More than 135 Michigan youth—including 35 teens from LCMS congregations in the Thumb, pictured here—attended the Higher Things conference this August.
Altogether, 770 youth, pastors, and leaders from 21 states gathered at Calvin University in Grand Rapids for four days of beautiful worship, intense study, and fun.
Each year, Higher Things (a youth ministry organization that’s a recognized service organization of the LCMS) offers three regional conferences in different parts of the United States.
“These yearly events have had a powerful impact on the faith and lives of our young members,” said Rev. Steve Bagnall, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cass City. “This year, the speakers focused on the theme ‘All Things Mad
e New.’ Although the topic covered some deep theology and gave a glimpse ahead to the New Heaven and New Earth, it included how we are ‘made new’ in our baptisms, and how that impacts our identities and daily lives.”
Emily Melton, one of the Good Shepherd youth who attended, added, “I liked the plenary sessions. The presenter was really down-to-earth, and he actually answered questions realistically.”
Attendees chose five smaller breakaway sessions from a variety of offerings. Topics ranged from Christian symbols to exploring church work opportunities, to resisting pornography and dealing with anxiety as a Christian.
“As a pastor, I find our shared mealtimes to be the most valuable part of the experience,” Rev. Bagnall said. “In the midst of the joking and general teenage silliness, we also discuss theological topics the kids have learned about in the breakaways they chose. I love seeing these young Lutherans begin to connect their catechism training to their daily lives.”
Of course, there is plenty of time for fun and games. This year’s list included rock climbing, basketball, chalk art, mechanical bull riding, and the ever-popular talent show.
“The highlight of the event is always the worship, though,” Rev. Bagnall said. “With the chapel filled to standing room only, nearly 800 voices join in the hymns and liturgies of the Church. The walls echo with bold voices, and I think of Isaiah’s description of the worship in heaven, where ‘the foundations of the thresholds shook’ with the singing of the angels.”
With daily Matins, Vespers, and Evening Prayer service, along with opening and closing Divine Services and nightly Compline in small groups, you might think the teens find it a little much—but that’s rarely the case. “We have worship three times a day, but that’s the most enjoyable part,” reflected Hannah VanTol of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Unionville. “It’s heavenly.”
Next year’s Higher Things conferences will be held in St. Louis, Mo. (2 separate conferences) and on the campus of Colorado State University. “As we drove home to the Thumb, we already began our plans for attending next year!” Pastor Bagnall exclaimed.
Photos courtesy of Rev. Steve Bagnall
