ELCA Youth Ministry Network

Mission Statement:  The Network strengthens congregations by equipping and tending to leaders in children, youth & family ministry.

Our Vision:  We see a future where children, youth, and family ministry in ELCA congregations, synods, and churchwide flourishes and becomes ever stronger.  This happens because, as a community, we will focus on:

• Spiritual renewal
• Quality continuing education
• Deep connection and the building of relationships

Our Values:  Striving to be faithful witnesses of the Christian Gospel, we value…

• Faith formation for youth and adults is the key to growth in relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Adult youth ministry leaders, equally valuing lay, rostered, volunteer, and paid.
• Healthy, supported, and networked ministries in all areas of the church.
• The current and potential cultural and spiritual diversity of our communities.  Therefore, the Network seeks to welcome all persons.  We make a special effort to welcome those who have been historically marginalized.  (...from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages... Rev. 7:9b)
• Professional relationships among adult youth ministry leaders.
• Our partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
• Practices that are informed by Biblical and theological wisdom.