Methodist Conference 2021 online was a highly interactive experience filled with many firsts and new norms for Te Hāhi to experience. Conference took place in a virtual space where young people are, in all honesty, more comfortable than on the pews of a church. And so, this year’s Conference provided an opportunity for young people to be heavily involved, display their competency, and tell stories in engaging ways.

Conference Music Team

A massive piece of the Conference puzzle is music – Methodism is, as they say, born in song. A team of musicians from across the Connexion was tasked with recording hymns and songs for Conference services, devotions and breaks. This team put in a huge amount of work, with music being recorded in Christchurch, Auckland and a socially-distanced 409 converted recording studio. Our team included trained musicians, creative artists and performers within the industry who have travelled the world honing their craft. Our Hāhi was blessed to have them help make Conference feel like Conference, with the advantages of a new age modern sound and quality.

Online Youth Service

Another big part of Conference for young people was the online Connexional Youth Service, which was streamed live via Methodist TYTANZ on Facebook. The Conference agenda had an allocated time in the day-to-day for youth, as opposed to an unofficial side event. The organising committee put in many hours of work in preparation for this, bringing together contributions from Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch. Picking up on President Andrew’s message of life in all its fullness (John 10:10), our theme was “keepin’ it 100” which was a celebration of life, young energy and spirit that has endured during the last two pandemic affected years in particular.

Conference Business

Youth had a strong involvement with Conference this year including sharing Covid stories, testimonies in Prayer Breakfast and contributions towards workshops and thematic discussions. Using social media platforms, youth delegates regularly updated young people on Conference business and explanations of different reports and processes. Leaders of the church, via the awesome chat feature that made Conference so interactive, constantly discussed the role of youth within the life of the church. Questions around board representation, young presbyters coming through, and the state of youth ministry were constant themes throughout Conference. These conversations were encouraging, challenging and empowering. The challenge ahead is to ensure transformative action comes from them.

As I reflect on Conference 2020 from behind the organ, Conference 2021 felt like a step in the right direction – albeit from behind a screen this time. As we head into preparation for our bicentenary celebrations at Conference 2022, we will continue to advocate for young people to be heard and to be seen transforming the life of the church as we know it.

I want to acknowledge all young people who contributed towards the various events and occasions of Conference 2021:

Music Team: Ivan Fuimaono, Wesley Machee, Jerry-Moses Roebeck, Elizabeth Salesa, Eseta Lemanu, Valeti Hoeft, Siu Williams-Lemi and whānau, Toa Siulangapo.

Youth Service online and Contributions: ‘Amelia Takataka, Osaiasi Kupu, Anaseini Nuku, Setu Pio, Janice Auva’a, Rachel Hickling, Maumi Taukolo, Ramona Misilei, William Toduadua, Make Puamau, Alofa So’olefai, young people from Lower North Island and FLK Christchurch.

For all music recorded at Conference:

YouTube: Methodist TYTANZ Or www.missionresourcing.org.nz/song

For a full replay of our online youth service and other material:

www.facebook.com/MethodistTYTANZ or www.missionresourcing.org.nz/youth