NextGen Ministries
Focusing on the next generation of
disciples and leaders in the church.
“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you are taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NLT
NextGen Ministries is an alignment of our preschool, elementary, middle, high school, and young adult ministries. We collaborate to share a common plan and vision for what kids, teens and their families will experience growing up at FaithLife.
The 936 weeks it takes to launch a young adult are one big story line.
It’s your child’s story. We would be so honored to walk with you along the way!
Programs for birth - young adult
-
![]()
Nursery
Our bright and colorful, multi-room nursery is ready to serve children ages birth to four years and their families.
-
![]()
Sunday School
10:00 am on Sundays
Each Sunday, students will experience music, large group storytelling, and small group activities.
-
![]()
Discovery & Journey
5:30-7:00 PM on Wednesdays
Our hope is that students begin their journey with Jesus with a strong foundation in community with their peers in large group and small groups. -
![]()
Cultivate & Anthem
5th & 6th: 5:30-7:00 pm on Wednesdays
7th & 8th: 7:00-8:30 pm on Wednesdays
We will talk about real life things and how our faith relates in large group and small groups. God and the Bible are right here, right now things! -
![]()
Confirmation
Lutheran confirmation is intended to support faith formation, as students connect their faith and life.
-
![]()
The Edge
7:00-8:30 pm on Wednesdays
Rather than asking, “What can we teach a teenager about God?” we ask, “How can we help a teenager live out their faith?” It’s not just about teaching them about Jesus - it’s about modeling what faith in Jesus looks like.
Our Environments
There are three environments for students in our ministry.
Each one is designed to invite students into deeper relationships with peers, leaders, and Jesus.
Each environment is designed with every student in mind - the kid who’s grown up in church and the first-time visitor, too.
EVENTS
Throughout the year, we’ll host several big events designed to help students connect with their peers.
Events will often be the environments where students
walk into our ministry for the very first time.
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
Our weekly programs happen every single week. They’re designed to help students grow spiritually in a few key areas.
SMALL GROUP
Small groups are the most important part of what we do.
They happen every week in our programs, but the relationships built in small groups extend outside the walls of our church (that’s our hope!). They’re designed to connect every student with a consistent trustworthy adult and community of peers
Volunteer
If you love Jesus and kids, NextGen Ministries may be the place for you! Our volunteers make church a fun and safe place for students to be by building relationships and pointing kids towards God’s love, all while following best practices for safety and having a ton of fun along the way. We’d love to connect with you to share the details!
Wednesday Evenings
You are able to sign up for multiple opportunities
(example: serve as a small group leader weekly AND give large group message, once a quarter)
🔶 SMALL GROUP LEADERS 🔶
Meeting weekly with studentsSunday mornings
Leading Sunday School for our youngest students (PreK-Kindergarten). The curriculum/teaching is provided ahead of time. You help bring it to life while being with our littles.Wednesday evenings
You’re a guide, a facilitator, and so much MORE! You'll help lead conversations that will help your small group find truth together. You're provided small group questions/activities ahead of time by our team.1st-6th grades: 5:30-7:00 pm
7th-12 grades: 7:00-8:30 pm
🔶 LARGE GROUP LEADERS - WEDNESDAYS 🔶
You'll help welcome students and set the tone in the room! You'll help lead gatherings through teaching, hosting, games, announcements, and creative moments. You teach or facilitate teaching moments and bring fun, warmth, and clarity
🔶 HOSPITALITY - WEDNESDAYS🔶Greeters (5:15-5:45 pm): We could use your assistance in checking in students each Wednesday night. We want to make sure each student feels like they belong here, which includes they get checked in, get a nametag, and someone learns/knows their name.
Kitchen: Leading a small group not your thing but you desire to serve our students more behind the scenes? We always need help with food prep and keeping the kitchen & Connections Cafe clean. Our team would love to have you be part of the fun!
Set up: helping prep food and the kitchen on Wednesday afternoons
Serving & clean up for grades 1-6 (5:15-6:45 pm)
Serving & clean up for grades 7-12 (6:45-8:00 pm)
Floater: We can always use an extra set of hands - you might be doing something different each evening!
There is so much value and intention in having adults and parents involved in their child(ren)'s spiritual growth. That’s why we believe one of the most important ways we love and lead students is by partnering with you!
In all of our time caring for students, we’ve learned something really important. We believe that, in every student’s life, this is true: your best chance at influencing your student’s faith and future is to recruit other adults to influence them with you.
Jessica has been involved with our programs for years serving as a small group leader! | 2022
If you're here on a Wednesday or Sunday, you've seen Travis around! | 2022
Parents & Guardians.
We value the relationship we have with parents and guardians, the primary influence in a child's life. It is our joy to come alongside you, as we help to strengthen and build a future for your youth that has Jesus Christ at the center. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns, or coffee dates.
Meet the NextGen Team
-
Jennie Benke
Coordinator of Operations
-
Bailey LeBeau
Coordinator of Special Events Connections
-
Michelle Meyers
Director of NextGen Ministries
-
Megan Render
Coordinator of Student Connections
-
Alisha Rudd-Chayer
Coordinator of Volunteer Connections