The NE MN Synod
LYO Board
(Lutheran Youth Organization)
The Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) is an umbrella organization for the youth  of the ELCA, representing the voice of over 500,000 youth in this church. Some churches call their youth groups “LYO,” and almost all synods have an LYO or corresponding group.
          In the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, the LYO Board is comprised of 12 Youth Team members, six Middle School Adult Team Members, six Senior High Adult Team members, and the synod Coordinator of Youth Ministry. Additional At-Large positions are added as needed. LYO Board members are selected through an application process which takes place in February/March each year. Applicants are selected by the outgoing LYO Board seniors, adult members of the LYO Board and the NE MN Synod Coordinator of Youth Ministry. Selection is based on gifts and abilities that will complement the board. Youth Team and Middle School Adult Team members are also selected to represent our synod’s five conferences and at-large positions.
          The LYO Board of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod is primarily responsible for planning and implementing the Middle School Gathering and the Cardia Deo Retreat. Board members attend 4-6 scheduled meetings throughout the year. In addition, Youth Team and Senior High Adult Team members are required to attend a week long Summer Training Camp in order to serve on the LYO Board the following year. For a more specific description of board duties, please see the Youth Team, Middle School Adult Team or Senior High Adult Team job descriptions. 
General Information:
Applications for the 2020-2021 LYO Board will be posted Dec. 1, 2019! The information provided below is posted for your information to know general expectations and dates as  you consider applying.
Before you apply, please read through the documents at the links below to understand the responsibilities, commitment and dates that are expected from LYO Board members.
Youth Team Applications
Must be in grades 9, 10, or 11 at time of application.
The links below are Google Forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to share the link for the Recommendation Forms with the appropriate people.  If you are not able to access the forms, please email Catherine Anderson.
  • LYO Youth Team Application
  • LYO Youth Team Congregation Recommendation Form
  • LYO Youth Team Community Recommendation Form
Middle School Adult Team Applications
Must be at least 21 years old
The links below are Google Forms. It is the responsibility of the applicant to share the link for the Recommendation Forms with the appropriate people. If you are not able to access the forms, please email Catherine Anderson.
Senior High Adult Team
Senior High Adult Team Member positions are filled by invitation only. If you are interested in serving on the Senior High Adult Team, please email your interest to Catherine.Anderson@nemnsynod.org. All positions are filled for 2019-2020.
Are You Interested in Serving on the LYO Board?
Great! Serving on the LYO Board is a leadership position that holds a significant amount of
responsibility. The LYO Board is ideal for youth and adults who are already leaders in their congregations, and are ready for that next step of leading on a larger and deeper level with more responsibility and opportunities to
share their faith. Board members are DISCIPLES who SERVE others, GIVE their time and gifts, INVITE youth to follow Jesus, ENCOURAGE youth in their faith, PRAY, WORSHIP and STUDY – all because they love Jesus and want
to share that love with others.

Before you apply, be sure to read through the Job Descriptions, Assignment Duties and
Meeting Dates! The LYO Board has HIGH expectations of its members, and requires full participation in its training camp, meetings and events. Why? Your synod relies on you to provide quality, faith-filled events for 1,000 middle school youth and 200 high school youth each year – it’s a big responsibility!