This weekend I was extremely blessed to have served as a youth delegate for the fourth year to the Missouri Annual Conference. Unlike most years, this year’s conference centered around youth and college aged ministry. As a member of the Conference Council on Youth Ministries, I was privileged to help plan the youth activities throughout the conference.
Out of the four conferences I have served as a delegate, this year has by far been the most engaging – not only for youth, but for adults as well. I believe that God truly surrounded us and spoke to our hearts through our keynote speakers and presenters.
Through all the excitement of the conference, I desperately pray that God has touched the hearts of these clergy and laity, that they may return to their congregations and make a difference in the life of youths. It’s great that we can gather together and recognize these truths and problems, but it does not benefit the life of the church if we do not act.
As youth, we simply want to belong, and have significance. We want to feel a part of something and feel loved and cared about. This weekend, we felt just that. I’ve never had so many adults talk to me between sessions. It warmed my heart that the youth were actually wanted and cared for. My twitter feed soon became flooded with pastors and laity who tweeted back and forth with the youth.
While I am a terrible singer, I felt privileged to sing with 151+ youth during the ordination service. We felt extremely blessed to be a part of this special service.
I am very grateful to be a part of the Missouri Annual Conference. Everyone is so supportive of the conference youth, and I could never express how much everyone’s support means to us.
Being asked by the bishop to be a part of the youth panel was very exciting. My heart is warmed that the voices of the youth were heard and that we were asked to share our hopes and thoughts of the United Methodist Church.
My prayer after the conference is that as we all head back to our congregations, we continue to push forward with our voices louder than before, that we make a difference in the lives of the youth around us and that we may continue to seek Jesus. I hope that each of us remember that youth need mentors, not more teachers. We need people who are simply there, to hangout, to care for us, to show that they are here for us whenever.
Adventures with Abbey Jo 
Thank you – it was a good conference and it was great to see you and the rest of the next generation playing such a key role. And hopefully the Bishop will reconsider, and dance next year.
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