Youth Leadership in Action: Kenny Represents Grand Canyon Synod at 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, held July 28–August 2 at the Phoenix Convention Center, brought together leaders from across the country for a week of worship, discernment, and decision-making. Among the many voices present was Kenny, a 17-year-old member of Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona, who served in two significant roles: as a voting youth member and a member of the Election Committee.
Kenny, who will begin his freshman year at North Carolina State University this fall, was invited to serve on this committee by Bishop Deborah Hutterer after the two met at Campformation in 2024. Recognizing his leadership potential, the bishop first asked him to join the Election Committee for the assembly—and later called on him again to represent the Grand Canyon Synod as its youth voting member. After confirming that he could legally serve in both roles, Kenny accepted the challenge with enthusiasm.
Throughout the week, Kenny worked tirelessly—often from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM—participating in votes, tallying ballots, and listening to deep discussions around church policy, leadership elections, and the future of the ELCA. He appreciated the breaks in the schedule for communal meals and worship throughout the days too.
Kenny, who has previously attended the ELCA Youth Gathering and other synodical events, was well-prepared for the big topics up for discussion. He especially appreciated the integrity of the election process and admired Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for her leadership and boundary-setting throughout the week. He noted how seriously fellow delegates took their roles, asking thoughtful and challenging questions, and all these things gave him hope for the Lutheran Church.
One observation that stood out to Kenny was the strong presence of young adults at the assembly, and he estimated that around 150 attendees were under the age of 30. While he didn’t always agree with every viewpoint, he was proud to be part of a generation that is showing up, speaking out, and shaping the future of the church.
Kenny also shared how deeply connected he felt to the global Lutheran community during the assembly. Bishop Eaton’s repeated call that “we are church together" resonated with him, especially in moments of worship and voting, where he realized the decisions being made weren’t just for local congregations—but for churches across the country and around the world.
This experience left Kenny with a renewed sense of hope for the future of the Lutheran Church. As he heads to college to study biology, he plans to continue his faith journey by becoming active in campus ministry at NC State.
Kenny’s story is a powerful reminder that young leaders have a vital place in the life of the Church—not just someday, but right now.
