The annual event of youth ministry leaders that focuses on spiritual renewal, continuing education and Networking
Category: The Extravaganza
Charting a New Path: Strategic Planning Updates from the Network
As ministry continues to evolve, the ELCA Youth Ministry Network is walking forward with intention. In response to feedback from our community and in the spirit of deep listening, we’ve launched a comprehensive strategic planning process to guide our future. The Network’s board of directors has identified four focus areas for our plan: Membership the ...
Listening and Learning: What We Heard in the Extravaganza 2025 Evaluations
Extravaganza 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky, was a time of connection, inspiration, and growth for the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. With 547 participants joining both in-person and online, and a 41.2% response rate to the evaluation survey, we were able to gather valuable insights to help us celebrate what went well and understand where we can ...
What Are Your 3 Questions?
Three questions. I’m always looking for the answers to three questions. About 10 years ago, when I was new to my role, I was invited to go to a leadership conference for pastors. I had been in my call (and a new role) for about six months and was feeling pretty clueless. So I immediately ...
5 Ways to Make the Extravaganza Affordable
This is the time of year that people are making decision about whether they will be joining their community at the Network’s Extravaganza. I hear from people all the time about what an important time it is for them. The personal spiritual renewal, the quality continuing education and the networking and connections that are made ...
Peder Eide: A Life of Love and Grace
Dear friends, Our friend, Peder Eide, died yesterday. Peder had been battling colon cancer since last summer. And after a long struggle, yesterday, Peder experienced the promises of God fulfilled. Peder was a regular music leader at youth gatherings and events all over the country. He sang in congregations and at music festivals. He provided ...
What You Thought about Extravaganza 2024 (Part 2)
Hello friends, In part 1 of this two part review of the evaluations for Extravaganza 2024, I wrote about the demographics of our event – who was present at the event. In this post, I want to reflect a bit on what we learned from your evaluations about the content of the event. The Extravaganza team leaders ...
What You Thought About Extravaganza 2024 (Part 1)
At the end of the Extravaganza in New Orleans, I asked all of the participants to fill out the evaluation form, to help us shape future events. I also promised you that we would carefully read the evaluations and pay close attention to both the positive and the constructive comments. Thanks to the 243 of ...
Changes for Gathering Bus Tour at the Extravaganza
There is an important change regarding the “Gathering Bus Tour” being held at the 2024 Extravaganza in New Orleans next month. The public bus tour of Gathering sites and locations is being replaced by a different event that will serve the same purpose, introduce adult leaders to a tool that we will use during the ...
5 Ways to Make Extravaganza 2024 More Affordable!
This is the time of year that people are making decision about whether they will be joining their community at Extravaganza. I hear from people all the time about what an important time it is for them. The personal spiritual renewal, the quality continuing education and the networking and connections that are made are invaluable. Unfortunately, ...
Let’s Think About Dreams: Extravaganza 2024
Every Extravaganza has a theme. A theme gives direction and guidance to the planing team. A theme gives context for participants. And a theme gives space for the Holy Spirit to work within us…to move us together. Because we can cover great distance when we travel together. The theme for Extravaganza 2024 is “Dream”. Every ...
Network is a Verb 