Methodist Youth Director calls for stronger investment in young leaders as Church introduces new initiatives at YASA 2026

The Director of Youth Development and Ministry of the Methodist Church Ghana, Very Rev. Gideon Osabutey, has called on church leaders across the Connexion to invest more intentionally in mentoring and preparing young people for leadership, as the Church rolls out new initiatives aimed at strengthening youth ministry.

Speaking to WTV on the sidelines of the 20th Biennial Connexional Youth and Students’ Assembly (YASA 2026) at Akuapem Mampong, Very Rev. Osabutey said this year’s Assembly is introducing new spiritual and leadership-focused activities while providing an opportunity to review the Church’s youth ministry and address concerns raised by young Methodists across the Connexion.

A key addition to this year’s programme is the introduction of a Prayer Walk, designed to deepen the spiritual lives of participants. According to the Youth Director, delegates begin each day with a solemn prayer procession from their dormitories to the assembly hall between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., observing silence throughout the walk before taking part in a devotional session.

“We have added a prayer walk whereby from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. the young people walk from the dormitory to the hall. They pray; they don’t chat, and after that we have a devotion before they return,” he said.

The Assembly has also adopted a renewed approach to its Church Parade. Unlike previous editions, where delegates worshipped in different nearby Methodist societies, participants this year will join congregations in the Northern Accra Township for a combined worship service aimed at strengthening fellowship between the youth and local churches.

Very Rev. Osabutey explained that beyond introducing new activities, YASA 2026 is serving as an important platform for the Church to assess the progress made over the past two years, identify gaps in youth ministry and develop practical strategies to strengthen its engagement with young people before the next Assembly.

He acknowledged concerns repeatedly raised by Methodist youth regarding limited support for youth-led evangelism and ministry initiatives. According to him, many young people believe some of their ideas are often misunderstood or dismissed, even when they are intended to advance the mission of the Church.

The Youth Director also highlighted concerns over the implementation of the Church’s policy on youth participation in leadership. While the Methodist Church seeks to promote 30 per cent youth representation within its leadership structures, he noted that implementation remains inconsistent in some societies, circuits and dioceses.

He said discussions at the Assembly revealed differing perspectives on the issue. While some church leaders believe young people are reluctant to accept leadership responsibilities, many delegates say they are not being adequately prepared through mentoring, discipleship and leadership training.

“They are saying the opportunity is not there. We are not being educated, guided and discipled to function well. When we try to do our best, then we are being rebuked,” he said.

Very Rev. Osabutey urged young people to remain teachable and receptive to guidance, stressing that effective Christian leadership requires humility, discipline and a willingness to learn.

He also appealed to ministers, church leaders and members across the Connexion to nurture young people with patience, encouragement and understanding rather than public criticism.

“They will make mistakes, but when they do, humbly bring them back onto the right path. Let’s be fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters to them. Some of them have the gifts and skills the Church needs. Until we educate and guide them, they may continue to go wrong,” he said.

He further called on the Church to invest deliberately in the capacity development of young people by connecting them with training opportunities, institutions and experiences that will equip them for effective service and leadership.

Very Rev. Osabutey concluded by reaffirming that young people are not merely the future of the Methodist Church but an indispensable part of its present mission.

“We are the Church. We are not the future of the Church; we are the Church,” he said.