The Methodist Church says that it holds Youth Work as a central priority. Yet it cannot provide me with a strategy by which this priority finds focus in its work except for the general strategy it applies in 'Our Calling'. In a denomination which is the most aged throughout the UK, and where a chicken casserole is far more likely to be provided than a spiritual experience (Church Life Survey, 2000), surely a few practical steps towards the priority of youth work could be fleshed out.

If you have any ideas for the future of young people, there are structures within the Methodist Church that are apparently willing to listen. Email me with your thoughts before there's not only too few young people, but too few with any interest.

My strategy would contain:

-relevant experiences of worship
-empowerment of young people into responsibility within their churches
-focus on Bible study (cell church/class meetings) and pastoral support
-a strategy for each church
-events at church, local and national level
-raising of social justice and world Christianity issues
-exploration of Christian ethics and principles
-exploration of local ecumenism
-listening prayer

What would be in yours?

Lindsey Macfarlane, lindsey@blue480.fsnet.co.uk