Introducing ECMN's new Minister for Children & Youth

Beloved in Christ,

I am delighted to announce that Dan Miglets-Nelson has accepted my invitation to serve as ECMN's Minister for Children and Youth. Dan is a gifted youth minister with over 15 years of service to congregations of various denominations in Texas, Nevada, Illinois, and Minnesota, and with experience building and running vibrant, innovative children's and youth programming. Most importantly, Dan loves Jesus deeply, and I am eager to watch the ways he shares his faith with the children and youth of our diocese.

In his role, Dan will listen deeply to our faith communities around the diocese. Congregations are the primary places where our children are formed as disciples of Jesus, and Dan's most important job will be to support the good work being done at the congregational level with children and youth. Throughout this process, while reimagining what this role might look like, while meeting and talking with candidates, and when we made the decision to hire Dan, Canon Kelsey Schuster and I worked closely with two advisory groups; one, a group of adults who have done children and youth ministry in diverse contexts around the diocese, and two, a group of young adults who have participated extensively in our diocesan youth programming. We had wonderful candidates apply for this position and, in the end, we believe the Holy Spirit has guided us to this exciting next step for children's and youth ministry in ECMN.

Of this new role, Dan says, "I am excited to return to working within the Episcopal Church. My goals, aligning with the Bishop, his staff, and the goals of the diocese, are to empower churches to help make disciples of Jesus for God's Beloved Community." 

Dan will begin his work with us on June 6th. Please join me in welcoming Dan, and in praying for his ministry and for the children and youth of ECMN.

Grace and Peace,

The Right Reverend Craig Loya
X Bishop
Episcopal Church in Minnesota