The 44-year-old Theologian and Pastor from Esslingen will take up the office in March 2017.
Kopp is well prepared for the job as General Secretary of Germany’s largest ecumenical youth association. He currently works as a Pastor in Esslingen and for the Protestant Church of the Württemberg region with a focus on "Milieu Sensitive Youth Work". In addition, Kopp is trained in Supervision and Systemic Counselling. Kopp is passionate about sharing Christian beliefs in an authentic and credible way. He is convinced that his own path in life is closely linked to youth work, starting with his own childhood experience of being a member of a YMCA kids club.
Talking to the delegates, Kopp stressed: "I would like to give new attention to the original mission of the YMCA, and encourage young people in their faith in Jesus Christ."
After his predecessor Dr. Roland Werner (Marburg) lay down the office in March 2015, YMCA Germany underwent a process of repositioning the National Council’s office together with its 13 member movements. The GA set the course for some structural changes within YMCA Germany. Karl-Heinz Stengel, President of YMCA Germany, said: „ Hansjörg Kopp has the skillset to lead YMCA Germany into the future. He will broaden our view on young people in our country".
In this role as General Secretary, Kopp will represent the German YMCA nationwide in Church, politics and society. He will also lead all work within the national YMCA context as as well as the international context of the worldwide YMCA movement.
Hansjörg Kopp is married with three children.
Until March 2017, acting General Secretary will be Karsten Hüttmann, Director of National Programs and Missions.
