Lutheran Student Movement - USA

Lutheran Student Movement (LSM) is a student led, Christ driven organization that connects university and college students nationally, regionally, and locally. LSM gives students the opportunity to grow together in Christ through worship, learning opportunities, service projects, and community building. Following in the Lutheran tradition we are always exploring new opportunities in faith and reevaluating ourselves as an organization. As a united body, we provide a voice of university and college students to the larger church, and we develop students to be the future leaders of the church. LSM encourages students to meet new people and grow strong friendships and relationships. We are a faith community that encourages and supports participation at all levels of the movement and welcomes any and all students!

Nationally

On the national level LSM strives to provide members and church staff with opportunities to learn about, fulfill, and spread the Gospel in a way that is unique to the college experience. Events like the National Gathering and Breaking Out! (our alternative spring break experience) help students to grow their faiths in Christ in a safe community of believers, while offering a strong foundation in the Lutheran tradition through educational workshops, Bible studies, and service opportunities. LSM also gives students the chance to voice their questions and opinions about the hot issues in our church. Finally, LSM nationally gives students the tools to develop their leadership skills by serving on the National Council and planning committees, which mirror the structures of our Lutheran church.

Regionally

On a regional level, LSM connects campus ministries with each other, as well as with students at Lutheran colleges and schools that may not have their own campus ministries. Connections are also made with church bodies, such as synods, regions, and congregations: LSM regions have been represented at synod assemblies and events. The regional level helps students develop more personal relationships with fellow students and staff. Regional ministries are able to meet frequently because of their close geographic locations. Members at the regional level often have the opportunity to attend spiritual and educational retreats. The retreats rally students to worship together and further their knowledge of Christ. Students also engage in learning and action discussions related to social injustice, vocation, and much more. Schools within regions often meet outside of their retreats to continue to strengthen the regional community. Additionally, many regions participate in service activities and support outdoor ministries.

Locally

Local expressions of LSM vary greatly. At some schools LSM is the regional and national extension of the local Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM). At other schools LSM is organized and recognized as an on-campus student organization. Local LSM groups can provide an outlet for worship and faith building in the Lutheran tradition. For example, at the Lutheran colleges LSM may act as another method to grow in faith and fellowship with others. Finally, LSM and LCM may exist separately at colleges as two non-competing groups with different members, but have overlapping missions.

From the Students

LSM has given me the opportunity of a lifetime, and I believe that it truly is a very critical bridge between our faith as teenagers to building the foundation of our faith for the rest of our lives. I owe a lot to my brother for inviting me to come along, and I am very thankful for LSM to allow me the chance to grow and reconnect with my faith.

-Bob Stein Bemidji State

LSM has meant so much to me. It has been a great opportunity to grow and share in my faith with others as well as a chance to make amazing lifelong friends and connections all over the country!

-Erin Chonka University of Georgia

LSM has given me a place to go to explore leadership in ministry and to continue my faith journey that only really began seven years ago. I have been an active member of LSM for only two years, but I have found I have grown a great love and connection to this organization of likeminded students from across the country.

-Tony Rhodes Western Washington University