Young people and children encouraged to be courageous for Christ

Jasmine Yeboah, Youth President of the Methodist Church, has reflected on her presidential theme at the Methodist Conference, encouraging young people to step outside of their comfort zone to do something courageous for Christ. Jasmine said: “I want to encourage young people to be courageous for Christ in whatever they are doing and wherever they are.”

The Courageous theme has sparked a social media campaign - #Courageous - which enables young people to keep up-to-date on how the theme is being used across the Connexion.

In an address to the Conference, Jasmine spoke of the priority for the Church to listen to and hear the voices of children and young people. A manifesto has been developed following the largest ever gathering of over 1700 participants at 3Generate, the Methodist Children and Youth Assembly.

The manifesto includes taking action on homelessness, building relationships within communities, supporting the lonely, caring for the environment, creating safe spaces for people to listen to each other and being creative in worship.

Citing examples, from Cornwall where a bus is being used to support homeless people, to Lincolnshire where an initiative called Spark brings together young people from church and non-church backgrounds, Jasmine said, “The Districts and Circuits blew me away as I have gone around the country. If every Church across the Connexion took action it would change the world. I really believe that”.

The Revd Dr Barbara Glasson, President of the Conference, said: “I am sure I speak on the behalf of Conference in our encouragement of you and the work that you are doing. Keep encouraging and motivating us to integrate the work of young people into the life of the whole Church.”

The next gathering of 3Generate is in November at Southport.

You can watch the full 3Generate report to Conference below.