DRAXHALL, St. Ann - The administration of North Jamaica Conference launched its Youth in Conference Leadership initiative on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as part of the church's Youth in Leadership Month activities. Seventeen (17) youth were chosen from districts across the conference to be understudies of the conference's administrators and directors. The orientation exercise was held at the North Jamaica Conference headquarters in Drax Hall, St. Ann.
After onboarding activities and official introductions by the administration, the young leaders were fully immersed in conference leadership activities. During his devotional discourse, youth president Javier Llewellyn presented an impactful message to the gathered leaders outlining the importance of the church's mission and the need for accountable and focused leadership. The team of youth-shadows, conference leaders, and office staff then prayed together for the overall success of the mission and for the day's activities.
The team was then exposed to a duly called directors meeting where conference directors gave updates on their departmental activities, goals, and upcoming events. The youth leaders then sat with their departmental heads, where they learned about the departments, were guided in their roles, and received updates on the plans to present for each sector.
In the second half of the day's activities, the youth-shadow administration, led by President Javier Llewellyn, the executive secretary, Gabrel Codling, and the treasurer, Timothy McNarrin, was given the opportunity to lead a simulated conference executive committee meeting. Shadow directors presented plans and projections for their departments, received in their prior consultations, and also gave their input on conference matters. The effective operation of the meeting simulation was highly commended by the conference administrators.
President of the North Jamaica Conference, Pastor Jermaine Johnson, shared in his response to the team of youth leaders how pleased he was to have been a part of the initiative. He continued by highlighting the key motive that should inspire individuals to lead: "It's not a profiling position when you serve as president [or] any of the officers here; it really is service.” Pastors Carlington Hylton, Executive Secretary, and Onyeka Nevins, Treasurer, also added their commendations to the team, highlighting that they represented their churches, districts, and schools or places of employment well. Youth Ministries Director, Pastor Amiel Summerbell, applauded the involvement of the youth in this initiative and also commended the conference for this brave and inspiring move.
Gratitude was also expressed to the conference by the youth leaders for the opportunity to share in the various roles, with many expressing their desire for similar opportunities to serve. Youth president Javier Llewellyn shared that the initiative was "a good reminder that youth too play a role in advancing God's business.” Each youth received a token of appreciation and will further receive a certificate of participation and a copy of The 7 P's to Effective Church Leadership, authored by Pastor Jermaine Johnson, President of NJC. Youth in leadership activities continue throughout November.