Elevate 2026 - Reflections on Youth Convention
Athletics, jobs, academics, entertainment. Our students are being raised in a world that values busyness over mission. In an attempt to give our kids every opportunity for success, we have signed them up for every activity under the sun to gain maximum life experience. Mission, vocation, and discipleship are not foreign words in our churches, yet they seem to get tossed out as soon as we need to cram in another activity. While we shepherd our congregations to see that busyness does not fit into God’s plan for our churches or for our families, we recognize the value of providing space for our students to get away from that busyness.
The Elevate Youth Convention is one of those spaces. When students sign up for what is about a week-long event, they are signing up for a small slice of respite from the daily grind, even if they don’t realize it. Most students get to leave behind many of the burdens that are placed on them back home, allowing them to be more fully present to hear from God’s Word through various avenues. And to have a lot of fun, too!
A typical youth convention, for our church group, starts with relationship building long before the trip actually starts. Almost every student needs to raise funds, so we start by putting them to work with each other. Yardwork, meals, and selling pizza don’t always seem like relationship building activities, but when we work hard side by side—with a decent amount of goofing around—doors open and walls come down. This allows us to get to know each other before the trip even starts. It’s also a great time to get to know parents, too!
Next is the bus ride. Some of our best memories from the conventions have been borne out of being crammed in a hot, 15-passenger van, blasting music, singing our lungs out, and playing volleyball in gas station parking lots. Every step of the way is an opportunity for building relationships and ministering to one another. It is so good to be part of these times of engagement.
Students are hungry for meaning and truth. The internet is full of confusing information, and AI slop has permeated every part of it. As they hear consistent preaching from multiple perspectives through main sessions and breakouts at EYC, the doors can often open wide for deeper conversations regarding the actual stuff that they are experiencing. They get to ask the big questions that help them understand their place in God’s kingdom.
Before I went to my first youth convention as a youth director, I was skeptical about working so hard to raise so much money for a trip that seemed to be mostly about fun. The reality is that kids see it as fun, but they often experience it in much more meaningful ways. I have seen the Holy Spirit move through my entire youth group (including adults). We have spent time crying, encouraging, confessing, and giving absolution to each other. Even though fun is helpful for getting students to come, students end up returning because of how they have encountered Jesus through the worship time, the sessions, and the small group time.
The hardest part of the whole thing is going back home. At some point, we have to leave this amazing little bubble and return to the burdens waiting for us that are still very real. But we remind students that the same God who met them at the convention is very present at home. He is present and active through his Word and through the Church.
The Elevate Youth Convention is not the answer to all of our students’ problems, but it is a remarkable opportunity for kids to see how deeply God knows them and loves them. They are showered in grace and truth in incredible ways over several days. I believe this convention is definitely worth the work that it takes. And, it isn’t just work, it is work with eternal purpose.
Josh Neiss is the Student Ministries Director at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Brethren Church in Minot, ND.
Elevate Youth Convention 2026 was a highlight of the summer for my kids! The theme Immeasurable was so relevant to our youth, and they were able to learn and grow in all the ways God is immeasurable!
As a chaperone, I was also filled spiritually and encouraged by each of the speakers. The worship music was fun and uplifting, setting the tone for hearing God’s Word. Our youth commented that the breakout sessions were also impactful. They were able to find topics that they wanted to grow in, which was encouraging. Some of our youth had never been to convention before and enjoyed getting to meet youth from other states that shared their faith. They commented, “Everyone is so nice!” It was great to make new friendships.
Youth convention is an opportunity for our youth to experience how big the family of God really is—that it stretches across the continent and beyond and is not just limited to their youth group! It also encourages them to keep growing and stay strong in their relationship with the Lord.
A lot of fun happens at the convention, as well. There was a lot of excitement about the Seph Schlueter concert. As a chaperone, I really appreciated his music, but also his testimony and encouraging words to the students. The Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum were truly mind-blowing and reminded us that there is so much detail and history in Creation that point to God and his plan for us. I have so much more to learn! Our kids felt the same way and enjoyed taking it all in.
As a chaperone and a parent with kids attending, my prayer is that the students will know Jesus and have an understanding of salvation. The message of salvation and God’s immeasurable grace and love for us was clearly shared and embraced by our students. Ultimately, I’m excited because God is working in the lives of our students and equipping them to share the good news with others!
Jen Coleman is a parent and chaperone to the students that attended Elevate from Maple Park Lutheran Brethren Church in Lynnwood, WA.