“If only we had more youth and young adults!” Ever heard or spoken these words before in the church? It tends to be a common refrain that communicates both a challenge and a hope. In fact, such challenge and hope are expressed in one of our synod’s top ministry goals and priorities: “Renewed engagement of youth and young adults through cross-generational faith formation.”
The reality is that if we are going to grow the involvement of youth and young adults in the church we need to invest in them — relationally, spiritually, and financially. One of the many ways we invest in our youth and young adults is through Lutheran Campus Ministry.
In June 2026, our Synod Assembly voted unanimously to grow our investment in Lutheran Campus Ministry through the establishment of a synod-wide Campus Ministry Endowment Fund. The purpose of this Endowment Fund is not only to sustain the ministry of our three current campus ministries at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University in Normal, and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, but to encourage growth both at our existing sites and at possible new sites around the synod.
As such, this fall we are kicking off a three-year REACH HIGHER! Capital Campaign with a goal of raising $1 million to fund this Endowment. We are inviting each of our communities of disciples to participate in this three-year campaign, beginning the weekend of September 12-13, 2026. Worship materials for use during this weekend are being provided. Pledge cards from both communities of disciples and individual disciples will be gathered the weekend of November 21-22, 2026.
Together, let us reach higher by reaching the students engaged in higher education across our synod, including those who have not yet come to know Christ’s love. Together, let us reach higher as we grow new leaders across the church. Together, let us reach higher by growing our own generosity as we make this vital investment in ministry with youth and young adults.
As the author of Colossians writes, “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (3:1). As those who have been raised with Christ, let us reach higher, seeking the things that are above, all for the sake of the gospel—the gospel that proclaims to us that in Christ Jesus, God reaches down to us, lifting us up through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection for the sake of the world.
Bishop Greg Busboom & Pastor Richard Wehrs
Campaign Co-Chairs