Training Programme for Diocesan Youth Leaders on “Empowering Youth for Transformation”

30th November – 3rd December 2011 at CNI Bhawan, New Delhi

The 33 dynamic youth leaders from 17 Dioceses of Church of North India attended the programme on “Youth Empowerment for Transformation” from 30th November to 3rd December 2011 at CNI Bhavan, New Delhi. The main aim of this programme was to provide the resources and opportunities for youth to be exposed to new ideas and methodologies that would eventually equip and prepare them for bigger challenges and responsibilities and also give orientation to the Youth Presidents and Secretaries of the dioceses regarding the Youth constitution and its implementation which has been approved in the 14th ordinary Synod meeting of Church of North India. The programme started on 30th November with the ice breaking session conducted by Ms. Shalom Christdoss and all the youth leaders introduced themselves. It was a great opportunity for the young people to witness the role of the CNI, NCCI and its member churches along with various government officials of the non-government organizations and parliamentarians to discuss the rights of the minority communities especially Dalit Christians and Muslims. The session was indeed a great learning experience for the young participants. 

The inaugural worship led by the Mr. Pradip Bansrior (Youth Coordinator, CNI) and the young participants of CNI participated in it. We had in our midst our Moderator, The Most. Rev. Dr. P P Marandih, Former Moderator, The Most Rev. Dr. Purely Lyngdoh, Our General Secretary, Mr. Alwan Masih, Acting Treasurer, Mr. Prem Masih, Director Programmes, Mr. Sudipta Singh, and Rev. Sameer Khimla. The reflection was given by Rev. Shrinivas Chopade and he mentioned how to set an example as a good leader. This was further taken down by the welcome address from our Moderator who spoke on Daniel and his aspects of a leadership qualities. Our Former Moderator spoke on the symbolism of Advent and how to pray being a member of CNI. The inaugural address was delivered by Mr. Alwan Masih (General Secretary, CNI) and he brought out the aspects required in the church to be a good youth leader. He spoke that the youth have powers of Physical, Constitutional, Professional and Spiritual. To use these powers youth must walk in God’s path as Daniel did. Mr. Prem Masih (Acting Treasurere,CNI) spoke keeping in account to rebuild the church. Being the youth of the church every individual is responsible in building the Church for a better tomorrow. Youth have the potential and one has to use it in the right manner to attain our Goal. If youth change their attitude and the commitment towards Lord Jesus Christ then only we can change and transform the church. The day took a turning point as Mr. Sudipta Singh, (Director Programmes, CNI) spoke on making our existing vision stronger and working towards achieving our goal to the vision. How can we as youth find new ways in doing this to achieve the goal which is set. This is in terms of our spiritual life and our secular work. We need to self reliant about everything. 

The next day after the worship we had a meaning full interaction with the delegates and partners from the UCC-USA. We were able to share our views and the social issues youth face in our country. Mr. Sudipta Singh (Director Programmes, CNI) brought out the major points in the youth constitution and explained the procedure for the membership drive which is to be done for all the youth of the Church of North India. Various clauses from the constitution were explained and queries were sorted out from the youth. The bible study was taken on the Book of Timothy and Daniel by Rev. Sameer Khimla (Coordinator, Pastoral Care, CNI Synod). He brought out very creatively the life of Timothy and Daniel and explained their leadership qualities in today’s context through the Bible. The leadership development programme ended with a plan of action as to how we would be doing the membership drive and take ahead the youth constitution enforcement in all the dioceses of Church of North india. 

Pradip Bansrior
Coordinator, Youth Concerns
Church of North India Synod