What is NEXT?

NEXT is a ministry with and for young adults. In Lower Susquehanna Synod, we are hoping to accompany young adults as they mature in faith, by offering and supporting events that build community and offer them the opportunity to deepen relationships with peers and other adult mentors. NEXT is evolving and is not designed to replace any current gatherings of young adults in congregations or communities around our synod. Instead, we are looking to supplement those gatherings with additional events and support that bring even more peers together for fun, worship, service, and fellowship. Many of our synod’s young adults volunteer regularly at our synod youth events, camps and retreats, giving them additional outlets for gathering with peers. The ELCA defines ‘young adults’ as adults ages 18-35.

As a ministry, NEXT partners with a number of other ministries in our synod started and maintained by young adult leaders. For example, LutheranHANDS offers service learning trips and events on an annual basis. Led primarily by young adults, their trips and service days attract a wide range of ages, but often attract many young adults. Their mission trip planned for summer 2026, includes a ‘young adult congregation’ component to allow young leaders who do not affiliate with a specific congregation to gather with fellow participants for community building and support. Additionally, The Empowerment Project is a ministry tended by young adult leaders who gather for  monthly ‘meet ups’ at Chaka Crossfit. All fitness levels are welcome, and the meet ups include time for conversation, prayer and sometimes, a meal.

Any young adult groups interested in getting more connected to any of our NEXT activities or partner organizations, or interested in volunteering at any of our synod events, should contact Charlie Roberts, Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry at croberts@lss-elca.org.