Celebrating 50+ years of youth rallies
Why should I attend?
I think my favorite thing about the youth rally was seeing so many people my age come together around one thing: our love for God. I made a lot of memories there that I’ll never forget. —Jon, youth attendee
WELS International Youth Rally attendees come from huge churches in big cities and small churches in farming communities, from Alaska to Florida. No matter where you come from, when you come together at a youth rally, you’re home with your family of believers.
A youth rally is designed for teens. Workshops focus on timely teen topics. Performances and recreation are planned with teens in mind.
Look forward to fun experiences, such as:
- Worship music by Koiné
- Opportunities to learn about different ministry and service options
- Workshops with a biblical perspective on timely teen topics
- Professional nightly entertainment on large and small stages
- No excursions at the Ohio rally—but lots of great adventures on campus!
- Time for fun and excellent BGSU dining with many options!
Christ through us
The theme of the rally comes from 2 Corinthians 5:18-20: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
God through Christ and Christ through us. In gratitude for the gracious gift of Christ’s righteousness, the believers of WELS joyfully take up this “Christ through us” calling.
JULY 14-17, 2026
MISSION STATEMENT
The WELS International Youth Rally exists to ensure that the next generation knows Christ, trusts his promises, and is prepared to serve Christ’s church with a clear,
confident Lutheran faith.
50 YEARS OF YOUTH RALLIES
The rally exists to provide youth and youth leaders from across the synod a large-scale worship, education, fellowship, recreation, and service opportunity that deepens commitment to Christ and his church.