Building community across the state through faith-deepening experiences

Youth ministry in the Nebraska Synod grows disciples of Jesus and leaders in the church.

The Nebraska Synod offers two annual ministry events for young people and their adult leaders as well as one other ministry event during summers when the ELCA Youth Gathering isn’t scheduled. The Lutheran Youth of Nebraska (LYON) Assembly is typically held the weekend before Thanksgiving, and youth in grades 9-12 and their adult leaders are welcome. The Middle School Gathering (MSG) is an experience for young people in grades 6-8 and their adult leaders, and it takes place in January the weekend immediately before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The Journey is a week-long experience that involves service learning somewhere outside of Nebraska. It’s open to youth who’ve finished grades 8-12 and their adult leaders. For youth ministry resource ideas to use in your setting now, please check out the links below.

Middle School Gathering 2.0

A Synod wide day of service for middle school youth (completed 5th-9th grade) to gather and learn to share Christ’s story as they explore how daily experiences and interactions shape our faith stories.

“So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

Sharing faith stories can be hard for all of us, but especially for middle school youth. How do we listen to others whose story may not be the same as ours? How do we hear Christ’s story in their story? How do we hear the word of Christ? How do our daily encounters shape how we tell the story? How do we share THE story of the Good news of God’s love in words and deeds which is a story for all of us?

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Looking for fresh ideas for youth ministry?

From conversation starters to prayer practices to mental health resources, check out helpful resources here.

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The ELCA Youth Gathering

The ELCA Youth Gathering takes place every three years, and the next one will be in Summer, 2024.

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You’re not in this alone.

Check out ways to connect with others who are growing disciples in Nebraska and all across the country.

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