ith the launch of the Let's Talk Web site, church administration is deliberately opening a door to direct communication with Adventist young adults, says Jan Paulsen. The site, which will be launched on September 13 during a live satellite broadcast, will offer a way for 15- to 25-year-olds to send their comments and questions directly to the office of the president.

"Obviously, this Web site isn't a cure-all," says Paulsen. "But it's a start. It signals that we're serious about listening to the voices of young people and attempting to respond to their questions."

Let's Talk will contain a searchable database of questions and answers on a wide range of topics, including dating, personal faith, social issues, and Adventist beliefs. Regular discussion threads will allow Adventist young people to air their views, and to see what others from different countries are saying.

The site will be found at www.letstalk.adventist.org.

Live Broadcasts Take an Unscripted Approach
When the General Conference president answers questions tossed to him by students during a live satellite broadcast, there's no chance for second takes. If there is going to be a genuine exchange of ideas, explains Pastor Paulsen, there's no place for scripted questions or edited responses. "And if I don't have an answer to a question, I will say so!" he adds.

The first Let's Talk program aired August 21, 2003, from Simi Valley, California. During the one-hour program, some 50 young people between 15 and 20 years of age asked candid questions about a range of topics, from music to dating to church teachings.

Let's Talk . . . Again will be broadcast from Andrews University on September 13, and will reach out to a slightly older age group-the 18 to 25 year olds. Paulsen says these young adults face many challenges: from the media, from popular culture, from different philosophies or worldviews that are critical of faith.

"They're asking hard questions; they're defining their own beliefs; they're developing the faith and values that will help guide them through life," says Paulsen. "And it's at this time that young people need to know that their church needs them, that it cannot be defined or survive without them."

Let's Talk . . . Again will be broadcast globally by the Hope Channel. For broadcast times and downlink information go to www.hopetv.org.