CMC LAUNCHES SENIOR YOUTH LEADERSHIP CURRICULUM, SEVEN GRADUATE.

Central Malawi Conference (CMC) Adventist Youth Ministries has scaled up levels of youth leadership training following the official launch of the Senior Youth Leadership Programme on Sabbath, 4th September, 2021 at Mchesi SDA Church in Lilongwe where seven candidates were invested as the first officially trained CMC Senior Youth Leaders (SYL).

Malawi Union Conference Youth Ministries Director, Pastor Dr. Elphis Luwani presided over both the launch and investiture ceremonies.

Also present at the event were the Central Malawi Conference Youth director Pastor Solomon Naliya and Biwi District resident Pastor, Dr. Ernest Khonje.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Luwani said the Senior Youth Leadership programme was developed by the General Conference of SDA Church to equip youth leaders with advanced leadership skills that will help them deal with Young Adults and Ambassadors, a group of youths who may be withdrawing their interest in the church due to various reasons.

''The church is facing an alarming depletion of young people. It has often been reported that many youths are leaving the church not because of doctrinal issues but irrational ones. The reasons for losing them can be studied and researched, but something must be done now. '' He said.

Dr. Luwani further said that the youth need to have a say in the development and planning of God’s work.

''Generally, the youth want to be recognized, listened to, appreciated, and involved. This Leadership Curriculum attempts to prepare youth and young adults leaders to address these important issues'', said Luwani.

CMC youth director, Pastor Solomon Naliya said that the launch marked the beginning of another journey across CMC.

'' We are taking senior youth leaders through another level of study which will see them becoming more effective and relevant in the Senior Youth Ministry'', he said.

The Senior Youth Leadership curriculum was first launched by the Malawi Union Conference Youth Ministries department in November, 2020 in Salima, and since then several churches have introduced the classes.

In relationship to Master Guide, both the Master Guide (which centers on Junior Youth leadership) and the Senior Youth Leader (which focuses on Senior Youth leadership) curriculums have some similar requirements and pre-requisites.

Those who already completed the Master Guide program may be exempted from some SYL requirements.

By Yunos Kamba