Next Gen Now

Saundra Botts (WFW) shares her breakout session from Leader Equip on Better KIDStorytelling. Dive into the unique KIDStory approach, using visuals, motion, and sound to help children absorb, recall, and retell the story of God. Learn practical techniques for storytelling that maintain the integrity of Scripture and create space for the Spirit to work.

www.thehills.org/serve

Saundra Botts shares on previous podcast

See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

In this episode of Next Gen Now, we explore TBRI®—Trust-Based Relational Intervention®—a trauma-informed model designed to help children and teens heal, connect, and thrive. Whether you're a parent, ministry leader, or educator, this conversation offers practical tools and deeper insight into the relational needs of the next generation.

Our guests share why trust-building, connection, and felt safety are not just therapeutic strategies—they're gospel values. Amy Leith, Family Engager @ WFW Campus Dr. Laurie Bailey, KSP & SSP @ NRH Campus Katie Maitland, TBRI Specialist

Seeing Beyond Behaviors Podcast with Dr. Laurie Bailey

TBRI Website

Amy Leith's Podcast on Family Engagement

See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

For as long as it's been measured, women have been more religious than men. But an alarming shift is happening in American religion: For the first time, young women are now less religious than men. A new Barna Group study shows that Gen Z women ages 18–24 are less likely than young men of the same age to identify with a faith or be very active in church.

Yet, even as church attendance and religious affiliation decline, spiritual openness among Gen Z men and women remains high — 73% of Gen Z believe in God or a higher power, and 60% say they're more open to God today than before the pandemic.

Cicely Corry is Editorial Director at Barna Group, where she leads online content strategy to help Christian leaders understand key trends affecting the Church. With over 10 years serving in student ministry, she can share how Gen Z's "spiritual but not religious" outlook presents a challenge and opportunity for the Church.

Connect with Cicely and her work: Instagram and her own podcast, Life with the Corrys. • Gen Z Vol. 3 Report and Gen Z Barna article • Open Generation Report and Open Generation Barna article • Aging Well Report and Aging Well Barna article

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

Debbie Loy shares how to unlock the full authority of prayer in your life. Become empowered to break through common barriers, ignite your passion, and experience prayer as a life-changing force--for you, your loved ones, and beyond.

https://www.24-7prayer.com/prayer_guide/prayer-walking/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-gen-now/id1637468749?i=1000671260502

See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

What happens when you hand the mic to the interns? In this special episode of Next Gen Now, four of our amazing summer interns take over the podcast to reflect on what they've experienced, what they've learned, and what they believe God is doing in the next generation. They've spent their summer serving in Kids and Student Ministry, leading small groups, praying with the next generation, running events, and learning what it really means to disciple the next generation—and now, they're sharing their hearts with you. Whether you're a parent, a pastor, or a peer, this episode will give you a fresh glimpse into the faith, questions, and hope of emerging leaders in the Church.

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

Summer is a sacred time in Next Gen Ministry—full of camps, late-night conversations, first-time commitments, and unforgettable moments with Jesus. But summer is also a launching pad for what God wants to do in the school year ahead. In this episode of Next Gen Now, we sit down with our Global Kids Minister and Global Student Minister to reflect on what God did this summer and what's ahead for Fall 2025. You'll hear stories that encourage your heart, insight into what's shaping our strategy this year, and a clear invitation to join us in discipling the next generation—at home, at church, and in your everyday rhythms. Whether you're a parent, a group leader, or simply someone who cares about kids and students, this conversation will equip and inspire you. Listen in for: • The fruit of camps, service projects, and student leadership • How to partner with your kids during spiritual momentum moments • What to expect this fall in both Kids and Student Ministry • Why this year's curricluum matters for your family • Tangible ways to pray, serve, and lead the next generation with purpose

NRH Only - What is ION and Why Are We Offering It? As our middle schoolers take their next step in faith and maturity, we're excited to offer something intentionally designed just for them. Beginning Promotion Sunday at 9:30 AM in Room 272, our ministry team will lead students through the ION Course—Identity. Ownership. Navigation.

Created by FourFiveSix Ministry, ION is a discipleship experience tailored to the unique needs of preteens and young teens. Over the course of the semester, students will engage with truth, discussion, and spiritual practices that help them: • Discover their identity in Christ, • Take ownership of their faith journey, and • Learn to navigate real-life decisions with wisdom and courage. ION runs during the full 9:30 service time and is a key part of how we're equipping students for the transition into middle school. As 5th graders begin to serve on Sundays and step into more intergenerational rhythms, ION helps prepare them not just to attend church—but to be the Church. We're passionate about walking alongside your family during this formative season and can't wait to see how God works through this next step in your child's faith journey.

Register MS Students for ION here

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

After 17 years of investing in students, Adam Herndon is stepping into a new role as Campus Pastor—and he's bringing every lesson, scar, and story with him.

We sit down with Adam who has walked with hundreds of teenagers through every season imaginable. We look back on what God has done, reflect on what the Church needs now, and look ahead to a multi-generational vision for what's next.

Whether you're a student leader, parent, minister, or just passionate about the next generation, this conversation is full of wisdom, humility, and of course fun! and a powerful call to keep showing up—one student, one season at a time.

Highlights: • The unexpected lessons 17 years in student ministry taught him • Why the next generation needs the whole Church (not just youth group) • What's changing—and what must never change—in discipling young people • His blessing for leaders and families who are still in the trenches

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

In this special episode of the Next Gen Podcast, we're thrilled to introduce you to the two newest members of our ministry team! You'll first hear from Jon Ahles, our new NRH Elementary Minister, as he shares his heart for children's ministry. Then, stay tuned as we sit down with Darrell Halk, our new Lead Student Minister, to talk about his passion for student discipleship and what excites him about serving at The Hills.

Even when beloved leaders move on, God remains faithful. We're so grateful for how He continues to provide—and we're excited for what's ahead with Jon and Darrell on board!

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

Pastor Rick joins us on this special episode to discuss Kids & Communion. We're hitting pause on our leader equip series to cast vision for a powerful upcoming moment in the life of our church—Family Worship Day on Sunday, May 25.

When you hear "family worship," maybe you think, "No kids classes." But we want to reshape that thought into something far more exciting: "I'm thrilled to worship as the intergenerational family of God." This day is for all of us—parents, kids, teens, grandparents, singles—everyone who makes up the family of God at The Hills Church.

Family Worship Day isn't just a break from routine—it's a step into the kind of worship Jesus envisioned: whole families, across generations, gathered together in His name. Whether you're a parent or not, this day is for you—because we are one church family.

Family Worship podcast with Patty Weaver

Should my child take communion?

Talking to Your Kids About Communion

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.

Alexandra McAulay shares about her recent transition from full-time student ministry at NRH to full-time motherhood. Be encouraged and blessed by her powerful words to students, parents and leaders. Thank you, Alexandra, for your legacy in student ministry. If you would like to encourage Alexandra, contribute your blessings here: Alexandra Blessing Form

Reach out to us at [email protected] and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.