Ministry to children, youth, and families is an important part of the mission of the Saint Paul Area Synod. One of the best ways we can train and equip leaders for mission locally and globally is to be attentive to the spiritual well being of the youngest in our churches.

Upcoming Events

Practice Discipleship Training

Thursday, May 30, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Westwood, St. Louis Park. Event offers a series of interactive presentations that will help those in Children, Youth and Family leadership understand the current landscape of religion in America and learn skills/attitudes that will help congregations adapt to the changes of this missional age. This is free training put on by the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods as part of the Practice Discipleship Initiative of the ELCA.

Register by May 28 by sending an email to Chris Okey at cokey@woodlakechurch.org or calling 612.866.8449

Core Leadership Team

The core leadership team for children, youth, and family ministry of the Saint Paul Area and Minneapolis Area Synods is comprised of congregational members and staff. The committee works to provide fellowship events, networking opportunities, and other support to congregations, ministers, and the young people with whom they serve. Their mission: “To support, empower and develop children, youth and family ministries to nurture discipleship for leaders and congregations.”

Our Core SEEDS

At the core of the steering committee’s work are five seeds:

Support. To network ministers, to advocate for the ministry, and to provide an atmosphere of renewal.
Encourage. To pray constantly, offer blessings, and have regular devotions.
Enable. To provide leadership and offer training and resources to those engaged in these vital ministries.
Develop. To help congregations evaluate their current ministries, envision future ministries, and discern plans of action.
Share. To collaborate together, connect as fellow children of God, and work collegially to continue God’s work in the world through children, youth, and family ministries.

Programs

Several ongoing programs and events are supported by the committee which relate to these functions:

Gatherings: Ascension Day Breakfast, welcome lunches for new children, youth, and family workers, networking lunch at Extravaganza, Twin Cities Urban Youth Ministry Network, other area networks
Recharge: Annual training event for leaders in children, youth, and family ministries
ELCA Youth Gathering: Adult leader training and communications. www.elca.org/gathering.
Read about Saint Paul Area Synod youth at the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering.
News: E-newsletters sent periodically to children, youth, and family ministers in each synod.

In addition, the synodical e-newsletters provide information on the many events relating to children, youth, and family ministries which occur in the Twin Cities.

Minneapolis Area Synod Youth and Family page