Youth Leaders ‘Level UP’ for Future Ministry

Story by Anthony Chornes II

Recently, 60 youth and young adult leaders from across the Allegheny West Conference (AWC) gathered at the conference headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, for Level UP. The one-day summit was designed to engage and equip the next generation of church and community leaders, bringing together emerging visionaries committed to strengthening local ministry.

Young adult Reuel White opened the day with a devotional, reminding participants that “nothing you do for God is useless.” His message encouraged youth and young adult leaders to remain faithful in their service and to recognize the lasting value of their contributions to God’s work.

Charles Osbourne III, AWC Ministerial director, followed with a presentation on making an impact without holding a formal title. Drawing from his pastoral experience, he explained the structure of Seventh-day Adventist Church governance and the importance of understanding church board protocols. “Effective leadership often begins with service, humility and a clear understanding of how the church operates,” Osbourne told the attendees.

Jasmine Best, AWC Human Resources assistant director, led a session focused on leadership development and personal well-being. She shared practical strategies for leading effectively without becoming overextended. Best encouraged participants to bridge generational gaps within their congregations, reminding them that the church’s mission involves “building people, not just movements.”

A major highlight was an interactive presentation by Keisha Stubbs-Bone, AWC chief financial officer. She walked participants through the flow of tithes and offerings, explaining how financial transparency supports the mission. Her presentation featured how the church invests in leaders and congregations throughout the conference.

The Puppets in Christ Ministry, led by young adults Jadyn Grant and Josiah Oyortey, provided a creative performance portraying the generational differences young adults often experience in worship styles. The day also featured interactive icebreakers facilitated by young adult Cindel Pluviose, while Evelyn Cang, another young adult, provided translation services for Hispanic leaders, ensuring the event reflected the cultural diversity of AWC’s Haitian, Korean, African and Englishspeaking churches.

The summit concluded with a panel discussion featuring Johny Soria, AWC assistant treasurer; Kyle Jean-Baptiste and Elliot Meredith III, AWC senior accountants; and Best. They shared insights on pursuing life goals, maintaining balance in ministry, establishing healthy boundaries, and developing consistent habits that support long-term leadership effectiveness.

“The conference plans to host Level UP annually,” says Jamal Franklyn, AWC Youth and Young Adult Ministries director. “We want to provide ongoing resources, research and dialogue to strengthen best practices for young people and revitalize local churches.”