The Nexus Institute

Nexus Institute

The Nexus Institute is one of 92 high school youth theology institutes funded by the Lilly Endowment, under the oversight of the Forum for Theological Enrichment. Nexus exists to transform the landscape of the Lutheran Church through innovative and intentional development of young adults who want to be more involved in the nexus of faith, life, and the church.

The institute is a life-changing opportunity where young adults engage in theological learning, leadership development, and vocational discernment, all in the context of intentional Christian community, and are sent out to transform their local communities. Three individual weeks of the institute are held each summer in June.

Welcome to the Nexus Institute 

Full-time ministry is not what it used to be. We need to chart a new course. If you want to get below the surface of simplistic understandings of church and God and how Scripture and faith intersect with the world around you, NEXUS is the place.

Proclaiming Jesus amid the noise! How do we live our calling in the world of social media? If you want to be inspired by the possibilities for ways your life can be a witness to the good news of Jesus Christ, NEXUS is the place. If you want to be part of a new community on the front edge of where the Spirit is leading the church in the 21st century and beyond, NEXUS is the place. #whoareyoufollowing

Register Now for Summer 2019

We’ve eliminated one of the possible reasons you can’t make it to NEXUS…NEXUS is FREE. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s free. You just need to get yourself and your friends to Des Moines, Iowa and join us next year.

Apply to the Nexus Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NEXUS Institute?

The NEXUS Institute is a year-long Theology Institute program for high school students who have completed their 10th grade year. The NEXUS Institute is a life-changing experience of community and learning focused on shaping people to be agents of God's transformation in the church and the world.

Through interactive learning experiences, discussion, and collaboration you'll explore why Jesus matters, and how your life is intended to be a life of transformation. You'll explore how the church relates to the pressing issues of our world today and why the church matters. As you explore with others, you'll also get a taste of intentional Christian community - the kind that can change the world.

Don't just take our word for, watch the video below from students like you who experienced the NEXUS Institute.
When Is the Summer Residential Week of NEXUS?
The 2019 schedule is the week of June 23rd and July 7th.
Where is Nexus?
NEXUS is located at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. Throughout the week, institute participants will get to explore the greater Des Moines area, enjoying what it has to offer, as well as seeing and learning from people doing innovative ministry for the church.
Who can apply?

Applicants must have completed their 10th grade year. Applicants should be unsettled with the way things are. They should want to contribute to God's ongoing work of transformation in the world. They should have an interest in better understanding what difference Jesus makes for everyday living.

Apply to the NEXUS Institute
How much does NEXUS cost?

Attending the NEXUS Institute is free. Participants will have to provide their own transportation to Des Moines, Iowa (assistance is available upon request and need).

Nexus is made possible through a generous grant as part of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s High School Youth Theology Institutes initiative. Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by three members of the Lilly family, J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons J.K. Jr. and Eli. Through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly & Company supports the causes of religion, education and community development. They seek to deepen and enrich the religious lives of American Christians, largely through initiatives to enhance and sustain the quality of ministry in American congregations and parishes.
I'm a pastor/youth pastor, what should I do?
If you’re a pastor or youth director/minister/pastor, there are three main things you can do:
  1. Find those students you know would benefit from this.
  2. Tell them they should go to the NEXUS Institute.
  3. Contact us for more details, to get more information or our informational catalog.
I'd like to work at/for NEXUS, what can I do?
There are many ways for you to be involved with NEXUS or work with us--for starters, you can participate as a mentor, speaker, project overseer, or local connection. If you’ve got other ideas or want to know more, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you!