Youth Ministry

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.

Because we are a church that believes God is calling us into the world together. ELCA Youth Ministry partners with the ELCA Youth Ministry Network, a group dedicated to renewing, educating and connecting those who work in youth ministry; with synod youth ministry leaders; with the Practice Discipleship Project and with congregations across the church.

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! And 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 wish to follow ELCA Youth Ministry on Twitter to see up-to-the-minute program updates, insights for youth ministry and new links to resources as they become available.