Growing Young


First Lutheran has a long history of being a congregation with vibrant children, youth, and family ministry, but we also realize the cultural context around families has changed. We are intentionally asking and seeking “what is needed to Grow Young in our congregation?”

Growing Young is about actively working on enhancing our vitality and membership by placing a stronger emphasis on engaging young individuals. We recognize young people’s experiences today often don’t look the same as when we were young. This is about listening to the stories and faith journeys of those younger than us, and paying close attention to how we can support and encourage them.  It is natural to grow older, it takes intentionality to grow younger.

Click on the link to download the study guide.

Growing Young

with Leaders of All Ages

There are many inspiring stories of “Growing Young” throughout First Lutheran ministries.


In Children and Family Ministry (CFM), there is a faithful group of leaders who plan the lessons and activities, and an inter-generational group of small group leaders and faith mentors. There is an intentional culture of inclusion; of leaders from all ages being in relationship with one another for the sake of growing in our faith. This Sunday morning team has served together almost every week for over 9 months.

There is something extra special about the culture of growing young on Sunday mornings, Echo on Wednesday evenings, and Vacation Bible School/Day Camp. It is leadership of those who are “young” leading those who are young“er”! This is an intentional focus on leadership development and is a crucial piece of ongoing faith development. 

In Their Own Words:
Why they serve in Children’s Ministry with the elementary students and what makes them most happy at First Lutheran:


  • Sarah – in her everyday  life she is a partner,  mother, and an engineer. “I help with Children’s Ministry because I love  building relationships with the kids and learning about God together.  I love my small group and that is my happy place at FLC."


  • Natalie – Middle Schooler with a gift in creative arts answered the question, “I like being around kids, younger kids. I remember what it was like at their age. It’s pretty cool to see it from learning about things to teaching about them. My most happy place at FLC is when we are youth all together – like Meal Packing Night, lock-ins, and VBS/Day camp.”


  • Julia – High Schooler who has been serving the other youth since they were in elementary school says, “I enjoy seeing the kids take on leadership themselves and making connections with each other. I am interested in becoming a schoolteacher someday most likely with elementary age students. My happy place is coming to Sunday School.”

Investing in Young Leaders


In 2025, our Youth Stock Sale is being invested in Youth Leadership during VBS/Day Camp. In addition to serving in the mornings as crew leaders for VBS, the over 30 youth leaders will gather every afternoon for their own 4-hour camp that focuses on their own leadership skills and servant projects!

This is the third year the Youth Leadership Camp has taken place at FLC. The team is growing not only in numbers, but we see their involvement growing throughout the church like the examples above.

To Learn More about investing in our young leaders, click the Youth Stock Sale image.