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Youth Assembly

For two days before General Assembly this year, there will be an opportunity for youth delegates to get together, compare life stories, and work out how we’ll take over the Presbyterian Church in the following week at Assembly. If you have young people who might be interested, it’s time to start shoulder tapping.

Who should come?

Those of you who have diligently memorised the Book of Order will be familiar with the following guidelines for choosing youth reps:

  • Representatives are nominated to the Presbytery by the District Youth Committee or other Youth committee recognised by Presbytery. Where there is no District Youth Committee, nominations may be submitted to Presbytery by a Session or Parish Council.
  • Presbyteries with more than 13 parishes may send 2 representatives. Presbyteries with less than 13 parishes may send 1 representative.
  • Pacific Island Regional Youth Committees (Auckland, Wellington/Wanganui, and the South Island) may each appoint 3 representatives, Te Aka Puaho may appoint 6 representatives and the Council of Asian Congregations may appoint 3 representatives.

For more information on the regulations see reg. #176 in the Book of Order.

Other stuff to think about when you’re approaching young people to be reps at Assembly

While the definition of ‘youth’ differs across cultures, a general guideline for General Assembly youth representatives is 15-30 year olds. Youth workers or youth leaders may be good delegate choices, as they often have an awareness of big picture issues, and will benefit from networking with other youth reps and church leaders who will be present at Assembly.

What will we be doing at Youth Assembly?

  1. Orientating ourselves with the main issues being raised at Assembly this year
  2. Orientating ourselves with the process of General Assembly
  3. Connecting, laughing, eating, making paper darts, bingo cards and other boredom busters for the following week

Planning is still in the preliminary stages. Check back to this page for more info in the months leading up to Assembly or contact me at the PYM office.

Jo Ryan
Presbyterian Youth Ministry
c/o Synod of Otago and Southland
PO Box 1131, Dunedin
Email: youth(at)presbyterian.org.nz