Leadership & Governance
The Provincial Youth & Students Ministry is guided by a strong leadership and governance framework that ensures youth are represented and empowered at every level of the Church of Uganda. This structure is designed to foster comprehensive discipleship, accountability, and effective ministry execution.
Provincial Level Leadership
At the provincial level, oversight is provided by the Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry, assisted by two coordinators. Leadership is supported by the Provincial Youth Leadership Committee, which is selected from youth representatives to the Provincial Assembly and members of the Board of Youth and Children.
The committee includes:
- Chairperson – Provides overall leadership and supports youth leadership development.
- Vice Chairperson – Assists the chairperson in uniting the team under pastoral guidance.
- Secretary – Handles ICT, advocacy, communication, publications, and reporting.
- Ministry Resourcing Advisor – Supports fundraising and program management.
- Worship & Arts Advisor – Oversees worship, arts, and talent development.
- Missions Advisor – Guides evangelism, outreach, and discipleship.
- Members – Provide general support, with representation from different youth categories.
This team works under two arms:
- Advisory Team (Youth & Students Committee): Ensures effective ministry execution and provides strategic input.
- Technical Team: Led by the Director, supported by coordinators and officers, responsible for implementing programs and policies.
Diocesan Level Leadership
Each diocese has a Diocesan Youth Leadership Committee, selected from youth representatives to the Diocesan Synod. These committees mirror the provincial structure and ensure that youth ministry is contextualized and responsive to local needs.
Local Church Leadership
At the parish and congregational level, youth ministry is led by:
- Youth Pastors/Ministers/Chaplain: Provide pastoral oversight and guide discipleship.
- Youth Leaders (Chairperson, Vice Chair, Secretary, Resourcing Leader, Worship & Arts Leader, Outreach & Nurture Leader): Coordinate fellowships, mobilize resources, and organize discipleship activities.
- Members: Represent teens, youth, and young adults, ensuring inclusivity and diversity.
Where no full-time youth minister is available, an elder with a heart for youth ministry may be appointed by the parish council to supervise the ministry.
Chaplaincy Leadership
In schools and institutions, chaplaincies are led by trained chaplains who oversee youth fellowships and discipleship programs. Each chaplain works with a Chapel Youth Leadership Team that mirrors the local church structure.
Leadership Development
The ministry prioritizes intentional leadership development. Provincial and diocesan offices establish resource centres and an education fund to support promising youth leaders. Training in Strategic Youth Ministry is mandatory for all elected leaders, and full-time youth ministers must be approved and commissioned by their diocesan bishop.
Governance Principles
- Leadership is participatory, inclusive, and gender-sensitive.
- Leaders are elected based on Christian witness, character, and competency.
- Committees at all levels are accountable to their respective boards and pastoral supervisors.
- Governance ensures that youth ministry is mainstreamed in church life and aligned with the Church’s strategic vision.
