As the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, we are committed to being a disciple-making movement. A vital part of that mission is developing and equipping the next generation to not only be part of the Church, but to take ownership within it.

The Rooted Gap Year program is quickly coming to the close of its second year, and it’s an interesting time, living in three different years. We pour our hearts into this year’s students; we interact with the students who inquire about next year; and finally, we stay connected with last year’s students, hearing how God is continuing to grow and shape them.

While many of us might prefer to write the studies ourselves, there are likely times when we use purchased or borrowed curriculum instead. One of the frequent questions I get when speaking to youth workers on the phone is “is there any curriculum that you would recommend?”

We are so excited about this theme and all the plans that have been made for Elevate ’26. We pray that our youth will leave the convention in awe of the gifts that God gives to us and his calling on our lives.

Depending on your context, small groups can offer some big wins for your students. Watch this video conversation between ministry leaders discussing the value of small groups.

Later that day I left for the airport, thinking to myself, and now sharing with you, “Rooted is more than great; it’s special.”

The Rooted Gap Year program is off and running and I couldn’t be more thankful for the way things have started. We have eight incredible young adults from all over the country who have come to be discipled, to live in community, and to serve the Lord.

For five days we watched our young people take in God’s Word, praise his name together in worship, and join each other in prayer. They experienced fellowship through afternoon activities, games with emcees, climbing mountains, and more! Hundreds of students are growing in Christ!

One of my biggest priorities is supporting students as they go through challenges in their lives. I am not a mental health expert, but I am here to tell my story and share advice coming out of my successes, as well as my failures.

The vision of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren is to be a Disciple-making Church. One of our Church body’s four objectives, “Unleash New Leaders,” has been a focus for decades at our camp and retreat center in Minnesota, Inspiration Point.

My story of being involved in Lutheran Brethren Youth Ministries is only one note in the song that is the beautiful history—the awesome legacy—of the Lutheran Brethren’s investment and concern for the generations that would follow them.

We are really excited about the Rooted gap-year ministry, a partnership between Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center and the CLB that will be established at Tuscarora’s Pines Campus, Mount Bethel, PA.