Registration is open for the 2017 LCMS Children’s and Youth Ministry Conference – set for July 9-12 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis.

“The Children and Family Ministry conference provides a unique opportunity for professional and lay church workers to be inspired and equipped with new ideas and resources that will enhance their service in their congregations,” said Terry Schmidt, director of LCMS School Ministry.

LCMS School and LCMS Youth Ministry are partnering together to host a time of learning, discussion and encouragement.

“The goal is to bring children and youth ministry leaders together to work to strengthen the support of young people and their families, especially during critical times of transition,” said the Rev. Mark Kiessling, director of LCMS Youth Ministry.

The conference will consist of plenary sessions which include keynote speakers and time for discussion and planning by attending ministry practitioners. Workshops throughout the days focus on topics from faith formation from baptism through high school. Throughout the event, participants will gain and share insight from challenges and opportunities in ministry to young people.

Scheduled plenary speakers include Jake Mulder of Fuller Youth Institute; Dr. Bernard Bull of Concordia University Wisconsin and Cynthia Brown, author of Concordia Publishing House’s Energizing Your Children’s Ministry. Experienced children’s and youth ministry practitioners from across the synod will lead sessions across the nine breakout opportunities.

Workshops will focus on the pre-natal to pre-school years, elementary school, confirmation and middle school, and youth ministry. Attendees will be able to focus on one of these age segments throughout the conference, or attend sessions from across the provided selections.

“The conference is intended for pastors, teachers, professional and lay children’s and youth ministry workers, and anyone interested in learning more about raising up our young people in the faith,” Kiessling said.

A registration fee of $250 per person covers conference costs, including one meal. A discounted rate of $200 is available for groups of three or more and students.

The Hyatt Regency is offering a nightly rate of $129 per person for conference attendees.

“Milwaukee provides a fabulous venue for this conference,” notes Schmidt.

For more information about LCMS School ministry of LCMS Youth Ministry, visit its webpages (https://www.lcms.org/schoolministry and www.lcms.org/youth). Direct event registration questions to youth.ministry@lcms.org.