Extravaganza 2025 Online

Sunday, January 26

Download a printable version of workshop schedule

Workshop A:

Look at Your Ministry with New Eyes

Rev. Billie Jo Wicks (She/Her)

In this workshop, you'll learn how to take a step back and view your ministry with fresh eyes. Using a reflective lens, we'll explore how to assess what’s working, what’s not, and how to make your ministry even stronger. You'll take home tools you can use immediately to help you evaluate your goals, celebrate your successes, and make changes that lead to growth. Whether you're starting out or looking to improve, this session will help you gain clarity and direction for the future. 

Here We Are Now; Entertain Us (Or, Actually, Don't)

Rev. Elizabeth Friedman (She/Her) 

Inviting young adults into a faith community is hard. Their schedules are often weird and unpredictable. They have big questions. They’re idealistic and they’ve got opinions. They don’t necessarily want to do things the way they’ve always been done. But the silver bullet has never been praise teams, or screens, or even a coffee bar (even if those things might help). Rachel Held Evans argued that young people are not looking for a change in style, but a change in substance. Unfortunately, a silver bullet doesn’t exist. But there are strategies for developing relationships and faithful community among young adults that campus ministry practitioners use every day in their high- turnover communities. In this workshop, we will discuss practical ways to reach out to young adults and to offer them the life-giving, grace-filled theology that is so different from what they normally experience. 

Reconnecting with the Disconnected

Tiger McLuen (He/Him)

We all have heard of the increasing rate of disconnection—and it is a bit depressing. In this session, Tiger will look at the 3 big questions every young person is asking and how these are affecting their view of the church. We will discuss other cultural issues impacting this disconnection. There will be no easy answers here, but together we will wrestle with the issue and look at possible ways for the church to build bridges with those who have left. In addition, we will look at some faith factors that may actually reduce the disconnection rate in today’s world. 

Teaching Leadership Skills to Youth and Young Adults in a Faith Based Setting

Marissa Metevelis (She/Her)

In this workshop we will explore how to build solid group dynamics, some tools to use when helping students determine their gifts of leadership, suggestions on how to increase youth and young adult presence in leadership in the church, community and synod setting. Pop Quiz time: do you know how many face to face hours it takes to build community? We know that one of the key ways to grow faith is for youth and young adults to feel needed in conversations. In this workshop we will give you tools and takeaways on how to foster leadership skills among students and you adults. 

Teaching from a Place of Assumption vs Permission AKA Building a Ministry Unique to your Community

Danielle Dadashi (She/Her)

No two communities or ministries are the same, which means no two CYF programs can be the same either. How can we move past our assumptions of what "youth group" or "Sunday school" is and build something that's right for our unique setting? In this workshop we'll share ideas for how we can create ministries that are dynamic and personalized for our children and youth. Let's share ideas and get creative!

Workshop B:

Providing Refuge During Seismic Transitions

Elizabeth Friedman (She/Her)

It’s no secret that youth and young adults are struggling right now, and widespread loneliness is a huge factor. The transition into adolescence involves major shifts: In friend groups, in family relationships, in how youth see the world, and in how youth see God. How does the church show up for teens who have reached confirmation age, or perhaps have been confirmed? How do we provide a source of strength and refuge for our teens when the earth feels like it’s shaking underneath their feet? How do we help connect them to a more adult faith life as they transition into adulthood? In this workshop, we will explore the reasons why a faith life is so important for pre- and post-confirmation teenagers, and how for teens who absorb constant messaging that there is something wrong with them, our Lutheran theology of grace is life-giving and essential. 

No More Silence: The MMIR Crisis and our Shared Responsibility

Prairie Rose Seminole (She/They)

This interactive workshop will focus on raising awareness about the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives in the United States. Through the screening of the short film, “We Ride For Her,” with the film's co-Director, Prairie Rose Seminole, participants will learn about the cultural, historical and systemic factors that contribute to the issue. The workshop is designed to educate about the complex realities of Indigenous peoples and encourage allyship and accomplices in addressing the ongoing crisis. 

Participants will leave with a deeper understanding and practical ways to take action in their own communities to support Indigenous voices, advocate for justice and help dismantle the systems of oppression that contribute to these tragedies.
An event chaplain will be available in the room following this workshop for participants. 

Can We Imagine a Thriving Future?

Riverside Hub: Kristina Fruge (She/Her)

This workshop will feature a panel of young adults that Riverside Innovation Hub has been working with over the past two years on a book project, written by young adults to the church facilitated by Kristina Fruge. This book is a compilation of several themes that matter most to many younger folks. The author team has thought of this book as a table of sorts, one folks from all generations are invited to sit around together and wrestle with the hard questions of our time. Likewise this workshop will be an invitation to participants to sit at this same table. We aim to help folks walk away more hopeful and more empowered to lead their churches into a future where thriving is shaped by a gospel imagination for God’s love for the whole world. 

Reconnecting the Disconnected

Rev. Michael Jannett (He/Him)

Join us for an impactful workshop exploring innovative strategies to re-engage youth with the church. Discover how to reach those who have drifted away or are hesitant about organized religion. Some key takeaways include identifying barriers to youth engagement, developing inclusive outreach programs, fostering meaningful connections within your congregation, and implementing practical steps to attract new youth. Leave equipped with actionable ideas to rekindle connections and inspire a new generation in your ministry. Let's bridge the gap and reignite faith together! 

Using Hands, Forming Hearts: Experiential Prayer in Children, Youth and Family Ministry

Victoria Hoppes (She/Her)

Using prayer stations is a versatile, experiential, creative, and meaningful way to help people of all ages connect with God. In this workshop, we will consider ways you can use prayer stations in a variety of settings within your congregation and community. Victoria will share ideas for how prayer stations can be used in children’s ministries, youth ministries, and even intergenerationally. Participants will also leave with a list of tips and tricks for setting up prayer stations, as well as a set of stations created specifically for this workshop that can be used in any ministry setting. 

ActuallyFun | Next-Level Youth Ministry

Zach Hartman (He/Him)

The youth program is the future of your church, but it can be hard to get young people to stay connected to your ministry. ActuallyFun can help. One of the most powerful ways to connect with today's youth is through fun and active games. Games not only encourage kids to come to youth group for the first time, but if used correctly, games build bridges and tear down walls. This session will not only equip you with a huge arsenal of easy-to-lead games that are actually fun, but will also enhance your ability to create meaningful relationships within your group.

Workshop C:

Administration as Ministry

Danielle Dadashi (She/Her)

Building and maintaining a thriving a CYF ministry is more than leading lessons, facilitating games, and organizing retreats. There's so much behind the scenes to make everything happen. In this workshop we'll talk about forms, budgeting, and policy making as ministry. How to start from scratch, update procedures, and get leadership and parents on board! This workshop is perfect for folks in their first few years of ministry or looking to make updates to their admin procedures. 

Rooted in Spirit: Cultivating Spirituality and Community

Dr. Kelly Sherman Conroy

Join Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy in this interactive workshop exploring the power of community as a spiritual practice. Through hands-on activities, learn how to nurture belonging, trust, and collaboration using Indigenous wisdom. Help children, youth, and families deepen their spiritual connections, and leave with practical tools to build a ministry grounded in the strength of community and shared spiritual growth. 

AI & Social Media in your Ministry

Rev. Michael Jannett (He/Him)

Step into the future of ministry with our dynamic workshop, "AI & Social Media in Your Ministry!" Designed for church leaders and youth ministers, this session promises to revolutionize your connection and engagement with your congregation. Exciting takeaways include discovering AI's transformative power in ministry, crafting captivating social media content, mastering AI tools for effortless content scheduling and insightful analytics, and boosting your online presence and community engagement. Join us for an inspiring journey, and walk away with innovative, ready-to-use strategies to elevate your ministry immediately. Don’t miss out— transform your ministry today! 

Finding Your People

Kendyll Mathiason (She/Her)

Fostering an engaging youth and family culture in a church is not a one-person job and many congregations are struggling with finding and keeping volunteers. It takes a team of devoted and trustworthy people to build a thriving, growing program. In this collaborative workshop, discover ways to recruit, engage, keep, and thank volunteers will be discussed. As well as the challenges that come with finding the right people, and the right places for those people. This workshop is for all levels of CYFM ministry leaders, from volunteers to staff, to brand new or veterans. It will involve small group discussions and the sharing of ideas and resources. 

Design Your Life: Creating a Path of Purpose and Passion

Dr. Kris Bjorke (She/Her) & Dr. Sidney Childs (He/Him)

In this dynamic and interactive workshop, inspired by the principles of the bestselling book "Design Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, we will explore how to design a fulfilling and meaningful life rooted in faith. Participants will be guided through practical exercises and reflective discussions that integrate spiritual insights with the innovative life design techniques outlined in the book. Throughout the session, attendees will learn to:

• Identify their core values and how these align with their faith.

• Utilize design thinking to explore various life paths and opportunities.

• Overcome obstacles and embrace failures as part of the growth process.

• Create actionable plans to achieve personal and professional goals.

This workshop is perfect for individuals seeking to harmonize their spiritual journey with their personal and career aspirations. By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer vision of their purpose and a toolkit of strategies to actively shape their lives with intention and faith.

Workshop D:

• Collaborating Together (Partnering with other churches/congregations for youth group)

  Deacon Dustin Hamren (He/Him)

  Collaborating Together is a dynamic workshop designed to equip youth leaders with practical strategies for fostering meaningful partnerships between different churches or congregations. Participants will explore the benefits of collaboration, such as resource sharing, diverse perspectives, and expanded outreach. Attendees will learn how to navigate challenges, build trust, and create inclusive environments that engage young people across diverse backgrounds. This workshop aims to inspire creative collaboration, strengthen community bonds, and empower youth leaders to make a collective impact in their communities. 

  How Do Beach Balls Fly?

  Rev. Heather Roth Johnson (She/Her)

  One of the greatest gifts the church has received from God is the gift of people. There are very few places where a 3 year old can sit next to a 93 year old (not related to them). Worship is one of those places. We have this beautiful gift of the generations sitting side by side, but often we don't know what to do with them or how to connect them together. Intentionally moving into intergenerational can be like juggling a bunch of beach balls! Come join Pastor Heather Roth Johnson and learn how to make beach balls fly as you explore intergenerational ministry. 

  Youth are  Either Leading or Leaving

  Lyle Griner (He/Him)

  Thus the question, "How are churches inviting and allowing youth to lead?"

  "Leave no youth behind!" All youth, active or not, need to hear the words, “We need you!” at least twice a year. Learn numerous strategies, angles and corners your church can reclaim a vital and growing youth ministry. Youth show up when they are needed for meaningful and purpose filled ministry! You will leave with usable implementation plans. Based on the recent book by Lyle, influenced by over 40 contributors. 

  Recharge and Revitalize: The Epic Adventure of Mindfulness and Stress Relief

  Joy Hensel, MA, LADC, ADC-MN (She/Her)

  Our days are filled with uncertainty, challenge, and distress. Using mindfulness and stress relief activities, we will learn and practice how to best tend to our bodies, minds, and spirits to better tend to others. In this workshop, you will also gain knowledge, skills, and a tangible take-home tool kit with resources and curriculum that will equip and empower you to develop programming to build belonging and relationships. Come and learn the importance of integrating mental health into ministry and how it can positively impact you, youth, families, and congregations. 

  D.A.R.E. to Play (Disability Access Resource Experience)

  ELCA Disability Ministry

  All are welcome at church? Some of our youth group games don’t include all of God’s children. During this workshop, participants will learn how to make icebreakers, team building activities, and games more inclusive for those with disabilities and/or those who are neurodivergent. We will discuss the “why” of inclusion, along with navigating conversations surrounding youth with disabilities. Participants will also receive a list of supplies to have on hand at their congregation to make games and activities more accessible for those with disabilities. Come prepared to play some games and have some fun. 

  Intergenerational Worship with Godly Play

  Joy Studer (She/Her)

  From the Godly Play Foundation, Creative Director Joy Studer shares insights into the Godly Play method being used BIG with your entire congregation. Come learn how this method can help your church family grow in this way of “being” with children and one another.

Workshop E:

Dare to Explore Collaborative Ministry

SYMBOL Steering Team

Are you ready to collaborate with leaders beyond your congregation? Perhaps you are looking for the next inter-synod and/or regional event. How can you partner with outdoor, campus, and ecumenical ministries in your synod or region? Join the SYMBOL steering team to hear stories of successful collaborative youth ministry, engage in conversation about resources and trainings, and dream up new ideas with your peers. 

Trauma Informed Youth Ministry

Jim Lewis (He/Him)

Trauma has been  identified by some as the “greatest mission field of the twenty-first century.” With recent studies indicating growing percentages of young people facing adverse childhood experiences, it is vital that our ministries become aware, create space and faithfully respond to the impact of trauma. You will learn how being Trauma Informed impacts what we do and how we do it, as well as the core values and key elements of a Trauma Informed Youth Ministry. It is an empowering introduction for this Good Samaritan work, as we courageously enter into the pain of those who have experienced trauma. 

Level Up Your Game (Using games to build relationships with youth and the community)

Deacon Dustin Hamren (He/Him)

This interactive workshop is tailored for youth ministry leaders. Dive into the world of role- playing and board games as powerful tools for fostering connections. Discover how these games can strengthen bonds, promote teamwork, and enhance communication skills among youth. Explore strategies for selecting and integrating games that create inclusive and engaging experiences, bridging the gap between diverse backgrounds and interests within your community. This workshop equips you with practical techniques to use games effectively in your youth outreach efforts, promoting social interaction, problem-solving, and fun. Join us to unlock the potential of role-playing and board games in building meaningful relationships and cultivating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for youth in your ministry. 

Catechism D.A.R.E. (Disability Access Resource Experience or Exploration)

ELCA Disability Ministry

What does dying and rising mean from a disability perspective? Join the ELCA Disability Ministries Team as we explore the baptism texts of the New Testament, Luther’s explanation, and our contemporary Lutheran baptismal worship services. Mark Allen Powell, New Testament scholar and music critic, and others have demonstrated that we are influenced by our context. Indeed, it is Scripture’s content in conversation with our changing context that engages and reveals the Living Word of God. The Church often wrestles wondering how to make accommodation for the disabled student, but in this workshop come to consider what might happen if people living with various disabilities are allowed to speak and interpret Scripture. 

"Yes, And..." - Working a Children's Sermon with what you got!

Rev. John Stevens (He/Him)

Building on Pastor John’s workshop from last year, we will be taking odds and ends that Pastor John finds locally, applying rules of improvisational games, and mix in some Grace, Grace and some more Grace. We will move from the steps of preparation to the steps of the Sanctuary. Attendees will walk away with a more expansive set of tools to access the creative Spirit that is hiding underneath the surface, waiting to be explored. AND, we will put together two usable sermons that kids of all ages will find nourishing. We look at an assigned text for a Sunday, and we will explore putting together a Children’s sermon for Good Friday. 

Weaving Stories: Embracing Indigenous Wisdom in Ministry

Dr. Kelly Sherman Conroy

This hands-on workshop is for those who work with children, youth, and families in church settings. Participants will explore storytelling from a Native worldview, guided by Dr. Kelly Sherman Conroy. Through interactive sessions, attendees will learn to:Understand the role of storytelling in Indigenous cultures.Engage children, youth, and families through storytelling.Foster an inclusive community that honors diverse stories. 

Workshop F:

Living as Cross-Eyed Lutherans

Rev. John Stevens (He/Him) 

In a time where some are lifting up Christian Nationalism (theology of glory) as a way of life and where the Conference of ELCA Bishops states that “We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit,” it is crucial that we live into the Theology of the Cross, which Luther states, “calls a thing what it is.” Living into the understanding that “Grace, Grace, Grace” is the key element for us to embrace how we are to interact with the world, we will explore God’s call to form us into the body of Christ. We are called to look at the world through cross-shaped lenses, (cross-eyed) and ask ourselves what that means for us as we interact with the world. Using Dan Erlander’s booklet, “Baptized, We Live,” as a guide, Pastor John will explore our Lutheran identity, theology and how a Lutheran understanding of Grace is life giving in the midst of so many other voices vying for attention. 

Partnering with Parents

Rev. Heather Roth Johnson (She/Her)

People who work in children and youth ministry usually love being with kids and students. They are funny, fun-loving, and make ministry fun! Kids and students also come with parents, grandparents, or caregivers, and sometimes we don't know what to do with them. What do parents/ caregivers need from the church? What are the best practices to help them? How can we pour into the lives of parents/ caregivers so that they can live out their callings as caretakers of the faith for their children? Join Pastor Heather Roth Johnson, a veteran in CYF Ministry, who has a quirky and quiet way to equip parents or other special adults to share faith with kids. 

Take a Generational Tour

Dawn Rudman (She/Her)

Boomers, Xers, Millennials, Zoomers, Gen Alpha. Whether you’re new to learning more about the generations in ministry contexts or just want a refresher, this workshop is for you! As a ministry leader, when you learn how generational experiences and identity can shape attitudes and expectations about theology, organized religion, and meaningful faith formation, you’ll be better equipped to understand the needs, gifts, and insights of the children, youth, and families you serve. This workshop will help move past generational stereotypes to compassion and empathy for up to seven generations that may be part of your church community.