General Assembly Young Adult Commissioner Resources

Young Adult Commissioners Programme – GA25

Paying attention to the voice of young people is essential for a church that wants a future.  

Our church places a high value on eldership which seems easily confused for “oldership” if you look at the demographics of many of our leadership meetings. While the wisdom and experience of older generations is absolutely vital we can’t overlook the insights and challenges that younger generations can bring as we discern the present and future of our church.  We want to hear the voice of young people in all three courts of our church.

The PYM Young Adult Commissioners Programme helps train and support Young Adult Commissioners selected by their presbyteries to attend General Assembly.

Presbyteries are looking for young adults aged 18-30, who are self-assured and have a mature Christian faith. These successful candidates will be expected to engage in the church’s national, regional and local courts prior to GA where possible.

  • at least 2 of their church’s Session or Church council meetings before and after GA 

  • at least 1 Presbytery Gathering (where possible) before and after GA 

  • the entire GA 2025 conference (20-23 October 2025)

Please recommend any suitable potential young adults commissioners to your Presbytery. Each presbytery has six positions available for young adult commissioners for GA25 at Trinity Pacific Church, Christchurch 20-23 October.

Training for Young Adult Commissioners

Training Videos

Please watch all five of the short training videos below before attending the live online training on the 24th of September

Live online Training

Wednesday the 24th of September 7:30-9pm, Matt Chamberlin will be going through the White Book discussing the proposals live on Zoom. A recording of the training will be on this page from the 26th of Sept.

Online discussion on Facebook

You will be invited to join a private Facebook group where you can post ideas and questions regarding the Assembly meeting and the proposals

In person GA Young Adult Commissioner Orientation and support

TBA

Writing a Proposal

For people considering writing a proposal for GA, here is our Guide. Proposals need to be submitted to your presbytery, please consult your presbytery clerk regarding deadlines etc.

GA 2025 Young Adult Commissioner Accommodation Option 

We want to make your time at GA2025 an unforgettable experience! A big part of that is building meaningful connections with fellow GA commissioners from across Aotearoa. To help facilitate this, PYM has reserved several 4-person bunk rooms at the Drifter Hybrid Hostel/Hotel in Christchurch so that you can get more time together outside of the business of GA meetings. These modern rooms feature ensuite bathrooms and are available for just $50 per night. Plus, they’re conveniently located—only a 4-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from our GA venue, Trinity Pacific.

If you'd like to secure a bed, please contact PYM or your regional youth enabler before June 30th. The accommodation cost will be invoiced either to you or your presbytery, depending on your presbytery’s arrangement.

Watch these short videos before you attend a session or presbytery meeting