Four girls standing outdoors on grass, smiling, wearing casual sports clothing and name tags, with trees and houses in the background.

Youth Ministry

Helping students navigate life with confidence, purpose, and faith.

Our youth ministry creates opportunities for students to ask questions, build friendships, serve others, and grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus.

Youth Leadership

Walking Alongside You in Faith

Our ministry leaders are dedicated to helping youth grow in faith, find community, and discover ways to serve. They help create a welcoming environment where youth can experience God's love and discover purpose for their lives.

Dan and Andrea Letze

  • Dan and Andrea Letze have deep roots at Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Andrea and her family attended Lord of Life starting in her youth, and Daniel then joined her in 2006. They later were married at Lord of Life in 2008, and after spending some time traveling, returned to the east side of Sioux Falls in 2018. They were excited to reconnect with their church family and become more involved in the life of the congregation.

     Dan and Andrea are the proud parents of five children—Madison, Avery, Kaden, Bristol, and Jaxon. Their family enjoys spending time together, serving others, and making memories in the outdoors. Both Daniel and Andrea share a passion for teaching, encouraging, and building meaningful relationships with children and youth, and they are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside young people as they grow in their faith and relationship with Christ.

    Dan enjoys fishing, hunting, and coaching his children’s sports. Andrea is a homeschooling mom who enjoys gardening and caring for plants, cooking, and exploring trails and the outdoors with her children and dogs.

    As youth leaders, Dan and Andrea hope to create a welcoming place where every young person feels known, valued, and encouraged to grow closer to Christ. They are excited to serve the youth of Lord of Life and to help build a community centered on faith, fellowship, friendship, and God’s Word.

  • Dan’s Favorite

    Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

    “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

    Andrea’s Favorite

    Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

    “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Isaac and Brooklyn Johnson

  • Isaac and Brooklyn were married in June 2026 and are excited to continue growing in their faith and serving the Lord of Life community together.

    Brooklyn was baptized at Lord of Life and grew up actively participating in Sunday School and youth group. She continues to be deeply involved in the life of the church as a drummer and vocalist on the worship team. Brooklyn is a Sioux Falls Lutheran School alumna, having attended from preschool through 12th grade, and is currently studying Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Dakota. She plans to graduate in December 2027. In her spare time, Brooklyn enjoys baking, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.

    Isaac became a member of Lord of Life in early 2025 and has quickly become involved in the life of the congregation. He serves on the church council, garden committee, and worship team, where he enjoys singing and running the imager. In his spare time, Isaac enjoys hockey, golfing, and spending time with his family.

    Together, Isaac and Brooklyn are excited to get to know the youth of Lord of Life better and walk alongside them as they grow in their faith. They hope to build meaningful relationships with the young people of the congregation, encourage them in their relationship with Christ, and continue strengthening their own faith as they serve.

  • Isaac’s Favorite

    Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

    “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

    Brooklyn’s Favorite

    Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

    “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him”

Justin Breems

  • Justin has been a member of Lord of Life for the past 10 years and values his involvement in his church community. He has been married to his wife, Abby, and together they have three children: twins Carson and Lilly, and their youngest son, Theo. Justin is a Marketing Representative for CNA Surety, where he works with insurance agents to help grow their surety bond business. Outside of work, he enjoys nearly all sports, coaches youth soccer, and enthusiastically supports Minnesota sports teams. Having grown up in Minnesota, he remains a loyal fan, with Minnesota United FC being his favorite team.

  • Proverbs 3:5-6

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Every Week

7th-12th Grade Youth Group

Our 7th–12th Grade Youth Group is a welcoming place for students to grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and feel connected to a supportive community. Through engaging conversations, activities, service, and time together, students are encouraged to explore their relationship with God, ask questions, and discover what it means to live out their faith in everyday life.

  • Begins on "Rally Sunday" in September and goes until May

  • Wednesday Evenings after confirmation

  • 7th-12th Graders

Every Week

Jr Discipleship

Jr Discipleship helps students grow deeper in their faith, explore what they believe, and discover what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Through learning, conversation, and community, students build a stronger foundation of faith and meaningful connections with God and one another.

  • Beginning in the Fall and going through May

  • Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 PM

  • 7th-8th Graders