A-Z Site Map

Children and Young People

• Youth Participation - YPS
  • Why 'youth' participation?
  • Why do we need it?
  • What will it mean?
  • What will I be able to do as part of this?
  • How can you get involved?
  • More on the One Programme and OPPs
  • More about the Youth president
  • Finding out more

First things first: participation is about everyone, not just young people. It’s part of the Methodist Church’s bigger vision – part of the Children and Youth Team’s wider strategy – to see the whole church participating more; making and moulding the shape and substance of the church, together.

Participation and involvement mean changing the way we run our meetings, plan our worship, make our decisions. Participation and involvement mean changing the way we are church together.

At its heart, participation is essentially about how we relate to each other. It is an idea that values all humans as equal and valuable. And that’s how Jesus interacted with people. It’s why He had disciples; why He chose to speak with people not just to them. It’s also how God treats us, allowing us to be co-creators in God’s creation. And it’s how the Holy Spirit works, as the One who comes alongside.