What is Methodism?
Methodism is a movement of Protestant Christianity made up of a number of denominations. The movement traces its roots back to founder John Wesley, an Anglican preacher. Charles Wesley, John’s brother, and George Whitefield were also significant leaders in the movement. The Wesley brothers founded the Holy Club while studying at Oxford. The club met weekly to systematically set about living a holy life. Other students branded them “methodists” because of the way they methodically ordered their lives. The Methodist movement was mostly Arminian in their theological outlook, however George Whitefield and several others were considered Calvinistic Methodists.
What is the World Methodist Council?
The World Methodist Council (WMC) is a worldwide association of 77 Methodist, Wesleyan and related Uniting and United Churches representing over 80 million people. Founded in 1881, it engages, empowers and serves the member Churches by encouraging Methodist unity in witness, facilitating mission in the world, and fostering ecumenical and inter-religious activities. It promotes obedience to the Great Commandment of Jesus Christ to love God and neighbor and to fulfill the Great Commission to make disciples through vibrant evangelism, a prophetic voice, cooperative programs, faithful worship and mutual learning. The headquarters of the WMC is located in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina in the United States. The WMC President is Bishop Paulo Lockmann and the General Secretary is Bishop Ivan Abrahams.
What is the WMC Youth and Young Adult Program?
The Youth and Young Adult (YYA) programming for the WMC originates to the 1956 World Methodist Conference when a request was made to include more young people in the delegations. From that time, the programming has evolved into a strongly felt presence in the life of the WMC. The WMC YYA programming primarily focuses on persons ages 18-35, but there is a concern for children and adolescents under 18. Several major Conferences have been sponsored by the WMC to help Methodist/Wesleyan Youth and Young Adults to develop friendships and partner for mission and service. You can learn more about specific programs by visiting here.
The YYA Committee provides guidance and helps to set policy for WMC engagement with Youth and Young Adults. The YYA Regional President is elected to articulate the concerns of Youth and Young Adults on the Steering Committee (Executive Board) of the WMC and the Methodist/Wesleyan family at large. The Youth and Young Adult Coordinator is a staff person who conducts the day-to-day work of connecting the YYA programs of the WMC member churches, ensuring that the WMC programming for YYA is implemented.