The goal of the Octane Institute is to enhance the effectiveness of volunteer leaders working with junior and senior high school youth in faith based organizations.

Well trained, experienced leaders have the ability to help youth to discover a purpose in their lives and set them on a positive course for their future. In our training sessions, we simultaneously prepare the student to grow in their leadership skills and to take on leadership roles within the organizations in the future.

316 Octane is a 501(c)(3) official non-profit organization. We are also in the process of applying to become a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).

Revolutionizing youth ministry by empowering churches to create effective youth ministries by training, equipping, and networking adult and student leaders.

In 2004, it became apparent that there was a strong need for youth ministry resources in small Lutheran churches. A team was assembled to devise a plan to assist small churches looking to establish volunteer youth ministries.

The team believed by connecting these churches, a support system could be established to sustain these ministries. In addition, it was decided it would be beneficial to offer additional services, such as resources, training, and new opportunities small churches were not often able to take advantage of on their own.

We put our concept to the test on our mission trip to Mexicali, Mexico in 2005. This first year, we connected 5 churches and took 36 people to Mexicali. It was an incredible, faith-building experience that created a bond between these churches. However, instead of connecting the new ministry to the churches, our team connected to the youth. This set plans in motion to shift the focus for the next year.

We took a year to develop our vision and mission and approached Mexicali 2006 with a new focus. We assembled 46 people from 7 different churches, and this time it was done right! The trip was a blessing and the ministry connected to the churches. We were now ready to move forward. In November of 2006, our first monthly Bible Study was held as a kick-off to the official ministry!

While churches were starting to be equipped for their youth ministries, new needs began to arise. As a result, we began to develop training programs to equip the student leaders and adult volunteers for youth ministry more effectively. We then organized this training into the Octane Institute.

316 Octane follows the doctrine and practice of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). For an overview of our practices and beliefs, you can visit the beliefs page on the LCMS site. For more general information on the LCMS, visit their home page.