New Methodist Youth President Welcomed

The new Methodist Youth President, Genesis Padgett (them/they), aged 19, was welcomed to their new role with a service at their home church, Emmanuel Methodist Church in Barnsley on Sunday morning, 14 September. Also attending were the President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Richard Andrew, and the Vice-President, Matthew Forsyth, along with family and friends of Genesis.

The Methodist Youth President is a salaried position working full-time for one year to serve the children and young people of the Methodist Church in Britain. The role involves meeting and representing the young Methodist people to ensure that their voices are heard and to help them be involved in every aspect of Church life.

Genesis Padgett was elected by children and young people from across the Methodist Church last year and serves as the Youth President from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026.

Genesis is a member of Emmanuel Methodist Church in Barnsley and has been attending a Methodist church since they were three.

“I applied for the role of Youth President because I’m passionate about making sure all young people in the Church are heard and valued. I have seen firsthand how much creativity, energy and faith our youth have. I really want to keep experiencing that and keep guiding everyone to encourage this in all aspects of Church life," says Genesis. “I am so excited and just a tiny bit nervous about taking on this role. It is such a privilege to represent all young people from around the Connexion. I am ready to listen, learn and really get involved with as many events as possible.”

"I felt so encouraged by all the support I received at my welcome service, seeing so many people gathered, supporting and praying for me reminded me that I am not in this alone,” continued Genesis. “It has given me so much energy and excitement to start this new journey. I am really looking forward to meeting young people, hearing their stories, and learning about what matters most to them."

Bea Hulme, the outgoing Methodist Youth President, welcomed Genesis saying, “It’s been a lovely few weeks passing on the role to Genesis, I’m excited to see what they will do with the position. I pray they have an amazing year and enjoy their time representing young people.”

The President and Vice President of Conference, the Revd Richard Andrew and Matthew Forsyth, expressed their excitement at the prospect of working together with Genesis. They commented, "We are looking forward to working with Genesis as we encourage the Connexion to tell its story and sing its song. Genesis has many gifts which will be a real blessing to the Methodist Church during their year of office. We will both be holding Genesis in our prayers."

Victoria Loveday, Children's & Youth Co-ordinator for the Sheffield Methodist District, commented, “Congratulations, Genesis, on stepping into this new role as Youth President! Your skills, dedication and leadership qualities make you the perfect fit for this position. I have no doubt you’ll bring a fresh perspective and bring much success in everything you do. I wish you all the best as you take on this exciting chapter – I’m sure you’ll smash it.”

The Revd Lyn Gregg, Barnsley Methodist Circuit Superintendent, commented, “On behalf of everyone in the Barnsley Circuit, I would like to congratulate Genesis on their appointment as the new Youth President. We wish them every success in their new role and will continue to hold them and all our young people in prayer."

Genesis’ first big event will be 3Generate, held at the NEC in Birmingham 3-5 October, where they will be hosting over 1,600 Methodist children and young people. They then travel to South Africa in November to meet young Methodists there, before beginning their travels around the UK to meet and to hear the voices of children and young people here.