The United Churches of Manitoba have named a new President for the next 2 years.

Former Emerson resident Joey Dearborne was chosen as leader by members within the church community.

The 22 year old explained some duties that the position will include.

"So the position entails I am the chair of all the meetings of the United Churches Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario," said Dearborne. "We have an executive, a sub executive, that kind of thing. I also represent this area at general council which is the big United Church national meeting which happens in Newfoundland this summer."

Dearborne noted he's been involved in the church since he was 16, and shared low church attendance is not only a rural but general issue within the conference.

"I am not intimidated; I think it will be very exciting," said Dearborne when asked how he feels about stepping into the new post. "I know I am the youngest president of any conference in United Church history so in 90 years of history that's quite a big deal. I am not intimidated, I think my experience in the United Church is going to give me pretty good grounding in this and I am ready for it."

Meanwhile, Dearborne stated the church is currently a little nervous about the future.

The new president added church is a good place to be regardless if it's Sunday morning or another time during the week.

He hopes to use his voice to affect change in our region, across Canada and throughout the world.