This is your story
You are the hero of a children or youth ministry story, even if you don't see yourself that way, yet. That story has ups and downs, twists and turns, but God is with you every step of the way. The Network is here to walk with you too. We are a group of people and a place for renewal, for equipping, for challenging, and for supporting you in your ministry.
4 Steps to becoming the minister God has called you to be:
1
Know yourself as a leader
If you're a volunteer in youth ministry, you are just as much a leader in young people's lives as a pastor, deacon, bishop, or actual angel from heaven. God has called you into ministry and the Network is here to help you grow into leading that ministry. Whether you've been leading ministry for decades, or you've been ordained or have a PhD in child psychology, or you are new to leading children and youth, we have the stuff you need. Check out our 3TC podcast to get aquainted with how others are leading in ministry and to get ideas for the amazing new journeys in faith you'll guide your youth in taking.
2
See where Youth and Family Ministry is heading
No one does ministry with children and youth in a vacuum. The Network is always on the lookout for the new directions God is taking us. We've already done the legwork for you in keeping up with the new publications, the new church partnerships, the new trends in youth culture, the discoveries in the science of kids brains, as well as the ways that tried and true methods for ministry are being reinvigorated. Check out the Network Blog for all the latest.
3
Join the Network Mission in service to Christ
Take the next step up becoming part of the Network. Our incredible Martin's List will be at your fingertips for hundreds of the best resources for youth retreats, Sunday School, Confirmation, games, parties, Bible Studies, and much more. Network membership links you up with thousands of other youth and family ministers in the ELCA and beyond. That's not all, you'll gain special access to events, workshops, and even discounts with our partners and our own Network Extravaganza.
4
Attend the Extravaganza
The ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza is held every year at the end of January in a different U.S. city (and in the same city as the Youth Gathering preceding that summer). This four day event features the best speakers in youth ministry, highly rated workshops, as well as plenty of time for networking or just unwinding with friends (new and old). This event is carefully calibrated to recharge your ministry batteries and send you back with a notebook full of ideas and a greater sense of God's specific call to you as a leader of children and youth.
