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Christ, Church and Community

We at the NALC believe that the key to youth and family ministry is relationship. It is about young people and their relationship to Christ, relationship to Church, and relationship to Community.

Relationship to Christ

The NALC is Christ Centered and believes that Jesus Christ revealed in Scriptures is the Lord of the Church and the only Savior of the World.

Our goal in youth and family ministry is to introduce young people to Jesus Christ, educate them in the Scriptures and the Catechism and nurture their relationship. So young people can boldly confess Jesus Christ knowing that they have everlasting salvation as the Word and promise of God declares.

Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5

Relationship to Church

The NALC values immersing children and youth in the life and mission of the church through active participation. Connecting young people to the life and mission of the church through intergenerational relationships helps keep them involved in their church and their faith through grade school, high school and beyond.

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

Relationship to Community

Then NALC recognizes that we are living in a post-Christian era, where the majority of people we are surrounded with each day do not share our worldview, they are not followers of Christ. This is especially true for young people. Therefore, young people need an opportunity to get to know and spend time with and build relationships with other young people from throughout the NALC.

This may seem challenging for smaller or physically isolated churches. Through mission district gatherings, the use of technology for gathering and communication throughout the NALC as well as other opportunities the NALC strives to help our young people feel connected, feel like part of the community of believers.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17

What’s Happening in Youth and Family Ministry?

  • Join “NALC Youth and Family Workers” on Facebook
  • There is a new tab on the “Holy Families” website called “Leaders Resources”. Here you will find resources created by Sunday School Teachers, Youth Leaders and Pastors throughout the NALC and are there for you to use. There is not much there yet but check back often. https://www.holyfamilytime.com/ Also let me know if you have resources to share!
  • Confirmation Classes on Zoom. This is a great opportunity for churches without Pastors or those that might only have one or two students. For more information contact Rev. Dr. Mark H. Braaten at [email protected]
  •  Host a Faith Formation Festival in your Mission District or Mission Region. Faith Formation Festivals are one or two day workshops on topics regarding Youth and Family Ministry. Follow the link to see the topics and speakers from past events: https://thenalc.org/faith-formation-festivals
  • Pastor Teresa Peters is also available to speak to your church, your ministry leaders, parents or youth themselves, via Zoom or in-person on various topics. Reach out and see how she can help.
  • Watch for special Zoom training events and guest speaker events from time to time on topics ranging from teaching confirmation classes, to story telling, mental health and teen suicide.
  • Melanie Corn, our Youth and Family Specialist is in the process of creating a manual for Mission Districts to be able to set up and run traveling Day Camps. Watch for more information about Melanie’s work in the months to come.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • MAY 5-11, 2024: YOUNG ADULT GATHERING

    • “The Cross, Where Word and Witness Meet.” Learn More.
  • JULY 1-4, 2024: CONTINENTAL YOUTH GATHERING

Contact

Contact Us

Pastor Teresa Peters
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
[email protected]

Melanie Corn
Youth and Family Specialist
[email protected]