Equipping Youth Ministry Leaders

The ELCA Youth Gathering is doing something  very new and exciting! Recognizing that ministry with and among youth is a crucial part of our life together and work as a church, the Gathering is putting a significant emphasis on strengthening youth ministry in congregations, synods and throughout the ELCA. In support of that mission, the Gathering in cooperation with the Oregon Synod (and all the synods of the ELCA) is sponsoring a number of training and resource sharing events, Equipping Youth Ministry Leaders. We believe that anyone who has a stake in today’s youth (and isn’t that all of us?!) whether they are paid staff, volunteers, Sunday school teachers, parents, or pastors will benefit from this time spent together

Please be aware, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A PART OF THE GATHERING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TRAINING EVENTS. These are a gift from the ELCA Youth Gathering to the church at large. We hope you will take advantage of these opportunities. Furthermore, you don’t have to attend one of the training events to be a part of this group! This group is simply for those who care about young people. The resources that will be collected here, and the conversations that will happen, are intended to affirm, equip and celebrate anyone who is called to serve with youth. 

…It’s not just about “The Gathering”

• It’s about equipping adult leaders and caring adults in our congregations and homes to accompany young people in developing a vital faith so they can fully live out their calling in the world for the sake of Jesus Christ.

• It’s about empowering young people in the Oregon Synod, and the adults who love them and walk alongside them, to embrace an active, living faith in Jesus Christ that is deeply owned and articulated.

The Equipping Youth Ministry Leaders training events are provided free of charge to all congregations in the Oregon Synod in the coming months. These events will be a mix of “face to face” trainings as well as online webinars throughout the next year, in which you and other youth ministry leaders and caring adults can participate.

The topics provided at these training events include:

             The current landscape of youth ministry

             Strategic planning for events in ministry

             Faith formation practices

             Building community within groups

             Small group materials

             Resources and networking

             And much more

If you are someone who cares about young people then you know that, how we as a church engage in ministry for, with and among youth matters! The resources available in this group will be most useful for those who have taken part in the Equipping Youth Ministry Leaders  Training events, but all are welcome to them and to join the discussion.