How did the Gathering Expedition come to be?
Ministry with young people continues to change, morph and innovate. Even the larger, “flagship” programs, like the ELCA Youth Gathering do the same. The Gathering has created “Expedition” experiences to accompany the gathering, and to deepen the ministry of the Gathering.
There are lots of questions about where this evolution in the Gathering came from. The Network asked Deacon Jess Liles, the Director of the ELCA Youth Gathering to give us the inside story on the Expeditions, to write a guest blog article to let us know the thinking behind these new events.
With the cancellation of the 2021/2022 ELCA Youth Gathering, the natural rhythms and patterns of gathering with 30,000 youth and adults from across the ELCA was lost within congregations and youth ministry. As the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering approached, the desire and need for connection and faith formation in the valleys between the mountaintop experiences every three years was named and prioritized. While working to name and claim the mission, vision and values for the ELCA Youth Gathering, the vision statement was revised to be: “Inspire a movement of young people to boldly live out their faith.” So from there, Gathering ReMix and Gathering Expeditions were created. The Gathering Expeditions are a commitment from ELCA Youth Ministry and ELCA Youth Gathering to resource and shepherd youth and adult leaders in ways that are accessible and vital to faith formation.
What is a Gathering Expedition?
Gathering Expedition is a series of regional weekend retreats for 8th-12th grade youth and the adults who walk alongside them. Designed with volunteer leaders in mind, these experiences create sacred space to step away from everyday life and dive into questions of faith, purpose, identity and calling. Your group will experience space to pause, listen, grow, and move while worshiping, wrestling with big questions, and growing deeper connections. It’s a space for young people to explore how God might be working in their lives.
It’s camp-style community meets the heart of the ELCA Youth Gathering — reimagined in a way that’s local, accessible and deeply meaningful. Gathering Expedition is thoughtfully designed by the ELCA Youth Ministry and Gathering teams.
What to Expect
- Worship that moves you.
- Small groups that dig deep.
- Moments of joy and laughter.
- A localized accompaniment action plan.
- Big questions – and the space to ask them.
Throughout the weekend, youth will explore where God might be calling them and form lasting bonds with those around them. Adult leaders will have opportunities to connect with one another, share resources, and engage with the ELCA Youth Ministry and Gathering teams.
Why attend a Gathering Expedition?
Whether your youth have attended the ELCA Youth Gathering or are just beginning their journey in the wider ELCA community, Gathering Expedition is a chance to:
- Cultivate faith the lasts beyond Sunday.
- Build a community that feels like family.
- Equip young people to listen to God’s call.
- Reignite your passion for ministry.
This isn’t just a preview of something bigger. It is something big — and something your group won’t forget.
You can learn more about the Gathering Expedition on its web site
You can register your group now!
📍 Cross Roads (Port Murray, NJ) — Sept. 26-28
📍 Lutherhill (La Grange, TX) — Oct. 3-5
📍 Lutherdale (Elkhorn, WI) — Oct. 31-Nov. 2
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