Category: The Network
That One Time When Your Kid Met Your Friends
Six days ago, our 14 year old son, Samuel, climbed aboard a 12-passenger van with other members of the youth group from our congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna, Minnesota and the group began its journey to Detroit, Michigan. The groups is spending the week working with Living Waters Ministries, one of the ELCA‘s amazing ...
Network Strategic Plan + Practice Discipleship Structure = Something Brand New
The ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s strategic plan has taken a huge step forward. Approved in February, it has the ambitious goal that “every Network member will create and live into a plan that deepens their skills and identity in ministry.” This goal means that every member of the Network will engage in developing a personalized ...
Give Good Data Now = Get Good Data Later
Most ELCA congregations work on their budgets in the fall. Program budgets…salaries…benefits…all get worked out in the fall. So we’ve got a “great deal” for you. Invest a little bit of time right now…probably no more than 5-15 minutes, and you’ll be better equipped for these important conversations in the fall. Your friends and colleagues ...
Salary Survey 2017 Launched!
The Network’s Salary Survey is now open and we are receiving survey forms! The salary survey has, since 2001, been a great tool for individuals and congregations as they work together to ensure fair and appropriate salary compensation. Once complete, the salary survey will slice and dice the data by geographic region, years of experience, ...
The Hope I Have for the Church
Special guest blog by: Rev. Paul Amlin Today is Paul Amlin’s last day in his role as Program Director for Youth Ministry in our ELCA Churchwide Offices. Over the last four years, Paul has worked tirelessly to support adults working with youth, and leadership development for young people. Paul begins a new call March 1 ...
Congregations Hosting Groups Database: We’re Starting Over!
For years, the Network has made available to Network members a database of congregations that are willing to host traveling youth groups who are on their way to a camp, mission trip, youth gathering or other experience. We are making two significant changes in this database: First, we are wiping that database out and starting ...
Extravaganza Leadership Changes
Rev. Scott Maxwell-Doherty, who has done amazing work over the last 12 years giving leadership to the Extravaganza Team, has chosen to step down from his position, following Extravaganza 2017 in Louisville. In a note to the Extravaganza team leaders, Scott wrote that: “As you all know I take great delight in several ‘extra-curricular’ church ...
Now Accepting Nominations for 2 Board of Director Positions
Dear friends, The Network Board of Directors is the team tasked with creating the vision for, and stewarding the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. The board is made up of seven individuals, who each serve a 3 year term. The term can be renewed one time. This year, there are two board positions are up for ...
What’s the Plan with Practice Discipleship?
The Practice Discipleship (PD) Initiative has been one of the most powerful and influential faith formation ministries to take hold in the ELCA in the last 30 years. This is not exaggeration, nor is it hyperbole. It’s just real. Literally tens of thousands of people have participated in training and education for leadership in congregational faith formation ...
Connect Journal Seeking Writer on Mental Health
The Editorial Team for the Connect Journal is looking for your assistance. The Winter 2017 issue will focus on mental health issues in children, youth, families, and those in the church who serve them. We know that many of you have experience working with young people and families who face mental health issues.Some of you, ...
Network is a Verb 