Overture 04-11. On Amending the Standing Rules to Increase the Number of Youth Advisory Delegates (YADs) to the Biennial Meetings of the General Assembly—From the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.

The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta overtures the 216th General Assembly (2004) to amend the standing rules (A.2.c.) by increasing the number of youth advisory delegates (YADs) attending biennial assemblies by adding one YAD per assembly from each synod. [This will increase the number being sent to 189, making the ratio approximately 189:820 or 23 percent (a 2 percent increase). The increase in the number of YADs will be approximately 9 percent per assembly, and the decrease over the two-year period will be 45 percent.]

Rationale

One youth advisory delegate (YAD) is sent to General Assembly each year. Assuming all presbyteries send one, this should total 173. Currently, the YAD to commissioner ratio is approximately 173:554 or 31 percent. In 2006, at the first biennial assembly, the number of commissioners will be raised to approximately 820 from 554. This is a 48 percent increase in the number of commissioners per assembly, but over a two-year period, it is a decrease of 26 percent. However, if left alone, the ratio will become approximately 173:820 or 21 percent. It is a 0 percent increase in the YADs per assembly, and a decrease of 50 percent over a two-year period.

Biennial assemblies will give fewer opportunities for all Presbyterians to represent at General Assembly. But, adjustments have been made for commissioners so that their numbers are increased per assembly. However, the number of YADs would be cut in half with the current resolution. The overall YAD experience is quite different from the commissioners’, and is something that more, not fewer, youth should experience. Unfortunately, not many get to attend assembly in either case. The age range for YADs is 17–22, which gives one a six-year window of opportunity. With the onset of biennial assemblies, that window decreases to three years. An elder or minister can go at any time after ordination.

The representation of the YADs will still be a smaller percentage, but there are a few more able to experience the life and work of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

With the current resolution, there will be fewer opportunities to touch the lives of young people. Our youths want to be involved and know what their church is doing. Many of them have been worshiping in Presbyterian churches all their lives, and they are finally getting the chance to see and worship with Presbyterians from all over the country, from all walks of life, and from every side of every issue.

The young people are the future of the PC(U.S.A.). But, they are also the present. A trip to General Assembly helps shape their lives. It gives them an opportunity to be in communion with people who do what they may do in the future. In this church everyone is a minister, including our youth. It is inspiring to see their energy and enthusiasm and passion for things lost on so many other youths. They love the Lord, they love the Word, and they love the church. It is refreshing to see how many young people there are that are not only willing, but eager and anxious, to be involved. The life of the General Assembly is only enhanced by their presence.

In the church today, approximately 3 to 4 percent of ordained ministers of the Word and Sacrament are under 35. General Assembly is a way to encourage a life of ministry to the younger generation. Each year the YADs have one night dedicated to education about Presbyterian seminaries. Many YADs will have life-altering experiences at General Assembly, and it may lead them to a life’s vocation of service to the Lord.

After General Assembly, commissioners’ and YADs’ jobs are not over. They take the General Assembly home with them, back to their presbyteries and back to their churches. Many YADs will spend time with their youth groups, relaying their experience, and bringing enthusiasm to their peers. But, they also bring it to their whole congregation. So many people want to go to General Assembly, and so few get to attend. And, to be able to share their experiences is a unique gift.