Resolution 2004-3
A Resolution to Create a Partnership between Lutheran Student Movement and Lutheran Youth Encounter
Purpose: To establish a working relationship between Lutheran Student Movement—USA (LSM-USA) and Lutheran Youth Encounter (Youth Encounter) which will involve cooperation in various aspects of their ministry, focusing primarily on event ministry and outreach.
Whereas, LSM-USA is a pan-Lutheran organization committed to exposing high school students to the various opportunities for active faith in college;
Whereas, Youth Encounter is a pan-Lutheran organization that “seeks to fulfill its mission to strengthen the church through the Christian faith and ministry of its youth;”[1]
Whereas, a partnership between LSM-USA and Youth Encounter would allow Youth Encounter to promote its ministries and recruit relational team ministers for Youth Encounter ministries in LSM-USA settings, as well as benefit from the presence of LSM-USA members as small group and workshop leaders at Youth Encounter events;
Whereas, a partnership between LSM-USA and Youth Encounter would allow LSM-USA to reach a broad base of high school students, as well as create the opportunity for personal relationships between members of LSM-USA and the high school community, in Youth Encounter settings;
Whereas, LSM-USA members’ participation in Youth Encounter ministries will enable LSM-USA to “support and advance the strengthening and development of the faith and life of the believer through participation in the Community of Word and Sacrament;”[2]
Whereas, the LSM-USA National Council has been presented with the prospect of engaging with Youth Encounter in an official partnership for mutual ministry;
Therefore be it resolved that:
1. LSM-USA will enter into an official partnership with Youth Encounter beginning with the 2005-2006 Youth Encounter program year, subject to final details and language developed by the LSM-USA National Council in conversation with Youth Encounter,
2. This partnership will be for mutual ministry, specifically focusing on the following interactions:
a). Youth Encounter will include LSM-USA in its electronic and printed publications as a partner organization, and Youth Encounter will intentionally develop LSM-USA participation at Youth Encounter events which may include workshop leaders, small group leaders, and presenters. Youth Encounter will work with LSM-USA to promote a continuing, active faith life in college to its event participants, with emphasis on the unique opportunities that exist within LSM-USA.
b). LSM-USA will include Youth Encounter in its electronic and printed publications as a partner organization, and LSM-USA will intentionally develop Youth Encounter participation at LSM-USA events which may include workshop leaders, speakers, musicians, and presenters. LSM-USA will work with Youth Encounter to promote the relational team ministry opportunities of Youth Encounter to its membership.
c). This partnership is designed to allow the partner organizations to engage in mutual ministry, and will not alter the financial or leadership structures of either partner organization.
3. LSM-USA entrusts the National Council to develop a partnership with Youth Encounter, in accordance with the stated details, as much as possible, given the need for flexibility in forming a new relationship of this kind.
Sponsor: LSM-USA National Council