The Global Nazarene Youth International (NYI) Council gathered in South Korea for its annual meeting, held 20-26 August 2026. Graciously hosted by the Korea District, the gathering allowed council members to learn from youth ministries around the world, continue preparations for the 26th Global NYI Convention in Kansas City, USA, next year during the 31st General Assembly and Conventions, and spend meaningful time learning from Nazarene leaders and churches in Korea.
The week began in Seoul, where the council visited Sangamdong Church of the Nazarene and met with the pastoral staff, led by Shin Min-gyoo. The council members also welcomed the opportunity to experience Korean history and culture by wearing traditional hanbok and visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace. They visited the Korea Nazarene District Office, where District Superintendent Choi Hyoung Young shared about their ministry among approximately 300 churches and some of their hopes and prayer requests for the younger generation. Korea District NYI President Lim Jin Young and other NYI leaders welcomed the council throughout their time in Seoul, sharing meals, ministry, and fellowship.
On Sunday, the Global NYI council members joined Sangamdong Church for both family and youth worship services before traveling to Cheonan, where the remainder of the annual meeting was held at Korea Nazarene University (KNU).
The Global NYI Council members met with KNU leaders, including President Kim Kyung Soo, and staff, as well as other Korea District NYI leaders. The hospitality of the Korea Nazarene District, Jeja Nazarene Church, Korea NYI leaders, and Korea Nazarene University became an important part of the week, reminding the council that a global gathering is not only an opportunity to conduct business together, but also to listen, learn, and build relationships across cultures.
During the meetings, the council welcomed Stephen Sickel from Global Missions, who facilitated conversations about the growing collaboration between The Cause and NYI in the different regions. Council members shared how these partnerships are creating opportunities for young people to participate in missions and discussed ways NYI can continue collaborating with other ministries to serve the church more effectively. The council also celebrated several initiatives launched during the past year and discussed opportunities for continued communication and leadership development in the years ahead.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on preparations for the 26th Global NYI Convention. The council continued developing plans for how delegates from around the world can register and participate in both online and in-person gatherings. Conversations included regional and delegate caucuses, workshops, plenary sessions, communication strategy, exhibits, and opportunities to partner with Nazarene Missions International (NMI) and Nazarene Discipleship International (NDI).
As preparations continue, the Global NYI Council is looking forward to creating a space where young people and leaders from around the world can worship, learn, connect, serve, and participate in the life of the global church together.
The council invites Nazarenes around the world to pray for the preparations leading to the Global NYI Convention, for the districts preparing to send delegates, and for the resources, visa processes, and travel arrangements needed for delegates from many different parts of the world looking forward to be fully engaged in the convention gathering.
For more information about the Global NYI Convention, visit generalassembly27.com/nyi.