Senior High Youth Gathering 2023

Speaker

Tanner Olson

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, and speaker living in Nashville, Tenn. with his wife Sarah and their dog, Pancake. The mission of Tanner’s writing is to spread hope and announce love. From classrooms to churches to coffee shops to conferences, Tanner has traveled the country performing poetry, delivering messages of hope, and sharing stories. You can find Tanner’s work at writtentospeak.com and @writtentospeak on Instagram.

Speaker

Bryan Osborne

Bryan Osborne is passionate about reaching the next generation with the Gospel. As an expert in the use of exciting, apologetics-based evangelism, this former athlete and graduate of Bryan College connects with audiences through “real life” stories and facts that confirm the truth of the Bible.

Speaker

Dani Tietjen

As a storyteller, Dani is the coauthor of “More than a Story” (2013). She travels the country as an inspirational speaker and is active in urban renewal on the north side of Minneapolis. She spends her time heading up a community garden and researching food preservation, as well as the benefits of health and art in underprivileged areas. Dani graduated from Concordia University St. Paul as a Director of Christian Outreach with a focus on Theology and Social Justice.

Entertainment/Music

FLAME

FLAME is a GRAMMY® nominated and Stellar Award-winning hip-hop artist. He is a well-versed leader in the Christian hip-hop scene with a growing list of accolades. He was born and raised in the inner city of St. Louis, Mo. He has released 9 albums to date under his own imprint. For over a decade, FLAME has traveled throughout North America & the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia performing music that has impacted the masses. In addition to touring, writing, recording, and co-producing his own projects, FLAME founded and helms Clear Sight Music, a boutique record label raising the bar in Christian hip-hop and beyond. He has a master’s degree in theology with a minor in counseling.

Entertainment

321 Improv

An evening with 321 Improv is unlike any you’ve been a part of before. It is a unique interactive comedy experience. In each show, the three guys in 321 Improv instantly turn audience suggestions into hilarious scenes. 321 Improv’s aim is “to use comedy to spread a message of true joy that can only have come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Speaker

Rev. Travis Hartjen

Pastor Hartjen is an LCMS church planter in the north Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Before that he was a DCE who served in Austin and Houston. He loves sharing his life and the great hope of Jesus with those inside and outside the church. He currently co-hosts a weekly podcast, KnownLegacy: By Dads for Dads, and is starting the next church plant in the Argyle, TX area with his wife, Tara, and their four kids.

Speaker

Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson

Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson serves as Vice President of Administration at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Prior to serving in this role, he was the Campus Pastor at CUAA and also a pastor in the St. Louis area. He has degrees from Concordia University Wisconsin, Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ryan and his wife Kristy have four energetic kids and love camping, traveling, and experiencing the adventures of living in Pure Michigan while serving on an amazing college campus.

Speaker

Brian Pruitt

Brian Pruitt is a former All-American athlete, author, and entrepreneur. He discovered that people could accomplish just about anything if were willing to display Heart, Attitude, Courage, and Consistency. He has traveled across the United States and other countries equipping listeners with the tools to overcome obstacles to accomplish their dreams.

Musicians

Swen & Dean

Swen and Dean are brothers originally from Northfield, Minn. They love to sing, interact, hang out, and have fun. With their songs and stories, Swen and Dean blend spiritual depth with spirited fun. “We do what we do because of what God has done for us. Singing and sharing are ways of giving thanks.”

Musicians

Swenless

These guys can’t wait to meet, hang out, have a blast and seek Jesus with you through worship.

Stephen is a doctor of Chiropractic from Ft. Worth, Texas. He has owned more guitars and attended more proms than you and your friends combined.

Paul is a graphic designer from Minneapolis, Minn. His current kickball stats have him at 88 career home runs.

Ted hails from Maple Grove, Minn. and is a huge Minnesota Vikings fan. He has been a Youth Director, Event Ministry Director, Actor, and currently is a Radio Producer.  Ted is thankful for his wife and two daughters and for the chance to be here with you!

Dean is Swen’s brother and partner in ministry. He loves Reese’s Peanut Butter cups the most. He’s a Marriage and Family Pastor at his church but can’t figure skate. He can’t wait to be with you, again, in Michigan.

Speaker

Rev. Bill Yonker

When he’s not enjoying his family or pastoring his congregation, Rev. Bill Yonker loves to travel around the country talking to people about the Lord Jesus. You can also find Pastor Yonker reading or writing, which are his other passions.

Speaker

Rev. David Davis

Rev. David A. Davis attended Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. After his ordination on January 8, 1984, he served as pastor of four different congregations, all in Michigan: St. Matthew, Spring Lake; St. Paul, Trenton; Immanuel, Grand Rapids; and St. Luke, Haslett/Lansing. Rev. Davis is the 13th President since the founding of the Michigan District, LCMS in 1881. He was elected president in June of 2022 and is currently serving his first term in office.

Speaker

Bob Lenz

Bob Lenz has a humorous, down-to-earth style combined with genuine concern. A storyteller at heart, Bob combines his personal experience with in-depth biblical knowledge, awakening understanding and inspiring others to embrace faith in Christ and take the next step closer to God. Bob is known for his highly sought-after school assembly programs on anti-bullying and suicide prevention.