When Seventh-day Adventist world church president Pastor Jan Paulsen says “Let’s Talk,” it’s much more than a catchphrase. With a reported 75 percent of the global church membership comprised of young people, church leaders recognize that continued candid dialogue with that demographic is vital to the church’s future. 

To further his aim to truly listen to young people and address their concerns, Pastor Paulsen is gearing up for the seventh installment of Let’s Talk, which will be produced in Cameroon on August 17 and in Uganda on August 22, 2006.

For young people who’ve ever been perplexed by an issue preached from the pulpit or discussed over potluck, Let’s Talk is a welcomed opportunity to ask spontaneous, unscripted questions. In a format similar to previous Let’s Talk stints held in Germany, the United States, Australia, and Brazil, Pastor Paulsen will chat with a number of young Adventist professionals.

Despite the now familiar Let’s Talk format, “each culture or country generates its own unique set of issues,” says John T. Banks, producer and associate communication director for the world church, lending each session a relevancy that better impacts young people.

Mary Ngu Ekukole, the host of Let’s Talk Cameroon, says that nothing makes young people feel included like face-to-face contact with a world church leader. Ngu Ekukole, who is a local journalist and broadcaster, says, “I look forward to it with joyful expectation, thus welcoming it as a divine privilege to be a part of.”

The Let’s Talk Africa broadcasts will be aired on the Hope Channel at a later date. For broadcast times and more information, see http://www.hopetv.org or letstalk.adventist.org.