The 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering will bring thousands of young people together in Minneapolis to worship, learn and celebrate God’s limitless love. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with energy, faith and connection.
A New Rhythm, Same Spirit
We’ve reimagined the Gathering to meet the needs of today’s young people. Groups will no longer rotate through traditional program days (Synod Day, Interactive Learning Day, Accompaniment Day), but those experiences will continue in fresh, creative ways. You can expect interactive spaces, time with your synod, opportunities to serve (if you’d like) and moments that meet young people where they are.
Worship That Moves You
Each day will center on powerful, youth-focused worship, led by inspiring speakers, artists and musicians. Evening Mass Gatherings will unite everyone for moments of joy, reflection and renewal that remind us what it means to be church — together.
Community Beyond Your Congregation
The Gathering is more than an event — it’s a community. Your group will meet others from across the country, share stories and form friendships rooted in faith. From laughter to late-night conversations, the Gathering is a space where young people experience the wider church in a whole new way.
Opportunities to Learn and SERVE
Participants explore faith through hands-on learning, justice-centered experiences and ways to make a difference. Each opportunity is designed to help young people connect their faith to daily life and discover how they can boldly impact the world. If service is important to your congregation, we encourage you to sign up for SERVE, our all-day service and learning component on Monday.
Pre-events: MYLE and the tAble
Before the Gathering begins, two pre-events create intentional spaces for connection and leadership: the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), for youth of color and their adult leaders, and the tAble, for youth living with disabilities and their caregivers. Both pre-events flow directly into the main Gathering experience.
An Experience That Lasts
The Gathering is more than a trip — it’s a spark, a movement! It’s where faith grows deeper, courage is renewed and young people see the church as it truly is — inclusive, vibrant and alive.
Come ready to be challenged, surprised and inspired.
Come ready to imagine more.
