ELCA Youth Gathering

These were the daily themes that united 16,000 youth, young adults, and ministry leaders for the ELCA Youth Gathering July 16-20 in New Orleans, LA. There has not been an ELCA Youth Gathering since 2018 - which means that more than a whole “high school generation” has not been able to attend a Gathering. Now - they have! And they are excited disciples of Jesus. 

These events can be transformational! I wonder how many of you reading this story right now attended a Youth Gathering? (Raise your hands! ) 

I remember the first Youth Gathering I attended as a junior in high school. The impact of our pastor spending days riding on a school bus with us would never be forgotten. The power of being together with thousands and thousands of other Lutheran youth was not something I ever could have imagined: it was amazing! The faith created in my heart through the music, the talks, and the worships changed my life. I didn’t realize it at the time, but the growth of ministry began to take root in my life because of that Gathering.  

The Southwestern Minnesota Synod sent over 380 students and 120 adult leaders to participate in this Gathering. Thanks go out to Pr. Jon Wendt who served as our Synod Champion, taking point and providing coordination and guidance for all of our people. Thank you, Pr. Jon! 

I am so proud of our Synod Youth Band for providing the music and worship leadership for “Minnesota Day”. This worship service was attended by 2,600 participants from ALL of the 6 Minnesota synods. Under the direction of Pr. Hans Peterson, the band had been practicing and preparing for 6 months. Their musical skills and faith in Christ shined brightly. Hauling all of their instruments and gear, they traveled in 2 vans pulling trailers. Throughout the service, Pr. Hans invited youth into the aisles and up on the stage to interact with each other, dance for joy, and praise the Lord. Our students and the music they led truly connected with all of the other people from Minnesota. And believe it or not, worshiping with only 2,600 Minnesotans was a pretty intimate experience compared to worshiping with 16,000! The music chosen was familiar to our young people. Each of the 6 Minnesota bishops offered a 1-minute sermon. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton joined in for our worship time, too. It was a great time together. Thank you, Pr. Hans, so all of your incredible leadership. Thank you to the Synod Youth Ministry Endowment Fund for a portion of the financial support that helped prepare the band and send them on their way to New Orleans. They couldn’t have done it without this generosity! 

Throughout the week, groups had the opportunity to join in devotions to begin and end the day, use their energy in community life and interactive areas of the convention center, and explore the city of New Orleans. One of their days involved accompanying people who are serving the city. Many from our synod ended up exercising their flexibility when rain forced a change of plans. So, at 8 a.m. last Friday, 700 participants sat spellbound in a room watching a 90-minute documentary about The Whole Gritty City marching bands, formed in the early 2000s to provide life-changing music experiences for children in New Orleans. After learning about the bands, the groups got to hear their music. You can check out this documentary – it’s amazing – and so were the young musicians we were able to see and hear in person! 

No doubt, everyone who was part of the Youth Gathering has their own story to tell. I can’t wait to hear more of them! I am grateful for each and every one of the young people who invested months of their time to fund-raising and then participating in this Gathering. It was an honor to be able to spend some time with many of you. Thank you to each of the adult leaders and pastors who dedicated their time, support, energy, compassion, and dedication to these young people so they could have this experience. You rock. Thank you to all of the parents and congregation friends who gave your prayers, encouragement, financial gifts, and love to support these groups. They did it because you were there for them!  

What will be the impact of a week like this? Some of that depends on you, dear friends. You will see the enthusiasm of these young people in the coming months. They came back believing that God created them to be bold, authentic, free, disruptive, disciples – for Jesus’ sake. Please welcome their leadership. Our congregations need them!  Imagine the witness if each of these young people – and all those who are on serving trips this summer - steps into leadership in their congregations now and in years to come. Imagine the transformation of our churches if, in 8 years, many of them felt the Holy Spirit calling them into full-time ministry. For now, please remember: our children and youth are not simply the church of tomorrow, they are the church today! Thanks be to God! 

Click here to watch the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering - Week in Review | "Created to Be" video.