Tag: ELCA
The Network Releases Statement on Race, Inclusion and Ministry
Note: Over the last two months, the Network Board of Directors has engaged in deep listening and conversation around issues of race, justice and inclusivity. While these conversations have been a part of the board’s agenda for years, the events surrounding the killing of George Floyd, and the subsequent events and conversations, increased our focus ...
An Update from this Week’s Board Meeting
Dear Network friends, The ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s Board of Directors met this week for its regular spring meeting and had good conversation and made some important decisions in the life of the Network that I wanted to share with you. The meeting was originally scheduled to happen at the ELCA offices in Chicago. Because ...
The Holy Spirit is Apparently “Boundless”
Sometimes you just can’t make this stuff up. When “coincidences” like this happen, my eyes widen a bit, and then I catch my breath and realize that the Holy Spirit is at work. Let me start at the beginning: So 3 years ago, the Extravaganza team leaders were together for their regular March meeting to ...
Announcing New Outdoor Ministry Partnership
The ELCA Youth Ministry Network and the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Network have formed a new partnership that links them together for mutual support and to grow in mission. The Network has had “gold” and “silver” partnerships for a number of years, allowing for organizations, resource providers, colleges, seminaries, and other groups who share Network values to ...
Network Board Meeting Update Day 2
Your Network Board of Directors is hard at work today, meeting at the Lutheran Center in Chicago. We actually began meeting last night, just spending time together and doing “check-ins” on each others lives. Today we buckled down for some hard work. Highlights included: Opening devotions Approving minutes and other “housekeeping” items Rachel Alley, Program ...
The History of the Youth Gathering
The ELCA Youth Gathering has a long history, and an even longer lineage, going back to 1902. Do you think that the Youth Gathering will be coming to Minneapolis in 2021 for the first time? Think again. This will be the 14th time that this event will be held in the City of Lakes. Thanks ...
3 Words on the Youth Gathering
Wow. Just wow. There are only 3 thoughts I can share right now. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you: Gifted, talented and beloved. For your time and energy, we are grateful. On behalf of all of us, thank you. Thanks be to God. Jesus changes everything. Peace, Todd
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Network is a Verb 