Youth with a Vision
From left to right: Ps Jeremy Ong, Kah Hoe, Desmond & Jeanne.
From 21st to 23rd June, three delegates from HVMC attended the Young Methodist Leaders Conference (YMLC) 2022, held at Wesley Methodist Church. This is a yearly conference organised by TRAC for young leaders, aged 18-35, with a vision to raise the next generation of leaders in the Methodist church.
The theme for YMLC 2022 was RE:INSPIRED, Imagining God's Methodist Vineyard for the Future. Delegates took a journey through the past, present and future of the Methodist Church. There was an appreciation of the past - a session on Methodist traditions of innovation – delivered by Rev Dr Bernard Chao. There was an awareness of our present, when TRAC President Rev Stanley Chua emphasised all that God has done and is doing in and through the Methodist Church of Singapore. And finally, we were challenged to consider our future, as young Methodist leaders, who are called by God as "mighty warriors", to carry on the Wesleyan flame.
A key feature of YMLC was the mentor groups. All delegates were divided into groups, based on age, and assigned a pastor mentor. After each session, we would break up into our respective groups for a time of discussion and we also sat together for all our meals, forming bonds and sharing perspectives. We had group members from various TRAC churches, who brought diverse experiences and shared about the different needs in our respective churches. It added an extra element of practicality to all that we learned through the sessions.
A key thing that struck me was TRAC President's message to ”stay put”. John Wesley, despite starting the Methodist movement, never left the Anglican church. For me, this is a call to make a difference right where God has placed me.
- Loi Kah Hoe
Some reflections from my fellow delegates:
"It was good to see things from a fresh perspective as we learnt how we can do things better. Ideas such as e-sports, fellowships and music lessons are things we can consider incorporating into our church, if feasible. Also, I learned about how the LCEC can incorporate younger leaders to get fresh insights and ideas on how we can serve the church in our unique ways."
– Desmond Lou
"The conversations at YMLC were the most impactful for me. We could relate with one another on subjects such as being nervous about our studies and our grades. The deep conversations also helped our mentor group to bond, because we all want the same things - to know God, love others and see growth in our community. God will enable change and innovation in our church when we step out in faith."
– Jeanne Tan
Loi Kah Hoe
