ELCA Youth

09/01/2026

Imagine More Welcome Getting Ready Materials are now LIVE! ✨

Materials to explore a world where everyone has a place at the table. Download the materials 👉 https://theacademy.elca.org/courses/gettingready

08/27/2026

Faith Lens will return to new weekly Bible studies with our 2026-27 season's first posting on Wednesday, September 9, highlighting the next Sunday's lectionary readings. Our current blog host site is down, but rest assured we will return with a wonderful set of writers for the program year!

08/20/2026

So excited to promote a new FREE class to learn techniques at your own pace to build self confidence in leading children's messages. https://theacademy.elca.org/courses/7-pro-tips-childrens-messages

08/15/2026

Imagine More Love Getting Ready Materials are now LIVE! 💚

Beginning today, two lessons will be available each month for the rest of the year to get you ready for Minneapolis in 2027. Today's release includes the User Guide, Journal, and two lessons around Imagining More Love.

Check it out! https://theacademy.elca.org/courses/gettingready

08/06/2026

🔟 days 'till the Getting Ready Materials launch! 🎉

A series of bible studies built to prepare your group for the Gathering, build community among the youth + adults attending, dive deeper into theme verses, and engage in your local community.

You can pre-enroll for the materials here today 👉 https://theacademy.elca.org/courses/gettingready

07/15/2026

📢 The Gathering is hiring! This part-time, temporary internship will help our office prepare and execute the 2027 Gathering in Minneapolis.

The application closes automatically on August 7. To learn more, visit: 👇
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4316984

07/15/2026

Please consider taking 15 minutes to help inform resources for congregations like yours!

No matter the size of your church or the size of your budget, you deserve support that fits your ministry.

That's why we're listening.

More than 200 ministry leaders have already shared their experiences through the Small(er) Church Listening Project, helping us better understand what's working, what's challenging, and what leaders really need.

But we know there are more stories to hear—including yours.

If you've ever thought, "I wish there was a resource made for a church like mine," this is your chance to help make that happen. Take a few minutes to complete the survey and help shape what's next.

Because every church matters. Every leader matters. And every young person deserves a leader who is equipped, encouraged, and supported.

Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SmallerChurch

07/14/2026

Have you registered for Thursday's Webinar? We'll focus on a Leader’s Guide to the Getting Ready Materials! ✨

This is a webinar you won't want to miss! RSVP here 👉 https://elcafoundation.zoom.us/webinar/register/2617703973937/WN_0pHObFD1Q5qbeNAWm-h_wA #/registration

07/08/2026

Smaller church leaders—we want to hear from you. What support do you actually need in ministry right now? What challenges are you facing? What resources would make the biggest difference?

The Smaller Church Listening Project from Youth Ministry Consultants was created to listen intently to your needs and hopes, and ELCA Youth Ministry is excited to be part of this important work. Take the survey below and receive access to free resources you can use right away, and know that new resources will be created because of your participation in this survey project.

If you serve in a small(er) church ministry setting (250 or less worshipping members), we’d love to hear from you.

Take the 15-minute survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SmallerChurch

06/24/2026

Many churches and youth groups embark on summer service trips. This Faith Lens post is a reflection we hope you’ll use with your group prior to your trip to spark conversation not only about what you are doing, but also why you are doing it and what outcomes you hope for.

This post is the first in a two-part series designed to help groups reflect on their service work both before and after their trip. The second post, a post-service trip reflection guide, will be published in early July.

https://blogs.elca.org/faithlens/motivations-inequality-and-good-service-pre-service-trip-reflection-2026/

*Image by Kelly Latimore. Used with permission. Copyright Kelly Latimore Icons.

Before your service trip, reflect on motivation, inequality, and what makes service good with this discussion guide for youth groups.