From left, Adam Hull, Sydni Baker, Chelsea Riley, and Caleb Oakleaf plate their food at the Youth Delegate Luncheon during the conference.

By Aloise McCullough

Youth delegates got a chance to dialogue with Bishop Robert Hayes at the Youth Delegate Luncheon during Annual Conference in Oklahoma City.

The 15 representatives from across the state ate a pasta-and-salad meal, played an intense game of "jungle pong," and visited with the episcopal leader May 25 in the Watson Lounge of Smith Chapel at Oklahoma City University.

The creation of programs for young people who want to go into ministry are a priority for Oklahoma United Methodists, Bishop Hayes told the group.

The implementation of such programs is important since people whose ages are late 50s to early 60s currently are in the median age of church members in the Oklahoma Conference, he said.

Programs are already in place in other conferences where young people can obtain both college and seminary degrees in six years. "I want you all just to hang in there with us," Hayes said.

He emphasized that ministry is not just in the pulpit.

"Ministry is a wide open field. My interpretation, (my) definition about ministry is always about helping and giving back," Hayes said. "It’s always about representing Christ in what you do."

He talked about his own call to ministry, describing his first sermon as less than two minutes in length because of nervousness. He was 14 years old at the time.

Sydni Baker, Muskogee District youth delegate, said she is thankful for the opportunity to attend the annual conference. "They have been really respectful in letting younger kids come in and letting us learn about stuff that is going on in our conference right now," she said.

Baker said her favorite parts of conference were the worship services.

Deknisha Willis, Stillwater District youth delegate, said the sessions were informative. "They say you get a better understanding of what Methodists are about—and you do," she said.

Rev. Diana Northcutt, director of Discipleship Ministries with Small-Membership Churches, announced the opportunity for five youth to go to Global Young People’s Convocation June 21-26, 2010, in Berlin, Germany through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

"There’s wonderful opportunities for you in the church," she said.

For more information, contact Rev. Northcutt, dnorthcutt@okumc.org, 405-530-2144.