Tim Annan inducted as new Methodist Youth President

 

Timm Annan, 22, was inducted as the new Youth Presidentof the Methodist Church yesterday (Sunday 14 August 2016) atHarrowby Lane Methodist Church, Grantham.

This important role in the life of the Church will see Timrepresent thousands of young people across the UK, both at home andabroad.

The service, presided over by the Revd Dr Roger Walton,President of the Methodist Conference, and the Revd Helen Cameron,Assistant Secretary of the Conference, was streamed live over theinternet, broadcast in churches and to youth groups across thecountry.

Tim takes up his new role following an election that took placeat last year's 3Generate, the Methodist Children and YouthAssembly; taking over from the previous Youth President, CraigGaffney.

As well as hymns, prayers and Bible readings, part of theinduction ceremony saw the President of the Conference anoint Timwith oil, a practice that has "a long tradition in the scripturesof anointing people for special service in God's world."
 

Speaking at the service, former Youth President Craig Gaffneysaid to Tim: "You are coming into a role that is hugely excitingand hugely daunting at the same time … this will be an amazingyear. God has put you in this place to be a voice for the youngpeople of the Methodist Church, but you can't do that on your own.You need to rely on God and His strength in that journey."

 

In his inaugural address, Tim began by thanking Craig for hisinspiration to the Church over the past year before moving on tohis own priorities for the year ahead.

"I quickly learned that if you want to effect change, you needto be part of the conversation about change in the first place,"Tim said, going on to emphasise that this can only be done through"encouraging debate, but making it balanced."

"I won't pull any punches about what the young people have tosay. I'm willing put it all out there, and channel the voices ofyoung people. Together, let's be the change we want to see. Let'sraise our voices and make it clear what change we want to see. I'llgladly put my reputation on the line, if it means giving power tothe powerless."

 

Tim Annan is a youth worker from Grantham and has spent fouryears completing a Youth Studies degree.

The Lincolnshire-raised Methodist is excited by "the differenceyoung people make for our churches and our communities."  

Tim knows today's challenges for both young people and youthworkers - including care for youth workers, bullying and globalissues - and hopes to better speak for the young people of theChurch as a result.

Tim is keen on popular culture and how the Church reconcilesChristian values with local communities; by engaging in politicalaction, dialogue, art, music.

Tim added: "I will put forward the ideas of the young people ofthe Methodist Church to challenge and change Church. Together wecan make an impact not only on our Church, but on our society aswell."

 

Notes:

• More photos from the event are availablehere.
• The induction service is available to watch againonline here