Youth leadership roles rise in Finnish congregations after pandemic isolation

An increasing number of young people in Finland are taking part in the responsibilities of youth leaders, known as ‘isoses’, within local congregations. According to the Church Council, this number has risen from approximately 18,000 to 20,000 in recent years. Mikko Wirtanen, an expert on confirmation school and church education, attributes part of this growth to a longing for community following the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drawn youth into confirmation activities.

Many congregations have responded by increasing the number of isoses to meet the growing interest from young people. Sirpa Klapuri, a youth work coordinator from the Kälviä congregation, recalls that the atmosphere during the confirmation camps felt unique after the pandemic lockdown, suggesting that the positive sentiments have carried through to today.

Wirtanen emphasizes the essential role that isoses play in the success of confirmation camps, stating that the positive feedback from these programs often stems from their contributions. Participants have expressed memorable experiences, with Sara Haikara reflecting on the vibrant group spirit from her confirmation camp and others echoing sentiments of joy and camaraderie.

In the Vaasa congregation, the youth coordinator Mikko Matkoski describes a “positive problem” with a high number of eager applicants, totaling around 120 in training. Conversely, in Seinäjoki, while there has been a growing number of confirmation campers, obtaining enough isoses remains challenging due to rising participant numbers.

Overall, the engagement of youth in leadership roles at churches across Finland reflects a strong community spirit among the younger generation, reinforcing the significance of these roles in shaping positive experiences within church activities.