1958–1967
1958
Merton Strommen submits a proposal for a study to identify the concerns and needs of Lutheran youth as the basis for a new youth program for six merging church bodies. The six church bodies approve the study, and Strommen develops a youth survey of 520 items.
1959
The survey is administered to a random sample of youth and adults (2,000 of each) from 191 participating congregations.
Data from the study are printed out on tape at the University of Minnesota; data are transferred to 50,000 Hollerith cards with assistance from Lutheran Brotherhood. The data are analyzed using card sorts and the results are shared in eight reports authored by Merton Strommen.
Youth directors of the six church bodies form a policy group to govern the release of the data nationally and further the use of the Lutheran Youth Survey in congregations.
1960
Lutheran Youth Research (LYR) is officially established with a budget of $9,810, subsidized by the Lutheran youth departments. The first office is located in the Lutheran Social Service building at 2414 Park Avenue South in Minneapolis.
A sample is drawn for a cross-validation study involving youth of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Lutheran Brotherhood provides unprecedented use of computer equipment, paper, and cards. This unique privilege is enjoyed for many years to come.
1961
First book is published: What Youth Are Thinking by Gordon Smedsrud.
Merton Strommen resigns as youth director of Lutheran Free Church to become full-time research director of LYR.
1962
The cross-validation study of he Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod youth is completed. Immediate, short-range, and ten-year goals are established for LYR.
Survey service is now available to congregations.
1963
LYR begins to explore the possibility of other denominations using the youth survey.
Thomas Nelson and Sons Publishers proposes a series of books for Christian youth to be called the Youth Forum Series, which results in a five-year contract.
Merton Strommen’s first book, Profiles of Church Youth, is published.
Two-fold mission is clarified: forming ideas through research and publications, and providing services such as survey instruments and training.
LYR presents the findings of the first study of Lutheran youth and the cross-validation survey of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod youth.
1964
LYR moves from its Lutheran Social Service location to the Minnesota Church Center at 122 West Franklin Avenue.
LYR’s mission begins to broaden to other denominational groups. The emergence of this ecumenical approach makes LYR aware of the need to move away from the Lutheran youth departments’ subsidy and secure foundation grants.
The Religious Education Association (REA) in New York proposes that Merton Strommen share time with them as research director for a period of about three years, which he accepts.
Shelby Andress joins the staff.
Youth Counseling Seminars are introduced to train pastors in the counseling use of individual profiles derived from the Lutheran Youth Survey.
1965
First three books in the Youth Forum Series are published by Thomas Nelson and Sons. Royalty income is realized.
Francis Gamelin is board chair.
Merton Strommen completes a paper establishing the relationship between Christian theology and psychological measurement. The paper serves as a means of clarifying how the work of LYR could relate to the church and its mission, and becomes an important reference in the years to follow.
Merton Strommen continues to divide time between LYR and REA, which provides him the opportunity to vastly broaden contacts and expand LYR’s mission far beyond the Lutheran church.
LYR shifts from a one-researcher, one-secretary operation to one with several staff members.
1966
LYR incorporates as a nonprofit organization.
Merton Strommen continues with REA on a half-time basis.
The Wheat Ridge Foundation awards funds for a development director to help LYR become independent of the youth departments’ subsidy.
Lilly Endowment provides $50,000 for the Youth Ministry project. Elmer Witt becomes co-director of the project with Merton Strommen.
Merton Strommen begins examining the historical relationship between the psychological and sociological study of religion for the publication Review of Research in Religious Development.
1967
LYR changes its name to Church Youth Research (CYR) to reflect the interdenominational aspect of its work.
CYR develops a new computer program that allows reports for the congregational survey service to be computer-generated instead of handwritten, saving an enormous amount of professional time and money.
Roland Larson joins the staff as development director.
