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Young Adult Leaders Summit

Elaine de Leon of the GNJAC and seminary student at Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C., has a passion for supporting young adult ministries. She came to the Summit to be heard. She finds value in getting to be a part of conversations that need to be heard in a place like this.

Like Elaine, 70-80 United Methodist young adult leaders from across the country are attending The General Board of Discipleship's (GBOD) second Young Adult Leaders Summit meeting through Saturday in Nashville.

The Summit brings together young adult leadership from regional conferences across The United Methodist Church for networking, training and empowerment.

"This event is a great way for young adult leaders to connect with other leaders engaged in similar responsibilities as their own to share insights, support and ideas," says Bill Lizor, GBOD's director of Young Adult and Single Adult Ministries.

Sessions are focused on current research, discipleship and spiritual formation, and effective young adult ministry models.

To get an overview of current research, the group viewed the video, "Generation Next: Speak Up, Be Heard," a research project developed by PBS and Films for the Humanities and Sciences. According to the PBS Web site, "the aim of the Generation Next initiative is to unravel this generation of young people who are hooked to technology, generally supportive of gay rights and racial differences, partial to postponing adulthood and swamped in debt."

In addition to being both surprised and appreciative of the diversity in the places, voices and viewpoints, Elaine de Leon says she was glad the video talked about "the economic debt, because that's a reality that is under talked about."

Following a session on "Effective Models of Young Adult Ministry," led by Bill Lizor, participants engaged in conversation around developing a theology or paradigm for young adult ministry and a group process to identify, clarify and prioritize resourcing needs related to young adult ministry.

Carl Thomas Gladstone and Anna Stroud of the Wesley Project led worship and devotion time during the gathering. Gladstone has produced a digital release of Charles Wesley hymns that appeals to young adults in particular.

Regional church conferences could send 3-5 leaders of young adult ministries from any level - conference, district and local church - to the Summit.