Junior High Youth Gathering 2025

Keynote Speaker

Rev. Tyler Cronkright

Rev. Tyler Cronkright serves as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at St. John, Rochester. He previously served for nearly 11 years at Family of God, Detroit. As a complement to teaching, preaching, and writing, he also co-hosts the Suffering Servants podcast. In his down time, he loves cycling, reading and learning, traveling up north, and cheering for the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and Michigan Wolverines.

Breakout Speaker

Mrs. Laura Bauer

Laura is mother to four energetic children, wife of an adventurous LCMS pastor, and a baptized child of God. Laura was introduced to Bible journaling in 2016 and has been amazed at the depth and richness it has added to her devotional time and prayer life. Creative; but not necessarily artistic, Laura enjoys working with groups of all sizes to share practical ways in which even the “artistically challenged” can benefit from the hope and peace that comes by spending time in God’s Word. She is also excited to share ways that families and youth can use visual faith to grow closer to each other and, more importantly, to Christ.

Breakout Speaker

Mr. Billy Cmeyla

Billy was born and raised in Shalimar, Fla. Following high school, he served eight years in the United States Air Force and then went to Concordia University River Forest (now Concordia University Chicago), graduating as a Director of Christian Education (DCE). From 1999 to 2023, he served as a DCE in a variety of congregations in Michigan and Indiana.

Billy currently serves as the Dean of Students at Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw. He and his wife Sarah have five children.

Breakout Speaker

Mr. Brian Horning

Brian is the Director of Family and Youth Ministries at Zion, Petoskey where he has served for seven years. He is originally from Midland, Mich. and graduated from Concordia University Ann Arbor. Brian has served congregations as a DFLM in Utah, Texas, Indiana, and Michigan.

Brian is married to Angie and they have an adopted son named Adam as well as a fluffy Great Pyrenees dog named Lola and a cat named Alice.

Breakout Speaker

Miss. Hannah Walsh

Hannah discovered her passion for serving youth while volunteering at the Jr. High Youth Gathering from 2011–2014. She attended Concordia University Ann Arbor, graduating in 2017 with a degree in Family Life Education. She serves as the Youth and Family Ministry Leader at Our Shepherd, Birmingham and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work from Spring Arbor University. When Hannah is not writing papers or leading youth events, she enjoys tending to her jungle of houseplants, strolling through beautiful flower gardens, playing volleyball, and being the fun aunt to her 11 nieces and nephews.

Music

Swen & Dean

Minneapolis, Minn.-based musicians Swen and Dean were born in the same family. As brothers, they offer a unique blend of vocals and an interactive acoustic stage vibe. On stage and off the stage, this captivating duo is all about faith-based relationships built on trust and Truth. While on the road, they are committed to supporting the local churches in their ministry to youth and families. When not on the road … you can find them with their own families, in their churches, or in a local coffee shop.