Youth Ministry Summit

Dear church leaders and youth ministry leaders,

You are warmly invited to gather for Strong Foundations: the 2026 MNO Synod Youth Ministry Summit, a day of learning, reflection, encouragement, and practical conversation about ministry with children, youth, families, and congregations.

Dynamic youth ministry does not begin only with Confirmation or youth group. It begins much earlier—with the foundations we build with children and families, the spaces we create, the practices we establish, and the systems that shape how people experience our congregations.

As leaders, we know that strong ministry grows from strong relationships. It grows when young people and families are seen, welcomed, valued, and invited to participate fully in the life of the church. It grows when our congregations become communities of belonging for people of every age.

At this year's Youth Ministry Summit, we will explore the practical side of building those foundations. Together, we will consider how congregations can create systems, supports, and spaces that strengthen relationshipswith children and families—and, in turn, strengthen ministry with youth.

We will also take time to reconnect with the deeper foundation beneath our work: faith in a God who loves, welcomes, and embraces all of us, and who is continually forming us into communities of love and belonging.

Whether you are a pastor, deacon, council member, youth leader, Sunday school leader, volunteer, parent, or someone who cares deeply about young people in the church, this gathering is for you.

We hope you will join us as we build from the foundation up—grounded in God's love, strengthened by relationship, and committed to nurturing communities where young people and families can belong and grow. Questions? Contact Deacon Michelle Collins (mcollins@elcic.ca)

Agenda & Registration

Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/mnosynod/2026-youth-ministry-summit

Agenda (subject to change)

Saturday, Nov. 7

9:00 – 9:15 | Gathering, Registration, Conversation, Snacks (Display Fair available)

9:15-9:45 | Opening & worship

9:45 – 10:45 | Session One: Growing Children & Youth Ministry

10:45 – 11:00 | Break (Display Fair)

11:00 – 12:00 | Workshops

12:00 – 12:30 | Lunch (Display Fair)

12:30 – 1:30 | Session Two: Threads of Identity

1:30 – 1:45 | Break (Display Fair)

1:45 – 2:45 | Session Three: Build Your Children/Youth Ministry Toolbox

2:45 – 3:00 | Breakout Groups

3:00 – 3:30 | Closing

Session Information

Session Information

Session 1: Growing Children & Youth Ministry

Using the basic principles of church growth, learn how to grow your ministries beyond the ones who are already there. Learn about getting outside your walls, sharing your story in a way that invites engagement, and connecting with your neighbours
Session Leader: Rev. W. Lee Dominick

Session 2: Threads of Identity

Identity is not one simple thing. It is made up of many threads; the people we come from, the communities that shape us, the experiences we carry, the stories we inherit, and the parts of ourselves we are still learning to understand.
This will be an interactive session where leaders explore the various threads of identity, and explore how that relates to supporting and encouraging the children and youth in our contexts to explore and share their identity stories. We will explore how leaders foster spaces where our stories (and the stories of young people in our communities) feel seen and heard, and reflect on why the stories we tell about ourselves and our congregations matter.
Session Leader: Joanne Roberts

Session 3: Build Your Children/Youth Ministry Toolbox with Ministry Architects

For over 30 years, Ministry Architects has been helping churches build the systems that are needed in any ministry for long term health and sustainability. Sean Williams from Ministry Architects will be with us to review some of these key systems, including Major Event Notebooks, Preventative Maintenance Calendars, Ministry Manuals, and more. The time will also include an overview of their tried and true volunteer recruiting process that will help you find all the volunteers you need for your ministry. They are excited to be with us and we’re excited to have them!
Session Leader: Sean Williams