This was my first Youth Leaders Gathering, and I’ll be honest I expected a weekend of being talked at and having to make reems of notes to try and remember what was said. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised that this was not the case…
We gathered on Friday evening at Highgate House in Northampton; a beautiful venue in sunny March with a group of likeminded people. We were led by 2 of the national Children and Youth Development Team, and Ali Campbell came along to be our keynote speaker. It was engaging and we discussed how we can be more welcoming to all, especially young people.
Being the annual theme for 2025, ‘All Are Welcome’ was the theme of our time together. The discussions focused on inclusivity, looking at differing scenarios, obstacles, challenges, joys and victories of being a church that really does welcome all.
For me, the most significant reflection was the realisation that we all view Jesus differently. During this session, Ali placed 6 different images of Jesus on the floor ranging from medieval depictions to more modern, radical looking pictures and many of us chose different images for very different reasons. This reflected that the same can be said about church and faith; we can sometimes offer a very different looking Jesus to the one that people need or are searching for.
The weekend was well planned and led, interactive with enough free space to explore and share ideas and great fellowship. So, not only have I made likeminded friends and colleagues, but I have come away with tips, hints, ideas and material that helps make the job of introducing young people to Jesus, and our churches to young people a little easier….perhaps?.
On Saturday we travelled the short distance to see what Youth Assembly were up to, and again I was not disappointed. I was blown away during a beautiful Communion service, followed by important voting in the main hall. What an amazing future we have with these considerate, level-headed and honest young people and young adults.
I thoroughly recommend this event to anyone working with young people, it is a lovely time to spend in God’s presence, reflecting deeply into the what, where, why and how we do our role and do it well, whilst remaining on our own journey with the Lord.
This article was written by Tony Harris, Children, Youth & Family Enabler for the NOW Mission & Care Group. Contact Tony by emailing tharris.now@urcyorkshire.org.uk