Each year when the ELCA Youth Ministry Network gathers for the Extravaganza, something meaningful happens. People arrive from across the country carrying the joys and challenges of ministry. Some come excited. Others come tired. Many arrive wondering if they are the only ones facing the struggles they see in their congregations.
And then, over a few days together, something shifts. People reconnect with colleagues, discover new ideas, worship together, and remember again why this work matters.
Extravaganza 2026 in St. Louis was another powerful example of that shared experience.
Nearly 400 participants gathered in person this year, and more than 160 attendees completed evaluations following the event. Their responses tell a clear story. Extravaganza continues to be a deeply valued space for youth, children, and family ministry leaders to learn, connect, and find renewal for their work.
The overall evaluation scores reflect that reality. Participants rated their likelihood of recommending Extravaganza to others at nearly nine out of ten. Our Net Promoter Score, a widely used measure of event satisfaction, came in at 66.5. (On a scale from -100 to +100). This is an excellent score. Participants also reported feeling strongly renewed, more connected to others in ministry, and better equipped for their work after attending.
When asked why they come to Extravaganza, one theme stood above all the others: connection.
The most common reason participants gave for attending was the opportunity to network with peers. Youth ministry, children’s ministry, and family ministry can often feel isolating. Many leaders serve in small teams or even alone in their congregations. Extravaganza offers a rare opportunity to gather with others who understand the work, share ideas, and support one another.
One participant summed it up simply: “These are my people.”
That sense of community continues to be one of the greatest gifts of the Extravaganza.
Participants also spoke very positively about the speakers and general sessions this year. Many named the presentations by Dr. Nikki Elliott, Joseph Yoo, and others as highlights of the weekend. The concert and storytelling of Flamy Grant was frequently mentioned as a particularly moving and memorable moment for many attendees. These sessions challenged participants to think more deeply about their ministries while also offering encouragement and hope.
Workshops were another important part of the experience. Many participants appreciated the range of topics and the opportunity to learn from colleagues and practitioners in the field. At the same time, feedback reminded us that ministry leaders come with different levels of experience and different needs. Some participants expressed interest in more advanced workshops for experienced leaders, while others asked for additional practical, “nuts and bolts” sessions for those newer to ministry.
One of the encouraging things about reading through the comments was seeing how thoughtfully people reflected on the event. Participants offered ideas for how we might continue strengthening Extravaganza in the future. Some suggested creating more structured opportunities for networking so that new participants and introverts can more easily connect with others. Others expressed a desire for even more participatory worship and opportunities for the whole community to sing together.
We also heard helpful feedback about accessibility, dietary accommodations, and ways we can continue growing in hospitality and inclusion for all participants.
This kind of feedback is a gift. It reflects how deeply people care about this community and about the work we share together.
Perhaps the most encouraging theme throughout the evaluations was the sense of renewal people experienced. Again and again participants described Extravaganza as a place where they could breathe, reflect, and rediscover their passion for ministry.
One participant wrote that the Extravaganza is “a rock in my calendar each year that keeps me fueled for the work ahead.”
That is our hope. In a time when ministry can feel especially challenging, spaces of connection, learning, and encouragement matter more than ever.
To everyone who attended, presented, volunteered, or helped make Extravaganza 2026 possible, thank you. Your presence helped create a space where leaders could gather, share their stories, and remember that none of us does this work alone.
We are grateful for this community and excited to continue learning together as we look ahead to the next Extravaganza.
In God’s grace,
Todd
Network is a Verb 