GA08109

Assembly approves five Youth Committee items

by Vicki Fogel Mykles

Youth Advisory Delegate Keith Coombs of Albany Presbytery argued in favor of the creation of a new youth task force during Wednesday evening’s business meeting. Photo by Danny Bolin

SAN JOSE, June 25, 2008 — The Committee on Youth brought five items of new business and a commissioner’s resolution to the floor for consideration on the opening evening of the 218th General Assembly’s plenary session.

One item directs the General Assembly Council’s Office of Ministry with Youth to provide each presbytery resource center or resource contact person with a copy of Christian Smith’s documentary DVD, Soul Searching: A Movie About Teenagers and God for congregational use.

Funded by a Lilly Foundation Inc. grant, this film for youth workers, parents or anyone else interested in the religious and spiritual lives of American teenagers is drawn from the findings of a seven-year scientific study of youth rather than from the personal experiences of one person. A major finding is that teens are rarely asked to talk about their religious beliefs and practices. Youth workers, parents and interested adults may find watching this film with teens a great way to start a conversation about religious and spiritual matters.

Recognizing the need among youths for acceptance and belonging, for adults to listen to them with respect, for leadership development and for a safe place to question and learn the language of faith, this Assembly action affirms the importance of spiritual mentoring between youths and adults. It recommends the development of programs to assist with the formation, affirmation and resourcing of mentoring programs at the congregational level.

Two other items direct the moderator of the General Assembly to appoint a task force to seek input from youth, young adults and adults to continue the dialogue begun at this Assembly. The task force also is to find and present model programs, focus on the needs and development of youth ministries and report back to the 219th General Assembly (2010) specific recommendations for designing and conducting various youth ministries under a “new vision” for youth.

The final action changes the designation of youth advisory delegate (YAD) to young adult advisory delegate (YAAD).

Commissioner Resolution 17-01 — to encourage full participation by youth ages 12-17 as volunteers to future General Assemblies — was defeated due to liability, insurance and supervision concerns.