05 July 2011
Rediscover the joy of sport, say Methodist youth
The Methodist Church is being encouraged to rediscover the
importance of sport for engaging with young people in their faith
and personal development.
Presenting their report to the annual Conference, the Methodist
Youth Assembly, asked the Church to affirm the role that sporting
activity plays in young people's lives.
"As young people, we are thrilled that the Olympics are happening
right in our backyard," said Youth Assembly representative Hagar
Opare-Aryee. "The joy of sports at a local level rekindles love and
unity within entire communities. We the Methodist Church have a
responsibility, an opportunity to stress the importance of
developing and promoting sporting initiatives to maintain the
health of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit."
The report was warmly received by the Conference, which agreed to
work with young people to develop strategies for promoting and
supporting healthy lifestyles in local churches and districts
across Great Britain.
The Conference also agreed to make worship leader training more
accessible to young people. Presenting the report Youth Assembly
representative John Colenutt said: "What better way to say 'we get
young people' than a young person at the front leading worship? As
a local preacher on trial, and a worship leader before that, I feel
privileged each time I lead a congregation in worship. But
sometimes the training materials, and requirements expected of
young people are not relevant or appropriate for them."
"The young people of the Methodist Church are not passive - we make
a massive contribution to its life, mission and worship," said
Christy-Anna Errington, Methodist Youth President. "So we're really
pleased to be able to contribute to the business of the Methodist
Conference."