For years, we’ve heard the story that young adults are leaving the Church. While that’s certainly true for many, another story is emerging at the same time.

Young adults are searching.

They’re asking deeper questions about identity, purpose, forgiveness, truth, and hope. Many are rediscovering historic Christianity and looking for churches with theological depth instead of shallow answers.

So why does Lutheran theology matter in this cultural moment?

In this special keynote recorded live at the Hodos Influencers Gathering, Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller explains why the Lutheran confession isn’t outdated—it’s exactly what many young adults are looking for.

Bryan explores the centrality of forgiveness, the beauty of Law and Gospel, the gift of absolution, and why the Church’s greatest treasure remains Jesus Christ and His finished work.

Whether you’re passionate about discipleship, the next generation, or simply want to understand what makes Lutheran theology unique, this conversation is filled with encouragement and hope for the future.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Hodos. Hodos is a new non-profit designed to pave the way for the next generation of Lutherans. Designed for 18-29 year olds, Hodos is hosting the 2027 Lutheran Young Adult Gathering. To register, or stay updated, or to give sacrificially, please go to www.HodosWay.com. 

Resources Mentioned

• Hodos
  https://www.hodosway.com
• Register for the National Young Adult Gathering
  https://www.hodosway.com/lyag_2027
• Bryan Wolfmueller
  https://wolfmueller.co
• Bryan Wolfmueller YouTube Channel
  https://www.youtube.com/@PastorBryanWolfmueller
• Hodos Channel on YouTube
  https://www.youtube.com/@HodosGathering

Key insights from the episode

• Young adults are increasingly searching for truth, stability, and historic Christianity.
• Lutheran theology offers unique answers to today’s cultural questions.
• Forgiveness of sins remains the Church’s greatest treasure.
• Law and Gospel continue to speak powerfully into modern life.
• Absolution is one of Lutheranism’s most distinctive gifts.
• Deep theology and effective evangelism belong together.
• Hospitality and relationships remain essential for discipleship.
• Historic doctrine provides hope in an anxious culture.
• Young adults don’t need Christianity watered down—they need Christ proclaimed clearly.
• The future of the Church will be shaped by faithful discipleship.

Conversation Highlights

• Why Bryan believes Lutheran theology is “built for this moment.”
• The cultural hunger for forgiveness and grace.
• What makes Lutheran theology different from other Christian traditions.
• Why absolution matters more than ever.
• Reaching young adults without compromising doctrine.
• The importance of hospitality and community.
• Helping the next generation discover their identity in Christ.
• The vision behind Hodos and reaching young adults nationally.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

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