ELCA Youth Ministry Network

09/08/2026

09/03/2026

A new article has dropped in the Network's Connect Journal: "Building Ministry for a Lifetime: https://connectjournalorg.wordpress.com/2026/09/03/building-ministry-for-a-lifetime/

09/02/2026

Season 2, Episode 5 of FAITH LISTENS, a podcast brought to you by the Formation Co-Op, is out today — and it’s our **season finale!** 🎧

**Season 2, Episode 5: Keeping Listening**

What have we learned when we slow down, listen deeply, and make space for God to surprise us?

In this final episode of Season 2 of Faith Listens, we hear wisdom from the congregations featured throughout the season—from youth leading retreats to intergenerational gatherings, sensory rooms, third spaces, and youth councils. Their stories remind us that transformation doesn't always begin with a big idea or a perfect plan. Sometimes it begins with a question, an invitation, or one small step.

Throughout this season, we've heard again and again that listening is more than a ministry technique. It's a posture of curiosity, discernment, and trust—a way of listening for the voice of God through our neighbors, our young people, and one another. When we let young people speak for themselves, when we notice the gifts already present in our congregations, and when we give ourselves permission to experiment, new possibilities begin to emerge.

You'll hear why it's okay to think small, why we don't have to do youth ministry alone, and why there's grace in not having everything figured out. Most of all, you'll hear a reminder that we're not alone in this work.

As we close the season, we're invited to **keep listening**—to what is bubbling up, to what God might be calling us toward, and to the people right in front of us.

Because listening opens us to the voice of God, the wisdom of our neighbors, and the possibilities we couldn't see on our own.

Thank you for listening to Season 2! 💛 Keep following the Formation Co-Op for more stories, resources, and opportunities to get involved.

Find all episodes at elcaymnet.org/faithlistens or wherever you listen to podcasts!

08/28/2026

We're so excited to hang out with Rev Jen Collins at Extravaganza 2027. Rev Jen will serve as our Theologian for our time together in Minneapolis!

08/26/2026

Season 2, Episode 4 of FAITH LISTENS, a podcast brought to you by the Formation Co-Op, is out today!!!

This season highlights stories of experiments from congregations across the country who have been part of the Co-Op process — what they have tried, what they have learned, and how the Co-Op has supported them as they explore new ways of rooting young people in a lifelong, transformative faith in Jesus Christ.

Season 2, Episode 4: Curiosity Creates Community

What if the connections we're longing for are closer than we think?

In this episode, we hear from Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Owatonna, Minnesota, and St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in San Diego, California. Through listening, these congregations discovered that both young people and older generations shared a deep desire to know one another. Rather than assuming they knew the answer, they took small steps to create meaningful opportunities for connection.

You'll hear how one congregation hosted an intergenerational event where youth led conversations by asking adults thoughtful questions, and how another brought generations together around food, conversation, and community. These simple experiments sparked new relationships and reminded everyone that faith is nurtured when generations learn from one another.

This conversation reminds us that meaningful change doesn't begin with having the perfect plan. It begins with listening, staying curious, and taking one small step. As we create opportunities for people of all ages to belong together, we discover that God is already at work building a stronger, more connected community.

New episodes coming soon! Find them at elcaymnet.org/faithlistens or wherever you listen to your podcasts!

08/24/2026

Registration link below in the comments...

08/20/2026

Next up from our MainStage is an announcement of another fantastic speaker Rev. Emmy Kegler , and musician Spencer LaJoye. Check out more about our speakers at https://www.elcaymnet.org/speakers

You can register to attend Extravaganza 2027 at our website https://www.elcaymnet.org/register

08/20/2026

www.martinslist.org

08/19/2026

Season 2, Episode 3 of FAITH LISTENS, a podcast brought to you by the Formation Co-Op, is out today!!!

This season highlights stories of experiments from congregations across the country who have been part of the Co-Op process — what they have tried, what they have learned, and how the Co-Op has supported them as they explore new ways of rooting young people in a lifelong, transformative faith in Jesus Christ.

Season 2, Episode 3: A Place of Belonging

What does it look like to create spaces where every young person knows they belong?

In this episode, we hear from Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rockford, Illinois, and Peace Lutheran and St. Luke Lutheran in Memphis, Tennessee. Through listening, these congregations discovered a deep longing for belonging and responded by creating spaces where young people could feel seen, welcomed, and included.

You'll hear how one congregation recognized the needs of families in their community and created a sensory room that allows more young people to fully participate in the life of the church. You'll also hear how another congregation reimagined an unused space as a "third space" - a safe place outside of home and school where youth can gather, build relationships, and grow in faith.

This conversation reminds us that welcome is more than an invitation, it's something we intentionally create. As we listen for where God is already at work, we can build communities where every young person has a place to belong.

New episodes coming soon! Find them at elcaymnet.org/faithlistens or wherever you listen to your podcasts!