Young people from congregations throughout Australia will gather at the Gold Coast in July for the National Young Adult Leaders Conference (NYALC).
NYALC aims to empower young adults in the Uniting Church by equipping them with essential leadership skills. It is also an opportunity for young people to connect with youth from other states and grow together in faith.
Guided by a team of mentors and peer leaders, the participants will undertake daily bible studies and worship services. They will visit local ministry and mission projects and reflect on the leadership approaches of these ministries.
NYALC is hosted by Uniting Church president Stuart McMillan and Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) chairperson Rev Dennis Corowa. The conference acts as a bridge that connects young people with adult leaders of the Church. This will be an ideal opportunity for the young adults to speak to the Church about the issues that matter to them.
Other church leaders who will act as mentors during the six days include South Australia moderator and president-elect Deidre Palmer, Northern Synod moderator Rev Theresi Mauboy and UAICC pastor Ray Minniecon.
Anthea Maynard is presbytery minister of leadership and formation in the Presbytery of Tasmania. She was also a mentor at the last NYALC, held in Sydney.
“NYALC is the best thing I have seen in the Uniting Church. The opportunity to be involved transformed my understanding of the UCA,” Ms Maynard said.
“I loved mentoring there and would be keen to be involved again. It was a delightful, transformative journey.”
The conference will gather up to 100 young adults aged between 18 to 30. A reflection of the Uniting Church’s cultural diversity, NYALC participants will include similar numbers of Indigenous, Anglo and second generation young adults. They will share stories with one another and learn about issues affecting Indigenous and second generation Australians.
Rev Tom Kerr, national faith development consultant (youth and young adults), said NYALC offers a supportive environment that enriches the faith and leadership potential of young people.
“The conference provides core messages of the Christian faith that can motivate, guide and empower leadership and service to be relational, gracious, inclusive and open to working collaboratively with others of goodwill,” he said.
NYALC takes place from 8-13 July 2016 at CYC Burleigh campsite. Applications are filling fast and spots are limited. Register at http://nyalc.org.au/register
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