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Journal 2024

Trauma Informed Youth Ministry the Good Samaritan Way; Part 1: Becoming Aware

“Dad, you just don’t understand!”  “I was a teenager once too, you know.”  Then, I am haunted by the thought, “Not in a world like this!” I didn’t grow up wondering what was in the student’s backpack next to me or if an angry person would violently take their issues out on an unsuspecting crowd. I didn’t grow up wondering if an awkward moment in … Continue reading Trauma Informed Youth Ministry the Good Samaritan Way; Part 1: Becoming Aware

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Journal 2024

A Conversation with Aaron Shoppa

Aaron Shoppa In October of 2023, Aaron Shoppa took on the role of program director for youth ministries in the ELCA churchwide offices. In this role, he is one of the primary people to connect with congregational and synodical leaders in faith formation, as well as the Network. The Network’s Connect Journal sat down to learn more about him. Connect Journal: Thanks Aaron, for spending … Continue reading A Conversation with Aaron Shoppa

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Journal 2024

Artificial Intelligence: Practical Applications for Ministry

by Rev. Michael Jannett The last time my family visited a restaurant, my youngest daughter didn’t think she would like anything on the menu. She loves a good Caesar salad, but quite often, she takes a bite of something from someone else’s plate and finds that she actually enjoys what’s on that other plate.   We don’t know what we don’t know, until we try it … Continue reading Artificial Intelligence: Practical Applications for Ministry

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Journal 2024

Compensation and Time Off for Summer Trips, Camps, and Overnight Retreats 

Guidance for Churches and CYF Ministry Staff by Mark J. Jackson Overnight trips require significant amounts of time, energy and focus for children, youth and family (CYF) ministry leaders. The days are long, the activity constant and the ministry opportunities endless! But how should staff be compensated for summer trips, a week at camp or weekend retreats? How do you count hours? What about sleeping … Continue reading Compensation and Time Off for Summer Trips, Camps, and Overnight Retreats 

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Journal 2024

On Beards, Red Lights and Grace for All: Imran Siddiqui Part 3

by Dr. Dawn Rundman In this third and final installment of the Connect Journal’s interview with ELCA Vice President Imran Siddiqui, he shares more about family, theology and a word of encouragement for you. Read Part 1 of the interviewRead Part 2 of the interview Connect Journal: You and your wife have two young children. What are they loving right now about your church community? … Continue reading On Beards, Red Lights and Grace for All: Imran Siddiqui Part 3

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Journal 2024

Ministry in the Midst of Trauma

by Rev. Scott Maxwell-Doherty PRELUDE If you open your search engine and type in “Borderline,” here is what you will find: “On November 7, 2018, a mass shooting occurred in Thousand Oaks, California, at the Borderline Bar and Grill, a country-western bar frequented by college students. Thirteen people were killed, including the perpetrator, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a police officer who … Continue reading Ministry in the Midst of Trauma

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Journal 2024

A Conversation with Deacon Jess Liles

A Conversation with Jess Liles In August 2023, Deacon Jess Liles took on the role of director of youth ministries and director of the ELCA Youth Gathering. She is working side-by-side with Deacon Tammy Jones West, who currently serves as the director. Deacon Jess will take the reins following this summer’s Gathering in New Orleans. The Connect Journal recently sat down with Deacon Jess to … Continue reading A Conversation with Deacon Jess Liles

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