‘Emerging young leaders' meet in Keswick

A group of 15 “emerging young leaders” gathered at the Pencil Factory in Keswick, in the heart of the Lake District, to think about Christian leadership and learn how to understand and teach the Bible.

The Emerging Young Leaders programme is designed for 16-18-year-olds and run by Keswick Ministries. The organisation’s Kids and Youth Ministry Lead, Ben Pearson, told en: “There is something powerful about seeing young people commit to following Christ with an enthusiasm to open God’s word together, encourage one another, and think about how to serve God’s Kingdom.”

The weekend serves as a starting point for the young people to learn how to understand and teach the Bible; attendees spend time in small groups and take part in practical sessions on sharing and communicating the gospel. Upon completion of the programme, the young people are given the opportunity to teach on the Kids Team at the ministry’s annual Keswick Convention.

Delegates are required to attend two weekends, over the course of the academic year – the first of which took place in November. The mornings were spent in teaching sessions, with afternoons free for local activities and exploration, and evenings devoted to worship, reflection, and relaxed time together.

Pearson continued: “A huge encouragement from the first weekend [was] how quickly the group formed friendships with one another. As the young people arrived on the Friday night everyone was a little shy, but by the end of the evening it felt like this group had been together for years. Coming together so quickly meant they were open and honest with each other about what it means to follow Jesus for them in their contexts.

“This was highlighted further when we thought more carefully about our testimonies of how God has saved us and how willing they were to share this with each other and think through, practically, how they can confidently share this with those around them who do not yet know Christ.”

“The aim is to help young people grow in their faith, and in confidence in the gifts God has given them, encouraged and ready to serve their churches and then make a difference wherever God places them,” Pearson said.

Reflecting on the weekend, one attendee shared: “My favourite part [has] been the fellowship with other Christians and being able to sit at mealtimes with them and enjoy really good food together.” Another said their highlight was “meeting new Christian friends and being able to encourage one another.”

The second weekend, for this cohort, is planned for March 2026.

The programme is in its second year, and Keswick Ministries is planning future EYL events for 2026 and 2027. For more details visit: keswickministries.org/eyl26