The ELCA Growing Younger project began in 2019, after research confirmed that congregations were experiencing a decrease in attendance, especially among young people. ELCA staff discovered that the Fuller Youth Institute had been working across denominations to help churches grow younger and create more vibrant communities in response to this trend. Since then, the ELCA has had over 300 people trained from 52 synods to learn how to create a faith community that not just welcomes young people, but equips them with strategies to create a place where young people can belong and be part of the church family.

There are pastors and youth leaders from across the Northern Great Lakes Synod who have participated in Lifelong Faith Formation classes and trainings, based on the book Growing Young, by Powell, Mulder, and Griffin. Developed through research at over 250 thriving congregations, Growing Young provides ideas and strategies any church can use to involve and retain young people (specifically those who are 30 years or younger). Please reach out to Stefanie Ehle if you have any questions or would like to learn more about how the NGLS is growing younger!