Adults matter in the lives of our young people. To walk alongside a young person is a gift and we want to support you in that journey.

Faith formation happens when we share the story of Jesus. Faithful, caring, and inclusive adults give space to hear those stories of faith and to grow together for the sake of the world. Never forget that you matter. You don’t have to have all the answers. Being present, being willing to say, “I don’t know,” and hold that tension is a sacred space. Thank you for the time you spend equipping young people and learning from them.

"Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."

- Isaiah 41:10

Ministry Leader Resources

ELCA Youth Ministry Network

The ELCA Youth Ministry Network

This network exists to strengthen and empower adult leaders of children, youth & family ministries in service to Christ.

Joining the Network lends support to you in your ministry and gives you opportunities to support others in their ministry.

Supporting one another also supports the greater vision and lends a louder voice for Youth and Family Ministries throughout the ELCA.

Some Network Resources include:

3rd Tuesday Conversations (3TC) – monthly podcasts
- Take a break from the daily routine of ministry and grow in our vocation
- Learn from colleagues and experts in the field
- Participate in conversation with peers who can reflect on ministry, based on the content discussed
The Extravaganza - annual gathering of children, youth, and family ministry leaders from across the ELCA
Discipling Cohorts - an initiative committed to growing and deepening Network members in ministry leadership, personal faith, and vocational confidence with a goal for every Network member to create and live into a personal development plan

Practice Discipleship

Practice Discipleship Initiative — Leadership Development for the sake of Faith Formation. The Practice Discipleship Initiative fosters faithful, thoughtful and intentional leaders in congregations who follow Jesus in their daily lives.

Tammy recommends downloading them all and using them for your council, youth committee, senior group, etc. Enjoy!

Additional Resources for Ministry

Bible Project

BibleProject is a nonprofit ed-tech organization and animation studio that produces 100% free Bible videos, podcasts, blogs, classes, and educational Bible resources to help make the biblical story accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Building Faith

Equip. Teach. Form. Helping all ages grow in the knowledge and love of God. Subscribe to their weekly newsletter for relevant articles and resources for ministry.

Dr. Andrew Root

The Olson Baalson Associate Professor of Youth and Family Ministry; teaches classes on youth ministry, young adults, family, church, and culture (all with a deep theological bent) at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN.

ELCA Faith Practices

Healthy choices includes faith practices. The Affirmation of Baptism provides five faith practices to integrate into our daily life. Learn more about living our baptism at all ages here.

Fuller Youth Institute

Research into resources. Helping the church become the best place for young people to grow. Home of Growing Young, Growing With, and Sticky Faith resources.

LEAD

Growing deep, bold, consequential faith. Deepen your discipleship and grow as a leader and congregation.

Lifelong Faith Associates

Creating lifelong faith formation for today's world.

Ministry Architects

Healthy Systems. Innovative Change. For the Future of the Church. Helps churches build healthy systems that create space for deliberate, often disruptive, innovation. Home of Sustainable Youth Ministry. Offers many free tools and resources.

Peer Leadership Ministry

Relationships. Skills. Love. A ministry for all denominations based on Christian theology which flows from the Good Samaritan Story, with emphases on relational caring, welcoming and affirming skills.

PRC — Practical Resources for Churches

Everyone has a calling—ours is helping you! Providing faith communities time-effective, cost-efficient, and results-oriented programs and services to help your congregation fulfill your mission and ministry.

Salt Project

Telling stories that matter. Production company dedicated to the craft of visual storytelling. Follow their blog and subscribe to their weekly newsletter for creative theological content that inspires.

Vibrant Faith

Transforming the way we envision and design faith formation for all ages and generations in the 21st century. Home of the Visual Faith Project.

Resources for Dealing with Trauma

A Prayer from Tammy — Good and gracious God, we trust you with our future even when violence comes too close to home. God, please fix our devaluing of human life. God, we don’t understand why but turn to you and know you will be with us. With sighs too deep for words. Come Lord Jesus. Amen.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

NCTSN Resources for School Shootings
NCTSN Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after a School Shooting ENG | SPA
NCTSN Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event ENG | SPA
NCTSN Assisting Parents/Caregivers in Coping with Collective Traumas
NCTSN Talking to Children about the Shooting

Ministry Leader Training & Networking

NC Synod Training & Networking Events

NC Synod Youth & Family Ministry Networking Zooms

This is a time for Children, Youth, & Family Ministry leaders to come together for peer networking. Email Carissa for the Zoom link!

NC Synod Continuing Education Days

Traditionally held monthly on the third Tuesday at noon by Deacon Tammy Jones West, these events are currently on hold as we navigate the leadership transition. Rostered and lay leaders, paid staff and volunteers, are all welcome to gather for sharing and learning together. Join us by Zoom!

We select topics that are helpful for ministry and is always open to your suggestions! Email Carissa with your ideas.