Hundreds of delegates from the North Pacific and Pacific unions voiced their opinions on key youth issues and ministries and took part in fellowship, worship and service activities at the West Coast Youth Congress in San Diego, Calif., April 9-12.

The congress was themed "Decide," emphasizing both personal decisions for Christ and the agenda-setting decisions made by the delegate body. The weekend was highlighted by sermons from key youth leaders, workshops and community service projects, as well as an inaugural series of sessions designed to identify the driving themes of leadership, ministry and service among Adventist youth.

Delegates worked in groups to draft official positions on a number of issues. They eagerly called for more opportunity to lead and learn from their churches.

"I think the best way to get young people involved in leadership would be by having a mentoring program where youth can shadow the church leaders and learn how to lead in the future," said Albert Bryant, a delegate from the Sharon, Ore., church during one of the brainstorming sessions.

In addition to addressing church leadership, delegates discussed ways of getting involved in the community. "We need more activities outside the church to reach people where they are and show them that church is a community," said Anthony Williams, a delegate from the San Bernardino 16th Street church. The best positions on each topic were then debated and approved by the delegate body as a whole.

In addition to drafting positions, delegates attended a variety of workshops and seminars. Topics ranged from leadership training and incorporating praise into worship services to ministering to gang members and promoting sexual purity.

The weekend also included community service in the San Diego area. Groups participated in projects at Balboa Park, St. Vincent De Paul, the San Diego Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and Lutheran Social Services. Participants brought their youthful energy and enthusiasm to the outreach projects.

During his closing challenge session, James Black, North American Division director of youth ministries, spoke to the groundbreaking nature of the youth congress, in terms of youth influencing leadership. "This is the first time I can remember our church involving youth in this way," said Black, who presided over the delegate sessions. "A church that does not involve its young people is a church that is going to die."

And for four days the young people were involved. They clearly identified the issues and ministries that matter to them. They called on their church leaders to empower and mentor them, and they challenged each other to make positive decisions for Christ.