General Assembly 2027 · Young Adult Commissioners

Eldership doesn’t have to mean “Oldership”

Paying attention to the voice of young people is essential for a church that wants a future. The PYM Young Adult Commissioners Programme trains and supports the young adults chosen by their presbyteries to attend General Assembly.

Mon 18 – Fri 22 October 2027 Avondale Union Parish, Auckland 6 places per presbytery

Training for commissioners Writing a proposal

Young Adult Commissioners Programme – GA27

Hearing young voices in all three courts of our church

Our church places a high value on eldership, which is easily confused with “oldership” if you look at the demographics of many of our leadership meetings. The wisdom and experience of older generations is absolutely vital, but we can’t overlook the insights and challenges younger generations bring as we discern the present and future of our church.

We want to hear the voice of young people in session, presbytery and General Assembly.

The Assembly

GA27 in Tāmaki Makaurau

When

Monday 18 – Friday 22 October 2027

Commissioners attend the entire Assembly, all five days.

Where

Avondale Union Parish

49–55 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026
aup.org.nz

Who we’re looking for

Young adults aged 18–30

Presbyteries are looking for young adults who are self-assured and have a mature Christian faith. Where possible, successful candidates will engage in the church’s local, regional and national courts:

Local

Session or church council

At least two meetings before and after GA.

Regional

Presbytery gathering

At least one before and after GA, where possible.

National

General Assembly 2027

The entire Assembly, 18–22 October 2027.

Know someone? Please recommend suitable young adults to your presbytery. Each presbytery has six young adult commissioner positions for GA27.

Training for young adult commissioners

Getting ready for the Assembly

01 · Training videos

Watch the five short videos

Please watch all five videos before attending the live online training.

Watch the videos ↓

02 · Live online training

Date TBA (September 2027)

Matt Chamberlin and the AES, Erin Pendreigh, will go through the White Book and discuss the proposals live on Zoom. A recording will be posted on this page afterwards.

03 · In your presbytery

Presbytery Youth White Book feedback days

Your presbytery may run an event to canvass the opinions of young people on key items set for discussion at GA2027. More info on these events TBA.

04 · Online discussion

Private Facebook group

You’ll be invited to a private Facebook group to post ideas and questions about the Assembly and the proposals.

05 · In person

GA orientation and support

Details TBA.

GA27 accommodation

Somewhere to stay in Auckland

PYM is arranging an affordable group accommodation option for young adult commissioners near the venue. Details and booking information will be posted here. In the meantime, contact PYM or your regional youth enabler.

Writing a proposal