The future of any organization, including the church, depends on its ability to engage and empower the next generation. In the context of the church, Next-Gen ministry plays a crucial part in ensuring the relevance, vitality, and future of churches. Kids and students are growing up in a completely different world than the one you and I remember from our childhood. They have different questions than we did, they are barraged daily with images and messages in social media that we never experienced at such young ages.

I believe that churches must invest more energy and resources in Next-Gen ministry than ever before, and I’d love for you to join me at ETCH 2023. I’ll be leading breakout sessions where we’ll discuss Why Groups Matter, plus How to Create a Catch-and-Release Culture that Fuels Next Gen Ministries. The ETCH NextGen Ministry Conference is in the Nashville area on October 9-11 at Brentwood Baptist Church. You can register by clicking here. Help me get the word out about this terrific conference by reposting this article in your social media channels!

5 Reasons to Focus on Your Church’s Next Gen Ministry

A famous movie line states, “We’re not in Kansas anymore!” It’s an admission from Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz that something has happened and she’s in a strange new place. We might utter that same line today when it comes to the state of the church. Things have changed, and they continue to change. “As church attendance and membership have declined, the church has moved to the periphery of public life. As its influence over public discourse and policy has weakened, ideas that have no spiritual basis have replaced religion as the key influencer of public life” (Flip the Script, 15). These changes manifest themselves in ministry to kids and teens as they grow up in a culture that looks nothing like the one many of us experienced.  “As church attendance and membership wanes, Judeo-Christian beliefs are becoming less and less ingrained in American culture. Kids and students are growing up with a foundationally secular worldview that tells them the meaning of life is to define themselves. The pressure to do this has resulted in unprecedented levels of anxiety, loneliness, and a desperate need to belong. This secular framework makes it harder and harder for kids to hear and relate to biblical teaching” (Flip the Script, 6). With our kids under such cultural pressures to conform to a non-biblical worldview, here are five reasons why it is more important than ever to support, fund, and become champions for Next-Gen ministry in your church:

1. Passing on the Faith – One of the primary objectives of Next-Gen Ministry is to pass on the Christian faith to the next generation. As older generations age, it becomes imperative to ensure that the core beliefs and values of the church are preserved and handed down effectively. Through age-appropriate teaching, mentoring, and guidance, Next-Gen Ministry equips young people with a solid foundation in the faith, helping them to grow as committed Christians who can carry the torch of faith into the future.

2. Relevance and Adaptability – The church must remain relevant to the evolving needs and preferences of younger generations. Next-Gen Ministry provides a platform for the church to adapt its methods and approaches, ensuring that the message of Christ remains compelling and relatable to young people. By incorporating contemporary worship styles, technology, and interactive teaching methods, the church can create an environment where the next generation feels seen, valued and understood.

3. Leadership Development – Next-Gen Ministry is not just about catering to the spiritual needs of young people; it also focuses on cultivating future leaders within the church. Through ministries to kids and students, leadership training, and mentorship, the younger members of our churches are given opportunities to discover and develop their talents and gifts. These experiences not only prepare them for leadership roles within the church but also equip them to become leaders in their schools, neighborhoods, sports teams, and workplaces.

4. Community and Belonging – Young people often face a myriad of challenges as they navigate through life’s transitions. Next-Gen Ministry provides a supportive and nurturing community where they can find belonging and genuine relationships. This sense of community can be a powerful tool in preventing young people from feeling isolated or disconnected, ultimately helping them stay rooted in their faith.

5. Outreach and Evangelism – Next-Gen Ministry can be a catalyst for evangelism and outreach efforts. Young people are often more open to exploring their faith and sharing it with others. By equipping them with the tools and confidence to evangelize, the church can extend its reach to new generations and unchurched people.

Next-Gen Ministry is not an optional aspect of church life – it is a vital necessity. As the church seeks to navigate today’s challenges and opportunities, it must prioritize the spiritual growth, leadership development, and cultural engagement of the next generation. By investing in Next-Gen Ministry, the church ensures that it remains a vibrant and relevant force for good in the world, carrying the message of hope, love, and salvation to generations to come.

I hope to see you at the ETCH 2023 Conference on October 9-11 in Brentwood, TN. If you come, please drop by and say hi. I’d love to connect with you at that event! In the meantime, may the Lord bless you and your church’s ministry to kids and students.