This site is currently under construction. New content and format coming soon.
The Youth Leadership Summit and Youth Core Leadership Team Programs (YCLT) have come to an end. We are grateful for the many young people and leaders who have been part of this formative program for the past ten years. New initiatives are being envisioned for how we might empower youth into leadership and advocacy within the church-wide expression.
Welcome!
The ELCA Youth Ministry page is your starting point for finding resources, individuals involved in youth ministry across the ELCA, as well as leadership development and faith formation programs and initiatives for youth. The ELCA defines this as ministry to those in 6th-12th grades (11-12 years old through 17-18 years old).
We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world together. ELCA Youth Ministry partners with the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, which exists to strengthen and empower adult children, youth and family ministry leaders in service to Christ. This group is dedicated to renewing, educating and connecting those who work in youth ministry (volunteer or paid), or with synod youth ministry leaders.
Together, our churchwide organization of youth ministry, in partnership with ELCA Youth Ministry Network, received a Lilly Foundation grant which welcomes the creation of The Formation Lab. This lab works to discover new models of ministry with God in the center of young people’s lives and living out vital faith practices.
Our Work
As a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life, the ELCA offers a variety of opportunities for youth to grow in and explore their faith. One of the most powerful events, offered every third year, is the ELCA Youth Gathering, during which tens of thousands of high school youth and adults converge on a city to serve, worship and learn how to lead lives of discipleship. Also, don’t forget the amazing and diverse outdoor ministries of the ELCA! Youth Ministry works closely with ELCA Young Adult Ministry to walk with youth into transitional years of life.
Learn More
Check out the resource section with special messages, materials and tools for ministry including the lectionary-based Bible study series Faith Lens. You may also with to follow ELCA Youth Ministry on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to see up-to-the-minute program updates, insights for youth ministry and new links to resources as they become available.