What is the ELCA National

Youth Gathering?

Every three years, thousands of high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation and fellowship known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. Through inspiring speakers, conversations with partners, Bible study and being immersed in the host city, young people will be inspired, challenged and called to live out their faith in their daily lives. Additionally, young people will have opportunities to explore their vocation and discern where they are being called into this world.


CLICK HERE to vist the Youth Gathering website.

2024 Theme: Created To Be

The theme of 2024 is centered on Psalm 139: we have been created to be ourselves. Created by the Holy One. Since the last time the ELCA came together for an ELCA Youth Gathering, our young people have experienced several major life events. Still today, we are experiencing an ongoing public health crisis mixed with an economic and political crisis. However, we can rest assured that we are created to be in relationship with one another.


We are created to be brave, to show up with an open mind and heart, willing to be challenged.

We are created to be authentic, to bring our whole selves and know that we are loved by our Creator.

We are created to be free, to be transformed by the gospel.

We are created to be disruptive, to work for justice for all our siblings.

We are created to be disciples, to be sent out into the world to love our neighbor just as we are loved by God.

New Orleans

Our host city, New Orleans, has always been its true, authentic self. Our theme, “Created to Be,” highlights the arts, music and soul of this beautiful, vibrant and resilient city. New Orleans was built to host and be a city where all God’s children come together.



"An incredible space where my faith was not only

affirmed but shared with thousands of people." 

2018 Youth Participant