Reaching Those in Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
The Minneapolis Area Synod provides support, networking, and educational opportunities for staff and volunteers who work with Children, Youth, and Family (CYF). A vibrant CYF ministry is critical to a flourishing congregation. At the same time, the work of the CYF leader can be challenging. The synod works to provide companions and support for this important work.
In CYF ministries we support our lay staff and volunteers in churches so they can provide a space where children, youth, and young adults feel at home, are reminded often that they are beloved children of God, can laugh and learn, be with friends, and experience a lively community of faith. This is why First Third ministry leaders are critical to congregational life.
Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods’ CYF Team
Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) Ministry in this synod is led by the Minneapolis Area Synod and Saint Paul Area Synod Children, Youth, & Family Team. The mission of the CYF Team is to support, encourage, enhance, and develop children, youth, and family ministries as they effectively share the good news of Jesus Christ.
The CYF Team exists as a resource for congregations, as well as CYFM workers and volunteers. Whether you are just beginning an intentional CYF ministry, or if your congregation already has a robust program, the CYF Team is here to connect with and support you. This is done throughout the year with a number of events, learning opportunities, and meet-and-greets, as well as being a resource for all things CYF.
Have a question that the resources below can’t answer? One of the CYF Team representatives from this synod can help:
- Dawn Albrecht, Farmington Lutheran, Farmington, dawn@farmingtonlutheran.com
- Paul Erdmann, Immanuel, Eden Prairie, paule@immanuel.us
- Rachelle Gill, Easter Lutheran, Eagan, rgill@easter.org
- Rev. John Hulden, Minneapolis Area Synod, j.hulden@mpls-synod.org
- Rich Holleque, Mt. Olivet, Plymouth, hollr@moply.org
- Rev. Stephanie Luedtke, St. Barnabas, Plymouth, sluedtke0@gmail.com
- Sarah Maslowski, CYF Connector (MAS), cyf@mpls-synod.org
- Jen Rome, Pilgrim Lutheran Church, St. Paul, pastorjenrome@gmail.com
- Lisa Sampson, Grace Lutheran, Apple Valley, l.sampson@graceofav.org
- Josh Svenulski, Christus Victor, Apple Valley, josh@christusvictor.org
- Leisha Tays, Our Saviours, East Bethel, ltays@oursaviourslc.org
- Julie Vagle, Trinity Lutheran, Long Lake, juliev@trinitylonglake.org
- Kelsey Young, Shepherd of the Valley, Apple Valley, kelsey.young@sotv.org
The CYF Team hosts or sponsors five regular events throughout the year. Specific details about these events appear on the calendar page of our website as the event draws nearer.
- Synod Lunch at the Youth Ministry Extravaganza: Join other youth leaders from the Twin Cities for lunch and conversation during the annual Youth Ministry Extravaganza.
- Gratitude and Blessing Breakfast: Celebrate the year of ministry with worship and conversation with other passionate CYF workers and volunteers.
- Welcome Breakfast: Each fall, new-to-the-synods CYF leaders gather to connect.
Are you new to youth ministry in the Saint Paul Area or Minneapolis Area Synod? Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or a volunteer, the CYF Team wants to connect with you! Fill out this form so that the CYF Team can invite you to events and include you in their network of resources.
- The CYF Team keeps a list of up-to-date resources. These resources include books, movies, curriculum, retreat centers, camps, trips, continuing education, and other networks. The resource list can be found here (PDF).
- ELCA Youth Ministry Network
- Information, free training, webinars, and convention information for children youth and family leaders in the ELCA
- The Confluence (formerly Augsburg Youth Theology Institute)
- An intense week of friendship, classroom learning, worship, solitude, contemplation, discernment, and action on Augsburg’s urban campus
- Spark House
- Faith Formation resources for children, youth, and adults
- Vibrant Faith
- Resources and teaching for faith formation, certification program
- InterServe Ministries
- Interim staffing for children, youth, and family ministries
- Peer Ministry
- Peer ministry training and resources for congregations
- Martins List
- Open source ideas for children and youth ministry from other Lutherans
- Lutheran Discernment about Military Participation (2012)
- Unfair 4 Square
- Monthly Twin Cities ELCA Children and Youth Ministry Gatherings | Contact Sarah Maslowski
- Eastern Suburbs Network | 3rd Thursday, 10:00 -11:30 a.m. with lunch together after. Location rotates between churches. (Going through transition period this year).
- Western Suburbs CYF Ministry Network | 2nd Thursday, meet at various host churches to renew, educate, and connect with other children, youth, and family leaders in the Twin Cities area | Contact Neil Christians with questions
2027 ELCA Youth Gathering
Every three years, thousands of high schoolers and their adult leaders from across the ELCA come together for the ELCA Youth Gathering. It’s not just an event but a movement in which faith ignites and community comes alive. Through inspiring speakers, experiential learning and transformative connections, young people experience the church in bold, unforgettable ways. Each night, participants share a unique faith experience through high-energy worship and powerful storytelling. The Gathering is an opportunity to ask big questions, grow in faith and be part of something bigger than yourself. Are you ready to join the movement?
The next gathering in 2027 will be in Minneapolis June 28 – July 2.
The ELCA Youth Gathering planning team is offering several webinars to help your church prepare! Check out this list of key dates to see the webinars and other important deadlines.
With specific questions about the 2027 Youth Gathering, contact Shane Marcus.
