schedule. These volunteers commit to serve anywhere from 4 hours for a single day or up to 8 hours a day for 5 days. This team is made up of Gathering alumni, LCMS Lutherans from across the country and locals.

    Fill out the 2028 Volunteer Interest Form to stay up to date with volunteer opportunities.

  • 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). Find more information and how to apply to be a YAV on the Young Adult Volunteer link under the Volunteer tab.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes. Typically, groups may arrange to stay one to three days before or after the Gathering in their assigned hotel rooms.