11 August 2026
Well, the time comes at last for me to leave my post as the Youth President of the Methodist Church. I have laughed, I have cried and I have felt like repeatedly hitting my head against a brick wall many times over this past year. Overall, I have had the best year of my life.
One of my fondest memories came at 3Generate, where I met nearly 2,000 amazing young people. However, one young man really stood out to me over the remainder of my term, and that is because after talking with him and some of his friends, he said to me, “I didn’t realise my voice mattered in the Church until today.” All that this young man needed was a listening ear, someone who was willing to take him seriously. That is the biggest part of the role as Youth President, to be a listening ear, to be someone who can really advocate for the voice of children and youth. I really hope he has gone on to do as much as he said he would do.
Another amazing part of this year has been getting to know so many staff in the Connexional Team, most importantly, making friendships in the Evangelism and Growth Team and the Discipleship Team. I will have memories from our meetings and residentials forever. Thank you to all in those teams who have made me feel so welcome and valued.
I often wonder where my life would be right now if I made different decisions, and one of those thoughts is, where would I be right now if I never applied for the role of Youth President? Would I still be at university? Would I have a job elsewhere? Would I even still be a Christian? I do not know. All I do know is that this year has shaped me into a person who is full of joy and wonder, someone who’s passion has constantly grown for children and youth over the past year. I have grown in my leadership skills, public speaking, time management and, most importantly, my faith has grown beyond anything I could have imagined.
At the beginning of my term, I said, “I am really looking forward to meeting young people from all over the Connexion, hearing their stories and especially learning about what matters most to them. I want to visit as many districts as possible this year and to encourage all young voices to shape the future of the Church.” I have met so many people, all over the UK, as well as the Isle of Man and South Africa. I have heard so many stories from all different backgrounds and have been able to celebrate with many people across the whole Connexion. Over this past year I have had over 30 different visits, hearing so many voices, and sharing with so many people. What a busy year!
The best part of being the Youth President is getting to spend so much time working with the Youth Reps. Each year there are 15 Reps, who also visit youth groups and events in their local areas. We meet once a month online for an hour or so, and twice a year in person for the weekend. I have made lifetime friendships with many of the Youth Reps and will always hold the memories of this past year with joy.
As I now pass the role onto Gracie Silk, I do so with a smile on my face, with some great memories, and a lot of hope and wonder for Gracie’s year. I will follow her year with interest and will celebrate her achievements.
The role of Youth President is like no other. Anyone aged between 18 and 23 can be the Youth President, to be the voice of children and youth across the entire Connexion. If anyone wants to know more about this role, or would like Gracie to visit their church, circuit, or district, please email: youthpresident@methodistchurcch.org,uk.
Thank you to everyone who made this year so wonderfully amazing.
God Bless
Genesis Padgett – Youth President 2025/2026