Renew…Educate…Connect…
Over the last few years, one of the conversations that has come up again and again in youth ministry circles is about how we approach mission and service. Many of us grew up with a model that was driven by ...
Last week, I had the chance to spend a day with our friends in Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Network at their annual conference, and it was exactly the kind of experience that fills your tank in ways you didn’t know you ...
Hello friends, In the past few weeks, news broke that Group Publishing has been acquired by David C. Cook Publishing. Once upon a time, Group was a powerhouse in the world of children, youth, and family ministry. They produced books and ...
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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
This summer, hundreds of our congregations, maybe even thousands, will load up planes, trains and automobiles and head out on summer trips. Destinations will include Bible camps, work camps, mission trip sites, national parks, music festivals and more. And almost all of us will remember to pack a trip first-aid kit prior to departing to ...
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 ...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
At Extravaganza 2017, we’ll have the opportunity to screen a brand new documentary called “No Joke.” It’s a film about 3 religious leaders from Peoria, Illinois, a Jewish rabbi, a Muslim Imam and a Christian pastor, who have all become close friends. And it’s about how their understanding of each other’s faiths, and their approach ...
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 ...
Network is a Verb 