Rocky Mountain Synod Event

It’s a good time to be the Network

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

- Hebrews 10:19-25

The History

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The Extravaganza

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From the first Extravaganza

came the Network

Volunteer Driven

Event Focused

2005: Expansion of

CapacityAround the tagline: “Renew…Educate…

Connect…”Old:

“Managing” Board of 15

New:

“Visioning” Board of 7Regional Facilitators of 9E Team of 12Vision 1 Team of 7Vision 2 Team of 7Journal Team of 6Journal Team of 7Comm/Marketing Team of 4Standards & Guidelines Team of 8Very PT Staff - 4Regional Teams of 65

Total: 136

2007: Vision 1.0

To create a common language:

Write a definition of effective youth and family ministry

Set 4 goals:

1. Create leadership standards and guidelines

2. Build and support multiple levels of networks

3. Implement and connect individuals with training

4. Regularly invite conversations for partnerships and developent of new ideas

2008: Vision 2.0

Statement of intent:

"The ELCA Youth Ministry Network strives to be a culture of receptivity—a network culture that will receive, honor, and celebrate voices and gifts from every “nation, tribe, people and language” (cf. Revelation 7) in order to reflect God’s vision for the creation and the churches."

2009: Vision 3.0

The conversation begins October 16-18, 2009

Things to Highlight From

Vision 1.0Definitions of Effective Youth & Family Ministry

• Discipleship

• Baptismal

• Rooted

• Excellence

• Welcoming

• Cross Generational

• Advocacy

• Congregational

• Connected

• Partnership

“Creating a common language across the church…”

Things to Highlight From

Vision 1.0Standards & Guidelines

• Document going to the Board Oct. 16-18

• Focusing on core competencies

“Creating a common set of expectations across the church…”

Things to Highlight From

Vision 1.0Online Training Initiative

• Making high quality training available for those who can’t access it now

• Encouraging congregational teams to take it together

• On hold until we get a workable business model

Things to Highlight From

Vision 2.0Creating A Culture of Receptivity

Creating community conversations around the meal table at Extravaganza 2010

Extravaganza 2010

February 4-8, 2010

ICC Courses Feb 4-5Main Event Feb 5-8

Connect Journal

• Comes out 3 or 4 times per year (depending on the state of the budget)

• Themes: Currently working our way word by word through the definitions

• Peers writing for peers

• Goal: To raise the bar of conversation and learning about the area of youth and family ministry.

Mebership Benefits

Primary Benefits:• Belonging to a community of peers

• Being a part of this movement

• Helping to change the church

• Being a part of strengthening youth and family ministry congregationally, synodically and throughout the church

• Opportunities for Renewal, Education and Support

Other BenefitsSecondary Benefits:Discounts from resource and service providers like:

• The Center for Youth Ministries at Wartburg

• Impression Media Group

• Lutheran Life Coaching

• TXTSignal

• Trinity Lutheran College’s Children, Youth and Family Ministry Center

• The Youth & Family Institute

• Youth Leadership

• Youth Specialties

Members also receive:

• A discounted registration to the Extravaganza

• Discounted registration for Online Training

• Online access to our membership directory

• A subscription to “Connect”

• A free Hertz #1 Gold Club Membership

• Online access to videos of past Extravaganza keynote speakers

www.elcaymnet.org