Responding to the absence of young adults in the United Methodist Church, the denomination’s top legislative assembly approved initiatives to give young people support and a voice in the church.

Delegates to the 2004 General Conference approved a new division on ministries with young people. This division, to be housed at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, means young people will have a presence at the leadership tables of the denomination and a central office to coordinate programs.  

The division, with a budget of  $1.6 million, and another $4.73 million coming through other channels, also affirms the value of young adult voices in the church and provides a central place for youth, young adults and workers with young adult ministries to find direction for their ministries. 

Prior to the conference’s action, the United Methodist Youth Organization and the Forum for Adult Workers in Youth Ministry voted to disband. The Shared Mission Focus on Young People will be folded into the new division.

In addition to the episcopal and laity addresses heard at the quadrennial legislative assembly, the delegates also voted to add an address by a young person to the agenda for the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.  The approval affirmed the desires of young adults around the world to be celebrated as partners in service for Christ.

Delegates voted to expand the denomination’s television and welcoming ministry — with the message of “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.” —  over the next four years and to add a separate $500,000 youth component to the campaign. Coordinated by United Methodist Communications, the youth component will be developed to strengthen youth ministries in local churches.

News media contact: Linda Green, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org