ELCA seminaries are exploring vocation and Christian theology with young people across the nation. Here’s what’s up in 2008.

All eight ELCA seminaries are committed to theological and vocational exploration with high school-age young people, in the confidence that God’s powerful words of love and justice have been placed in their mouths (see Jeremiah 1:1-10, especially verse 9).

The oldest of these ministries — the “Bishops’ School” of ELCA Region 9 in full partnership with Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary — was begun in 1992. Later, a major grant initiative of the Lilly Endowment in 1998 helped to spawn an array of creative ministries with high school youth in 50 theological schools across North America, eventually including all of the other ELCA seminaries. (See “Lilly Project Deepening Support of Vocation.”)

The compilation below is based on current information provided by program directors at each school, and is intended to (1) raise awareness about the diverse and innovative practices of theology and vocational discernment with young people taking place through the seminaries of the ELCA, and (2) provide specific resources and contact information for young people (and adults who walk with them) who might thrive in these settings!

Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Name of Ministry: Youth in Mission
Director: Heather Wallace
Web Site: www.lstc.edu/yim
Phone: 800-635-1116, ext. 725 or 773-256-0725

Youth in Mission comprises two major youth programs, and special educational opportunities for adult youth workers.

“Serving Christ in the World” — program dates are June 14-July 6; application due date is February 20. Global immersion including more than one week in community at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), one week at the Lutheran Center in Mexico City, and four days with the Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest in Texas.

“Beyond Belief”—programs hosted year round, no less than two months prior to requested dates. Connects youth groups with mission congregations and agencies in Chicago, for which the seminary provides low cost housing, contacts for service and learning, a tour of LSTC, and meals/conversation with seminarians.

Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg / Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
Name of Ministry: Theological Education with Youth
Director: Chandler R. Carriker
Web Site: tey.easterncluster.org
Phone: 717-338-3038

Theological Education with Youth (TEY), a joint initiative of two ELCA schools, creates spaces for high school disciples to engage in theological conversation and vocational discovery.

“Crossroads Event”—program dates June 21-28. A one-week event for youth completing 10th grade in which they encounter faith in action and Christian vocation in a variety of settings.

“Summer Theological Academy” — program dates July 12-26. A two-week event where youth completing 11th grade take part in courses that range from liberation theology to Christian practices of formation, blended with worship and rich community life into an experience of theological discovery.

“Affirmation of Baptism Festival” — offered as one-day events in Fall 2008 at each school for ninth-grade youth to gather in baptismal community and grow in baptismal identity.

“CIT Ministry”—in partnership with several outdoor ministries, TEY offers theologians a week of leadership training with Counselors in Training or other high school programs.

Luther Seminary, with Bethel Theological Seminary
Name of Ministry: Urban Leadership Academy
Director: Yvette House
Web Site: www.urbanacademy.net
Phone: 612-729-2689

The Urban Leadership Academy equips outstanding young people of faith — approximately 70 percent of whom are youth of color — to constructively influence the affairs of the world through self-discovery, scholarship, and service.

“Urban Leadership Academy” program dates are Session #1, June 13-27, and Session #2, August 1-15. Each session begins with a three-day retreat. Participants experience intensive leadership training and learning in a racially diverse, ecumenically rich community, featuring a 10-month, mentored service project which follows completion of the Academy.

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Name of Ministries: Life Together/Faith Active In Love
Director: Carol Jacobson
Web Site: www.plts.edu/news.html
Phone: 510-559-2742 or 510-559-2762

The primary purpose of “Life Together” and “Faith Active in Love” is to assist Lutheran high school and college students in deepening their sense of Lutheran identity (lifting up grace, freedom, theology of the cross) while empowering them in faith and enriching their vocational choices.

“Mission 139,” the annual high school youth retreat under “Life Together” will take place March 7-9.

“Faith Active In Love” — a two-week urban immersion — will take place in June 2008. Dates are pending.

Both ministries involve theological study, action/reflection experiences, and leadership development opportunities.

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, in partnership with Region 9, ELCA
Name of Ministry: Bishops’ School
Director: Sandra Holland
Web Site: www.ltss.edu
Phone: 803-461-3263

“Bishops’ School” is designed to invite young people to “think theologically,” in lively courses and common life on a campus, and a multicultural immersion off-campus for serving, worship and fellowship within a particular ethnic community.

The school’s program dates are June 14-24. Thirty young people drawn from Region 9, nominated by their parish pastors, will gather for eleven days, including a multi-cultural immersion from the Latino community. One ELCA bishop from Region 9 participates with the students.

Trinity Lutheran Seminary
Name of Ministry: Summer Seminary Sampler
Director: Ruth C. Fortis
Web Site: www.summersampler.com
Phone: 614-235-4136

The Summer Seminary Sampler invites high school students to spend three weeks exploring theological education and vocations in church and society, and to engage in service opportunities in the community.

“Summer Seminary Sampler” program dates: Session #1, June 8-28 and Session #2, July 6- 28. Those completing sophomore, junior, and senior years in high school are eligible. Those invited to participate will take part in classes, lectures, devotions, worship, field trips, and conversations with professional mentors. Lasting friendships develop as Christian youth interact in Jesus’ name.

Wartburg Theological Seminary
Name of Ministry: Wartburg Youth Leadership School
Director: Kristine Stache
Web Site: www.wartburgseminary.edu
Phone: 563-589-0220

Wartburg Youth Leadership School (WYLS) participants consider the “ULTIMATE YOU: Who Claims You? Who Calls You? Who Sends You?” Through the setting of an intentional Christian community, young people are challenged to live out the gospel and ask themselves, “How am I being called to lead?”

WYLS program dates: Session #1, June 16-25 and Session #2, July 7-16. Up to 25 youth gather for an ultimate faith journey as they share High Ropes adventure, service, and community life — including an urban immersion, biblical and theological study, and dynamic worship and music. Seminary faculty and students serve as guides, walking alongside youth in experiential education.

Bill Bixby is the director of youth ministry at the ELCA churchwide office, Chicago, Illinois.