Texas Youth Group Dares to be Lutheran

By Pam Knepper

When you think of Plano, Texas, what comes to mind? An All-American City close to Dallas? The JCPenney Museum? Southfork Ranch? Perhaps, but Plano, Texas is much more than that. It is home to a youth group who are not afraid to be Lutheran. All members at Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, these young people dare themselves and others to be Lutheran with the help of Higher Things.

“It’s difficult for our youth to remain Lutheran especially in our pluralistic society. It’s good, then, to have a youth organization like Higher Things which is proud to be Lutheran,” explained Rev. Jim Woelmer, Pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Plano. “Lutherans have a rich heritage of standing on the foundation of Christ and His gifts of life and salvation. Higher Things is not afraid to talk about the catechism, the sacraments, sin and grace, and about the life of Christ.These things are ‘higher’ in value than anything the world has to offer.”

Formed in 2001 by a handful of Lutheran pastors and laity, Higher Things is an organization serving the Lutheran Church in a number of ways, including organizing and convening youth conferences for the spiritual edification of youth to help them become informed and effective adult members of their congregations.

Held in locations like Laramie, Wyoming; Duluth, Minnesota; Arlington, Texas; and this summer in Seattle, Washington, attending Higher Things youth conferences has become an annual tradition for the Plano youth group.

“The youth group at Faith Lutheran has been to every Higher Things conference and enjoyed each one,” explained Pastor Woelmer. “The members at Faith Lutheran have been very supportive through monies raised and donations in order for the youth to attend these conferences.”

Amanda Molsberry, a member of Faith’s youth group, finds the Higher Things conferences very informative and fun at the same time. “Personally, I really enjoy the different sessions you can attend during the conferences,” said Molsberry. “Everyone can always find a session they are interested in attending.”

Virginia Naville, a parent at Faith Lutheran Church, says that one of the most important things about the conferences is “a sense of belonging”.

“Our youth discovered that there are other youth from all over the country who are also not ashamed to be Lutheran,” said Naville. “Many of our youth still keep in contact with friends that they met at the conferences.”

Cathy Molsberry, a youth leader from Faith Lutheran, says, “The conferences talk about current issues yet within the context of good Lutheran doctrine. We have had many positive comments about the conferences from both the youth and their parents.”

Pastor Woelmer further explains that if the youth leaders are excited to attend a uniquely Lutheran conference, then their enthusiasm will rub off onto the youth.

“The success of a youth group attending Higher Things conferences depends on the pastor and/or youth leader believing that the conference is healthy for the youth and solidly Lutheran” explained Pastor Woelmer.

Since Lutheran pastors who care about youth and Lutheran doctrine organize Higher Things conferences, Pastor Woelmer says his youth feel safe and comfortable at the conferences. “The theology at the conferences is the same as what is being taught at Faith Lutheran Church,” explained Pastor Woelmer. “Surprisingly, when talking to our youth, the one thing that they enjoy the most at the conferences is that worship is done the right way. They love the liturgy and the good Law/Gospel preaching.”

Along with offering conferences, Higher Things also prints, publishes and distributes periodicals, literature, curricula and other resources for youth and adult leaders in congregations, schools, and institutions of the Lutheran Church. One of these resources is Higher Things magazine.

“Our youth have a group subscription to Higher Things magazine,” explained Pastor Woelmer. “Every Sunday we read and discuss one article at a time. When we finish the whole magazine, the youth are free to take an issue home with them.”

The youth at Faith Lutheran like how the articles relate to and talk about teen issues, as well as the variety of topics that are dealt with in a Lutheran perspective.

“It is hard to find a magazine that is as theologically sound as Higher Things,” said Brian Naville, a youth at Faith Lutheran. “It tells the difference between right and wrong and beautifully presents the Gospel.”

To find out more about Higher Things or how to get your church involved, go to www.higherthings.org.

Pam Knepper is a freelance writer and CPH editor who resides in Seattle, WA with her husband the Rev. Grant Knepper and their daughter, Renee.