Where are all the young people? | Equipping Young Leaders

On February 28, 2026, at noon ET (9 a.m. PT), join a webinar for church leaders from across LCC to learn about how youth and young adults are being equipped for leadership. Two experienced lay leaders will share about their experiences with different ways of equipping young leaders of different ages, with time for discussion, questions, and networking.

A common lament across the Synod is “where are all the young people?” However, often there are young people who are nearby and unnoticed, and with a little deliberate planning and intention they can be invited into the life of the church as their gifts and interests are fostered and their faith encouraged by the caring adults around them.

Where are all the young people?

Lisa Jackson, Managing Director of Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada, will share how intentional, intergenerational mentorship can create meaningful pathways for young adults to serve, grow, and lead with confidence. Drawing on the Intergenerational Mentorship Project, internships, and mission service opportunities, she will highlight practical ways churches and church organizations can make space for young adults to contribute through real responsibility, guided service, and faithful accompaniment. The focus will be on how mentorship rooted in vocation, service, and trust helps young leaders develop resilience, discern their gifts, and remain engaged in the work of the Church. The approaches used at LLL Canada offer concrete, adaptable insights for pastors, church workers, parents, and ministry leaders seeking to equip young leaders within congregational and synodical life.

Michelle Heumann, a long-time volunteer who started volunteering as a very young youth at VBS, will share a curriculum developed at Foothills Lutheran Church for training youth in grades 6 to 8 to be Vacation Bible School helpers. The program operates during the VBS week, with a mix of classroom training and hands-on experience, and shepherds youth through the transition from kid to leader. The program directly equips the youth for service at VBS, but also invites them to consider how they can continue serving in the church as they grow and develop their gifts and skills. As well, it removes some of the workload from the classroom teachers to both teach a class of children and mentor new volunteers at the same time. Deliberately training young volunteers has proven to have a positive impact on all aspects of the VBS experience, and, most importantly, continues the good work of nurturing their faith.

The conversation will be facilitated by Dcn. Samantha Neeb, LCC’s Associate Director – Family Ministries. The webinar is part of LCC’s ongoing effort to support youth and family ministry following the installation of Dcn. Neeb in August 2025. These efforts include a new Family Resources section on LCC’s website, as well as the creation of brand-new resources for use by families across the synod, and other upcoming events and initiatives.

Email Dcn. Neeb at sneeb@lutheranchurch.ca to register.

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