Nebraska Synod ELCA
We all know the world is changing and so is life in the church, which means changes for youth ministry. We must address these changes in how and what we provide for synod wide youth ministry. What met the needs of youth 20 years ago, 10 years ago, and even 5 years ago isn’t what meets the needs of today’s youth. Over the past few years, we have experimented with different dates, times, locations, themes, and activities. Although we have had really meaningful, faith filled and relationship-based experiences, we are not reaching the number of youth we would like to at events like LYON and MSG.
This might seem discouraging at first, but it is also exciting because it opens the door to give us room to dream and imagine as we listen to the Holy Spirit and explore the future of synod youth ministry.
As we take some time to discern, listen and explore new ideas, we will not hold LYON or MSG in 2025/26. But, please hear me say, youth ministry is NOT on hold!!!!! We are moving ahead with The Journey for summer 2026. We are planning for a September
2026 regional event for middle and high school led by Churchwide and Gathering staff.
We are exploring more cluster options and connections for congregations with smaller youth groups or those who are volunteer led. These might include zoom confirmation (following the model of the Arkansas Oklahoma Synod), program materials for events that can be hosted by clusters, or small group topic focused events and partnerships with serving arms.
It is exciting to see where God is taking us and the new day God is creating for us!
Over the next year, we will bring together different focus groups and teams to listen,
learn and explore what synodical youth ministry might look like. As we explore some of the options listed above, we will, as always, have opportunities for youth and adults to share feedback, ideas and dreams for the future of synodical youth ministry. Thank you for your continued time, talent, dedication and passion as we work together to grow disciples in the Nebraska Synod.
Knowing we are all children of God, loved and forgiven, Nebraska Synod Youth Ministries are grounded in our baptismal promises. We challenge youth to let their light shine by raising disciples who know they matter, they belong, there is a place for them, and they have gifts to share. We do this through offering programs that equip, empower and challenge youth to become leaders, servants, and faithful followers of Christ as they explore their vocation and call and by empowering the adults who lead these youth with networking, resource sharing and tools to facilitate growth.
Guiding Principles, Policies and Practices Relating to ADEI for Sponsored Youth Events
Youth and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy - For synodical sponsored events
Most child abuse victims—about 90 percent—know their perpetrators: they may be parents or relatives, a coach, friend, teacher, babysitter, or another person in authority.
Does your church or conference want to do more to protect its children, youth, and vulnerable adults?
An accompaniment trip for 9th - 12th grade youth to explore discipleship in the world
It happens every three years, and the next big event will be June 28th- July 2nd, 2027, in Minneapolis, MN.
Cross+generational ministry is just what the name indicates—an opportunity for all ages to be forming faith together.
The BEST resource is your fellow youth workers! Reach out to Gretchen
(gretchen@nebraskasynod.org) to ask your question and she can connect you
with another youth worker who might be a great resource for whatever you are
exploring!
The ELCA Network for Children, Youth and Family Ministry: This church wide network is a great starting point for all things youth ministry. Check out Martin’s List on the Tools and Resources Page for ideas and suggestions from other youth workers. And, don’t miss out on the annual youth worker gathering: The Extravaganza.
https://www.elcaymnet.org/
This website has TONS of free resources for congregations with small youth groups.
https://smallyouthministry.com/
An organization designed to help youth continue to grow in their faith through building relationships.
https://www.tenx10.org/
Resources and programs to help teens relate to teens
https://peerministry.org/
Resources to help youth thrive not just in the congregation, but in their communities
Trainings, coaching, certifications and resources for youth leaders
https://youthministryconsultants.org/
Recorded podcasts and webinars and opportunities for youth leaders to join in cohort learning with other youth leaders.
https://www.elcaymnet.org/formationco-op
Ways to recognize God’s presence in everyday moments. This organization produces the popular “taking faith home” bulletin inserts.
https://milestonesministry.org/
Five easy ways to incorporate faith into daily life. There is a simple formula they share, but there are also TONS of great resources.
https://www.faith5.org/
Tons of ELCA resources for children and youth, confirmation, adult forum and more!
https://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/category/286030/Youth
The Gather Network is a ministry of ELCA Young Adults that connects young adults in cities or regions throughout the ELCA. These ministries create space for young adults to join in fellowship, worship, community, and discussion. Gather invites the group to ask challenging questions of ourselves, our faith, and our world. We hope to create these communities for young adults across race, disability, faith background, gender, sexuality, and perspective to feel welcome to meet, to be, to gather.
Some Gather ministries connect deeply with a local campus ministry, as well.
Date: February 27-28, 2026 Location: First Lutheran Church, 3315 Avenue G, Kearney Cost of Retreat: $50 per person Who should attend? Anyone who works with children, youth or families in […]
The Nebraska Synod Journey is a week-long experience for youth who have completed grades 8-12 by the summer of 2026 and their adult leaders. The 2026 Journey to Pittsburg will […]