The young adult and you: what to expect from a youth at conference.

Within 15 minutes of registering, I found myself in two stereo typical youth and young adult situations. First I was asked by a fellow, older, delegate why his cell phone was not working. It was an easy fix a simple holding down of the power button returned the phone to life. Before I could find a place to get a bite to eat I was asked to blog about my time here at GC. These experiences quickly reminded me that I’m a “young-un” a demographic both coveted and misunderstood by some of the older members of our denomination. We don’t all “tweet” or blog or wear sandals to church. We do not all have liberal “lets change everything” ideas. The young peoples of the church are just as diverse as our older brothers and sisters in the faith. We have new ideas but are also eager to listen. We have opinions but are listening for others.

I pray that not only will the youth and young adults be heard but that all peoples who call themselves United Methodist and more importantly followers of Christ will come together and listen to God’s plan for all of his children.

On a side note there is nothing wrong with asking a youth for help with your technology, this would actually be a great way to make new connections.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
General Conference
Harare, Zimbabwe, has been chosen as the second host location for the 2028 General Conference. The Commission on General Conference made the decision Oct. 27 during the second day of its fall online meeting. Photo by Brandon Mushori via Wikimedia Commons.

Zimbabwe added as 2nd General Conference site

For the first time, organizers plan for The United Methodist Church’s top lawmaking assembly to take place across two locations, and in another historic move, one of those locations will be on the African continent.
Mission and Ministry
Participants in the Korean Association of The United Methodist Church’s 50th anniversary convocation pose with San Francisco Bay behind them after morning worship Oct. 6. The theme of the Oct. 5-8 gathering in Burlingame, Calif., was “Encounter, Engage, Empower.” Photo by the Rev. Eung-Sun Kim, UM News.

Korean church leaders welcome new generation

The Korean Association of The United Methodist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary with 315 clergy and lay leaders. Those gathered explored ways to nurture the next generation’s leadership and strengthen partnerships across communities.
General Church
The Rev. Paul Seay. Photo courtesy of the author.

Leadership Gathering should focus on local church

United Methodist leaders have benignly neglected local congregations for too long, a pastor writes. Any effort to revitalize the denomination must focus on them.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved