The National Lutheran Youth Workers Conference (NATIONAL27) will take place July 14-17, 2027, in San Antonio, TX. This standalone youth ministry practitioner conference provides an opportunity for youth ministry practitioners to prepare for the 2028 LCMS Youth Gathering. During the event, participants have the opportunity to connect with youth workers from across the nation, share experiences, and build lasting relationships in a supportive and uplifting environment.
NATIONAL27 will equip attendees with the tools, resources, and encouragement needed for a healthy youth ministry in congregations.
The registration rate for NATIONAL27 is $435 and includes 3 meals (2 breakfasts and 1 dinner).
Hotel Information
A special rate of $142/night (plus tax) has been secured for NATIONAL27 participants at the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk.
111 E Pecan St, San Antonio, TX 78205
*In order to receive your free Gathering registration, NATIONAL27 participants must stay at the conference hotel.*
Tax Exempt Information
To receive tax exemption, participants MUST enter their congregation name as the Organization in their hotel reservation. View the FAQs to learn more about verifying or applying for your congregation’s Texas tax exemption status.
The InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk requires a printed copy of your congregation’s Texas tax exempt status. You can check your status and obtain a copy by following these instructions.
Tentative Schedule
NATIONAL27 FAQs
-
Your free Gathering registration fee will automatically be transferred to your congregation’s online Gathering registration account. Please remember, this registration can only be used for Adult Leaders.
-
Yes. To receive tax exemption, participants must enter their congregation name as the Organization in their hotel reservation.
Congregations are encouraged to check and/or obtain Texas tax exempt status as soon as possible.
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.
The InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk requires a printed copy of your congregation’s tax exempt status with your Federal ID number upon check-in.
-
Congregation ID numbers are required for all communication with the Gathering Office.
Congregation ID numbers can be found online by accessing the LCMS Church Locator. Simply search for your congregation's profile. Your Congregation ID number can be found in the address bar at the end of the URL.
-
The complimentary registration is valid only for an Adult Leader Gathering registration. While it is transferable to another individual, it must be applied to an Adult Leader and cannot be used for a youth participant.
-
No. Unlike previous conferences, there will not be a YouthLead track at NATIONAL27. LCMS Youth Ministry is exploring other opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills and engage with San Antonio in 2028. We encourage you to learn more about YouthLead and save the date for future trainings at lcms.org/youthlead.
-
NATIONAL27 is a standalone conference for all youth ministry practitioners. Sessions will cover general youth ministry topics in addition to Gathering-specific preparation. Eligible participants will still receive the complimentary Gathering registration, which may be transferred to another Adult Leader.
This event is organized by LCMS Youth Ministry in Saint Louis, MO. For additional ways to connect to LCMS Youth Ministry, please visit www.lcms.org/youth.