Fine Arts can easily be one of your best discipleship tools.  In this episode we navigate how to start, and build, a Fine Arts ministry that produces leaders - not performers.

Your local school is one of your communities greatest opportunities to make an impact for the Kingdom.  In this episode we talk about how to establish a relationship with schools and building your influence within the community.

The Altar Call is either the most powerful, or terrifying, moment of any service depending on your background.  In this episode we walkthrough how to have a powerful altar service without forcing it or making things weird.

Building a message is one thing.  Preaching it is another.  In this episode we help you discover your styles & methods to help you understand your voice and be the communicator Jesus has created you to be!

Building a sermon or a series can be challenging.  We're here to help you with some practical steps to take the message God is speaking to you and translating it into an effect way for a maximum response.

We're back and can't wait to share with you what's to come starting Monday, September 23rd! 

Episode 8: Why Training & Resourcing?

Show Notes:

The Next Generation Ministries office exists for the sole purpose of training and resourcing the local church.  Our purpose is to help you develop and build towards the dreams and visions you have for your areas of ministry and community! 

Training

Training is an important aspect of development in any area of life.  We understand that we aren’t the only means of training and development; however, with our over 13 years of ministry experience in all areas of ministry within the local church we are able to provide perspective and insight towards your goals.  We believe in a personalized, contextual, approach.  We aren’t interested in a “copy/paste” mentality where one-size fits all.  We do believe that leadership is a “universal language” and has many areas to be beneficial to you no matter who you listen to!  We are interested in meeting the specific goals and dreams you have for your ministry with a hands-on approach.

Next Steps

Next Steps is a process where we formulate a plan specific to you and literally help you navigate your next steps.  We are with you each step of the way!  Our heart is to walk with you on this journey in a clear, practical, way to accomplish your goals.

This is designed with you, or your team, at your pace, and expectation!  Our heart is your passion!

Resourcing

Resourcing can be a vague term… in this case, we mean it to be.  We understand that there are many ways for a church to be “resourced”.  It could be through curriculum that you need for children’s ministry, or a leader you need to connect with to learn more from, or insight on an event you are trying to host, or something simple and significant like building relationships. 

Whatever we can do to help - we will.  Jesus came to serve… not to be served.  We consider it our greatest honor to serve you!

Final Thoughts

We would love the opportunity to partner with you and bring in some training and resourcing to your ministry.  Whether you are starting from zero or going places you haven’t yet been - we are on your team and want to help you get to wherever you are going!

Podcast Resources: 

Instagram: @msnextgen

Website: msnextgen.com

Facebook Group for Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msnextgenleaders/ 

Connect with Matt & Christy: 

Matt: @matt2thetaylor // [email protected] 

Christy: @laurie_taylor // [email protected]

Episode 7: Why Internship?

Show Notes:

Interning is a great opportunity we have as a District to intentionally invest in and help develop students and young adults by preparing them for next steps in their journey.

Who Can Participate?

The Internship for 2024 and the following years to come will be available to Juniors & Seniors in High School that show a desire to grow in their leadership, have the ability to travel to our events to help serve, and are willing to invest time in themselves to help further their growth as a follower of Jesus.  This is also open to young adults of college age that show the same level of commitment to leadership development and availability to invest time in serving.

What To Expect?

Traditionally interning was limited to the summer camp experience for both Youth & Kids Camp.  However, we see the benefit of opening it up for a year-long experience with monthly meetings (virtually or in-person), various events to serve, and intentional investment from different high-capacity leaders from across the nation.  

The year-long internship will help develop skill sets, team chemistry, on-job training, provide the chance to exercise the developed leadership, and enjoy the rewards of hard work.

Is This For Me?

There are going to be limited spaces for those desiring to intern.  We want to ensure that we can provide an incredible experience for those who have a desire to really grow in their areas of leadership and skill development over the course of the year.  This is not limited to those that feel a call to ministry.  The ultimate desire is to be more intentional in relational and skill development with a lot of the “behind the scenes” of what makes our events happen.  This is a great place to learn money management, budget building, event organizing, implementing, and execution.  You will be learning every area from pre-to-post event.

Final Thoughts

We would LOVE to partner with you and help you become who Jesus has created you to be! This is a year of hard work… but an excellent source of learning and building that will set you up for success for all of your future opportunities. 

Podcast Resources: 

Instagram: @msnextgen

Website: msnextgen.com

Facebook Group for Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msnextgenleaders/ 

Connect with Matt & Christy: 

Matt: @matt2thetaylor // [email protected] 

Christy: @laurie_taylor // [email protected]

Thanks for joining in on a special guest episode with our District Superintendent Bob Wilburn!  This is our final episode on prayer.

Today's episode focuses on the Product of Prayer.

Follow this link for more additional resources!
https://https://campsite.bio/msnextgen

Episode 6: Why Discipleship?

Show Notes:

We have two significant focusses in our faith - The Great Commission and The Great Commandment.  One is to love people as we love The Lord and the other is to go into all of the world and make Disciples.

Called to Make Disciples NOT Converts

One of the most interesting things to notice in The Great Commission is that we are not called to make “converts”… we are called to make disciples.

Not all converts are disciples… but all disciples are converts. 

We have for a long time, and rightfully so, created spaces in our churches and ministries for people to respond the salvation message of Jesus.  We lead them to a moment, and then through a prayer, and celebrate the life changing decision they made to follow Jesus. All of this is appropriate! However, it is not the full story - it’s only the beginning! 

The real process of discipleship takes time, energy, and resources.  Discipleship isn’t clean - it’s messy.  It’s helping people wrestle with the Word of God as it applies to their life and the changes it brings.  It’s the accountability for growth as a person and in their walk with Jesus. 

Building Discipleship Back INTO The Church

Discipleship needs to be a systematic walkthrough of the Bible through bible plans and life applications.  We have a responsibility to tie the Word of God to our life and our actions.  Typically this is done in smaller groups with a plan to walk through the Word, talk about it’s application to our lives, commit to growing into what we are learning, and being accountable to each other during the growth process.  Discipleship is the pathway to becoming who Jesus desires us to be!

There are many different methods we can develop discipleship and bring it more in focus in our local churches and ministries. 

Here are some different methods :

• Small Groups (In service and out)
• Girls Ministries
• Royal Rangers
• Sunday School
• Community Groups

This is not an all inclusive list… but a great place to get started!  We want to help you find creative ways to implement it into your church or help you grow what you already have!

God Honors His Word

The Word of God tells us that He honors His Word as He honors His name. (Psalm 138:2). This is an incredible promise that we can hold on to!  It is vitally important that we show kids, students, and young adults, how to find the answers they need in the Bible and not hang on to our beautifully crafted alliteration. 

“Praise puts your problems into perspective.”  Is a great line that we can remember easy… but if we don’t help those listening understand where to find that in the Bible - Jesus doesn’t honor our cleverly crafted messages… He honors His word.  John 16:33 tells us that in Him we can have peace, because He has overcome the world! 

If we are able to tie that thought and anchor it into the scripture to where those listening can hide The Word in their heart, we are solidifying scripture in their heart and not something that just “sounds good”.

Final Thoughts

Discipleship is a process.  It’s a commitment of our time, relationship, resources, and a willingness to involved in all of life’s challenges.  It’s not easy.  It’s messy.  It is the most rewarding thing we can do as we fulfill the scripture of making disciples - not just “converts”.