Kansas District Youth Gathering

November 20-22, 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview

400 West Douglas Avenue

Wichita, KS 67202

The 2026 Kansas District Youth Gathering (KDYG) will be held November 20-22, 2026, at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Wichita! This year’s theme is “AGAIN” based on Philippians 4:4. 

Registration is open. Early registration cost is $99 and ends August 31. Standard registration will be $115 from Sept. 1-30. Included below is the link to the Drury Plaza Hotel room block with the group code, the KDYG Registration link, the Kansas District Youth Media Release Form, the Medical Release Form, and the District Youth Protection Policy and Guidelines. Late registration from Oct. 1-15 is $125.

Hotel room reservations need to be made by Oct. 18 to receive the group rate. Click on the provided link to find more information: Drury Plaza Hotel, Wichita 

The Group Number for the hotel rate during the Gathering: 10132281

The Kansas District Youth Gathering (KDYG) is a Kansas District youth event that happens annually during the month of November. It is specifically designed for youth who are currently in grades 9-12 and aims to foster faith in Jesus Christ through time of worship, study of God’s Word, and fellowship with one another.

Featured speakers

Rebekah Freed is an author, speaker, and Christian educator. Having served in a variety of ministry settings in the past, she now serves on the Student Life and Campus Ministry teams at her alma mater, Concordia University, Nebraska, where she has the honor each day of pointing college students to the love and hope of Jesus. Bekah holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and behavioral science and is a certified Director of Christian Education (DCE) in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. She also earned a master’s degree from Liberty University, where she studied discipleship in the context of crisis and trauma. Outside of work, Bekah enjoys spending time with friends and family, kayaking, reading, enjoying a warm cup of chai, and celebrating the everyday blessings of life—often with confetti!

Rev. Dr. Pete Jurchen is the Asst. Professor of Lutheran Education and Faith Formation at Concordia University, Nebraska. In this role he teaches in Christian Education Leadership and leads initiatives that help cultivate a Christ-centered campus community that is shaped by our Lutheran theology. Prior to serving at Concordia University Nebraska he served as pastor in congregations in Iowa and Nebraska and as an Editor of Bible and Curriculum Resources at Concordia Publishing House. He has a BSEd in Secondary Education from CUNE, an MDiv from CSL, an MSEd from Drake University, and an EdD from Lindenwood University. Every day he works to enhearten God’s people for the epic life of faith. Pete lives in Seward, Nebraska with his wonderful wife Deb and their five children.

 

The Spiritual Goals of the KDYG are to:

• Create an environment for the high school youth of Kansas to experience the grace of Jesus Christ and the greater body of believers through worship, Christian fellowship, Bible study, and service.
  
• Teach and challenge youth to apply the gathering themes, Biblical content, and testimonies heard at the gathering to their lives today.

• Assist congregations by equipping and encouraging adult leaders in the support of their youth.