14-year-old delegate skips school to attend conference in Pittsburgh

Parents, teachers give
permission for teen
to help make policy

United Methodist News Service
PITTSBURGH—Technically, Ryan Botsdorf of Halifax, Pa., was skipping school April 27 to May 7.
But he was doing so with permission from his parents and teachers. That’s because he was getting an education he simply couldn’t get in class.
At 14, Botsdorf was the youngest delegate elected to attend The United Methodist Church’s top legislative assembly. He was one of 998 people from around the world voting on policies during the 2004 General Conference in Pittsburgh.
“I thought by me coming to General Conference it’s saying that youth want to be involved and want to be able to make decisions and not just sit back and let the adults make everything,” said Botsdorf, who is a member of Halifax (Pa.) UMC.
His father serves as the associate youth pastor at the church, and his mother is choir director.
The delegate from Central Pennsylvania Conference spent long hours in committee meetings, wrestling with the wording of proposals and petitions that would help shape the future of the 10 million-member denomination.
From homosexuality to global missions, Botsdorf was tackling some of the toughest issues facing the worldwide church.
“I love sitting there and thinking that I have power to do things for my church,” Botsdorf said. “I love how everyone from around the world can come together and just be one body and unite and make the great decisions that they’re going to.”
Although he’s missing his ninth-grade classes, Botsdorf said he still has plenty of homework. After the late-night committee meetings, he starts in on his school studies.
He’s required to write a report about his experience at General Conference.
While the time in Pittsburgh was no vacation, Botsdorf said he’s glad to be serving his church in this way.
When his duties as a delegate feel overwhelming, he relies on faith and prayer to God.
“I know that he’s always around me, and if I do have trouble, I can just talk to him,” he said.  “I’m talking to him a lot because it is very overwhelming, but I’m getting through it.”