In a notice to ward and stake leaders, the Church has encouraged leaders to plan musical experiences to bring youth together in worship and celebration of their faith.

The notice explains that “youth benefit from feeling a sense of belonging and exercising faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Music is a powerful tool to invite those feelings and experiences.”

Before the end of 2026, wards and stakes may choose to hold music devotionals or other in-person music experiences like those listed below.

Music Experiences

Youth music experiences should be centered on Christ, highlight the youth theme (“Walk with Me”), and emphasize the eternal truths from the newly updated For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices.

Youth Music Devotional

Wards and stakes can host a devotional using provided resources such as music, lyric videos, and a suggested program. These resources for planning and carrying out the devotional will be published to youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org in August 2026.

This devotional should last about 60 minutes and involve youth and congregations regardless of musical ability. It should be held in the chapel on a Sunday or some other day.

Youth Concert

For this event, youth can gather as a stake (or district) or multiple stakes. Resources to plan a local or area-led concert are available on youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. This concert can be held in addition to the youth music devotional. It offers flexibility while still focusing on gospel themes and unity through music.

Due to the celebratory style of the music, it may work best to meet in an outdoor location or a large gathering place and not on a Sunday. This event could be a great activity as part of a youth conference, camp, or other stake or district activity.

Faith Walk

A faith walk is a reflective experience combining movement with guided spiritual prompts and music to invite youth to quietly consider their faith and discipleship. Resources to create a faith walk are available now on youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. A faith walk:

• May be completed individually or in small groups.
• Can be experienced on its own or alongside other music experiences.
• Can be combined with camps or youth conferences.
• Offers personal reflection, quieter settings, and movement-based activities.
• Is best held outdoors. However, indoor versions can be successful with the right creativity. The flexibility of this experience would allow for any day of the week to be suitable.

Principles for Youth Music Experiences

Music experiences are opportunities for youth to gather and strengthen their discipleship of Jesus Christ. “Youth should lead out in planning and carrying out” these experiences (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 29.3.9).

• Let youth lead: Where possible, invite the stake youth leadership committee or other youth leaders to oversee the planning and carrying out of the event.
• Encourage participation: Youth are encouraged to become familiar with selected songs before the event. These songs will be available at youth.ChurchofJesusChrist.org once the resources are published. Youth should feel welcomed and encouraged to sing along with songs. Providing lyrics on a screen and ensuring sufficient volume levels can help encourage participation.
• Invite friends: For music devotionals and concerts, encourage youth to invite friends of other faiths to sing and celebrate Jesus Christ together.
• Consider size: Consider whether to gather as a ward or branch, stake or district, or multiple stakes or districts.
• Cost and funding: When considering the cost of music experiences, leaders should ensure that funding comes from the correct organizational level so budgets are not negatively impacted.