Across many youth gatherings, church corridors, and quiet personal conversations, one question often surfaces, sometimes spoken openly, sometimes whispered among friends:
Does the church really care about the welfare of young people?
For many young Methodists, faith remains deeply important. They attend services, participate in youth initiatives, and serve in different ministries. Yet alongside their spiritual commitment, many are also navigating the difficult realities of building their lives, finding employment, developing skills, starting businesses, and securing a stable future.
In moments like these, a natural expectation arises: should the church also care about these struggles? Should the church play a role in helping young people grow not only spiritually, but also economically and socially?
Over the years, young people within The Methodist Church Ghana have raised concerns and shared suggestions on how ministers and church leadership can better support them in building their economic lives. These conversations reflect both a desire for growth and a willingness among young people to be part of the solution.
Yet as the conversation continues, an important reflection remains: has the church truly listened, and have these concerns been addressed?
Before we attempt to answer that question, perhaps we should begin with an even deeper one:
Why does the church exist in the first place?
The Biblical Role of the Church
According to Scripture, the church is the Body of Christ on earth. Its purpose is to glorify God and serve His people. The Bible describes the church as the “pillar and ground of truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), a community where believers grow spiritually while caring for one another as family.
From the New Testament, we see several core responsibilities entrusted to the church.
Evangelism — Spreading the Gospel
Jesus commanded the church in Matthew 28:19–20 to go into the world and make disciples. The church exists to shine as a light in the community, bringing the message of salvation to all.
Edification — Building Up Believers
Ephesians 4:11–16 reminds us that God gave leaders and ministers to equip believers so that they may grow into spiritual maturity.
Fellowship — Supporting One Another
Acts 2:42 shows how the early church gathered together for prayer, fellowship, breaking of bread, and caring for one another, especially the vulnerable.
Worship — Honoring God Together
Colossians 3:16 reminds us that believers gather to worship, teach, encourage one another, and praise God together.
Service — Using Our Gifts for Others
1 Peter 4:10 teaches that every believer has been given gifts to serve others and demonstrate the love of Christ.
These biblical principles remind us that the church is more than a place of Sunday worship. It is meant to be a community that nurtures spiritual growth while encouraging mutual care and support.
Are Our Church Leaders Doing This?
In many ways, the answer is yes.
Within the structure of The Methodist Church Ghana, several avenues have been created to nurture members spiritually and socially. Through Divine Services, Bible Classes, Methodist Prayer and Renewal Programmes (MPRP), revivals, conferences, and discipleship initiatives, the church continually provides means of grace that strengthen believers in their faith.
For young people in particular, platforms have been created that reflect their energy and stage of life. Initiatives such as the Wesleyan International Service (WIS), Youth Services, and GHAMSU fellowships on campuses help young Methodists remain connected to their faith even during their academic journey.
These initiatives demonstrate that the church recognizes the importance of engaging young people spiritually.
But as important as spiritual growth is, many young people often ask another question: what about our economic and social welfare?
Economic and Social Welfare
Scripture teaches that believers should prosper holistically.
In 3 John 1:2, the Apostle writes:
"I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
This reminds us that spiritual growth and practical well-being can go hand in hand.
For young people, economic growth often begins with education, skills, and employment opportunities.
Education Support
The Methodist Church Ghana has made meaningful efforts in this area. Through Methodist University Ghana, many members pursue higher education. In recent years, the university has also introduced fee discounts for Methodist members, making access to education more affordable.
In addition, the Youth Development Ministry (YDM) introduced the Youth Support Fund, which Societies are encouraged to establish in order to support young people in both formal and informal education.
Skills Development and Entrepreneurship
Across Circuits, Societies, and Dioceses, various entrepreneurship and skill-development initiatives have been organized to equip young people to become self-employed and economically empowered.
At the Connexional level, the Youth Development Ministry has also organized Entrepreneurship Schools aimed at encouraging young people to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. These initiatives also bring together resource persons who share knowledge on funding opportunities and business development.
Admittedly, some of these initiatives may be more visible in larger Dioceses than in smaller ones. If you find yourself in such a Diocese, the lessons ahead may be particularly important for you.
After all, as the saying goes, not all fingers are equal.
Yet the conversation about youth welfare does not end with what the church provides.
A Hard Truth: Opportunities Also Depend on Us
While it is important for the church to support young people, young people also carry responsibility for their own growth.
We are fortunate to live in a time where technology has made information and opportunities more accessible than ever before. Even if you are in a remote Diocese, you can still access scholarships, training programmes, internships, entrepreneurship grants, and many other opportunities online.
Yet a surprising reality often appears: sometimes opportunities are shared, but interest remains low.
From my experience working in youth ministry for the past five years, I have come to believe something important:
Many opportunities exist, but often only the curious and proactive discover them.
What Young People Should Do
Stay Connected
Be actively involved in church life. Participate in initiatives, serve in your Society, and build relationships with leaders and fellow young people.
There is a Mfantse proverb that says:
“Abofra a wÉ”soma no, a É”kÉ” no na odzi abodwedze.”
A child who runs errands is the one who receives gifts.
When you are active, hardworking, and committed, people notice. Leaders are more likely to recommend or support those whose dedication they have observed.
Attend youth programs at different levels of the church as well. Networking matters. The person you meet at the next Youth Conference may be the connection that opens your next opportunity.
Stay connected online through church WhatsApp platforms, Facebook groups, and youth networks where opportunities are often shared.
Be Open-Minded
Do not limit yourself to only one type of opportunity.
You may be searching for a full-time job but encounter an internship instead. Sometimes internships become the pathway to something greater.
Growth often comes through doors we did not initially expect.
Seek Knowledge
Young people must cultivate the habit of reading and researching.
Many times opportunities are shared with detailed information in attached links, yet some people immediately ask questions whose answers are already provided.
This can unintentionally make one appear unserious.
Instead, train yourself to investigate opportunities thoroughly. If you are searching for scholarships, research actively. If entrepreneurship interests you, identify institutions that support businesses in your field.
Smart research saves time and increases your chances of success.
For entrepreneurs in particular, I would encourage you to seize every opportunity to learn business planning and pitching, as these skills significantly increase your chances of securing funding for your ventures.
Be Faithful and Responsible
Another reality is that some leaders hesitate to recommend young people because of negative experiences with those previously recommended.
When an opportunity comes your way, treat it with seriousness and integrity.
As Colossians 3:23 reminds us:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord."
When you perform well, you open the door not only for yourself but also for other young people who may come after you.
Taking Responsibility for Our Future
Not everything discussed here may be comfortable to hear. Some leaders may indeed overlook certain young people, and some opportunities may not always be evenly distributed.
Yet one truth remains constant: each of us is responsible for our own life before God.
Instead of asking only “Who will help me?” perhaps we should also ask:
“Where should I be searching for the help I need?”
When faith, curiosity, discipline, and community come together, doors begin to open.
Opportunities and Platforms for Young People
Even as we reflect on the role of the church and the responsibility of young people, it is important to remember that opportunities for growth already exist around us.
Some are provided directly through church platforms, while others come through national and international institutions that support youth development, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
For young people who are ready to learn, grow, and take initiative, the following platforms and institutions may serve as useful starting points.
MCG Youth Connect – A Connexional WhatsApp group for young people.
Free Digital Marketing Training – I encourage anyone seeking an opportunity to upskill or secure employment to consider taking this course.
For entrepreneurs, research the following institutions and explore the projects or programmes they run either independently or in partnership for Startup incubation and acceleration programmes and funding;
National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), YouStart (Ghana Enterprises Agency), Global Entrepreneurship Network Ghana,
WIDU.africa, Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, UNICEF Ghana, UNDP Ghana, Mastercard Foundation, Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC), MEST Africa, etc.
A Final Word to Young Methodists
The future of the church and the future of its young people are deeply connected.
When church leaders continue to create platforms for growth, and when young people take initiative to seek knowledge, develop skills, and serve faithfully, the church becomes more than a place of worship. It becomes a community where lives are transformed and futures are shaped.
Perhaps the question should no longer only be “Does the church care about the welfare of young people?”
Perhaps the better question is:
How can the church and its young people work together to build a future where everyone thrives?
May God guide and empower the young people of The Methodist Church Ghana to grow spiritually, intellectually, and economically so that they may not only build their own lives but also contribute meaningfully to the mission of the church and the transformation of society.
Written by
Rhoda Beatrice Fletcher, MCIPS, MSc, PMP
YDM Secretary
Northern Accra Diocese