Our Youth Make A Difference The Presbyterian Church

I ran into Kayce Mobley this morning. She is an interesting lady for two reasons. First, she from the Altama Presbyterian Church of Brunswick, Georgia, where I served as pastor from 1986 until 1994 -- and it is always interesting to run into old friends. I guess the last time I saw Kayce she was around 8 years old.

But the second reason I say she is an interesting lady will probably be of interest to you as well.

Kayce is a Youth Advisory Delegate -- or as we say in the alphabet soup of the PCUSA, she's a YAD.

YADs are high school and college-age commissioners elected by the presbyteries. They add a youthful voice and a valuable perspective to the General Assembly.

Like all other commissioners, YADs are assigned to committees, where they have full "voice and vote." They can ask questions, enter into debate, and vote with the rest of the committee. Kayce is in the Health Issues Committee.

In the plenary sessions in which the entire General Assembly gathers together as a single body and votes, the YADs have full voice and can called upon to speak on any issue they desire. Their votes in the plenary sessions, however, are only advisory -- but that is important. Prior to every vote, the YADs are polled and the commissioners will see their opinions before being asked to cast their own votes.

The youth matter to the Presbyterian Church and it shows here at General Assembly. Kayce came to be interested in the work of the larger church through her pastor and her work on the Session. Altama Presbyterian Church takes advantage of youth elders, as permitted by the Book of Order. She served a two year term and sees this as another opportunity to serve her church before going to college in the Fall at the University of the South.