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
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Nursery
Our bright and colorful, multi-room nursery is ready to serve children ages birth to four years and their families.
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Sunday School
Each Sunday, students will experience music, large group storytelling, and small group activities.
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Discovery & Journey
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.
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Cultivate & Anthem
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!
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Confirmation
Lutheran confirmation is intended to support faith formation, as students connect their faith and life.
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The Edge
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
We have NEW music opportunities in NextGen this year!
1st-4th grade singers: On Sunday, December 15, at 11:15 am, FaithLife will offer a Christmas Story Program. Our Sunday School students (led in music by Dave Brauhn) will join our 1st-4th grade students (led in music by Adam Roos and Corinne Gambach) to share the story of our Savior's birth through music, narration, and scenes.
5th-6th grade singers: During the chancel choir Cantata on Sunday, December 22 there are two songs that require a youth choir. 5th & 6th graders are invited to sing in this choir, as well as record “Away in the Manger” for our upcoming live nativity (The Living Story).
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!
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Commitment: 1-2 hours on Thursday morning!
We could use 2 helpers each Thursday morning to clean up our spaces from the night prior. General tasks would be wiping down tables, taking out trash, collecting and sorting materials, etc.
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This position is unique due to the fact that it’s incredibly hands-on. These individuals will work with our 8th grade class intensely as they work toward deepening their faith in Jesus and developing strong community.
All of these individuals will need to be interviewed.
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Commitment: Take a week a month, and/or entire month at a time - we will always take you more!
Kitchen: 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.
Greeters: Do you have a friendly face? Do you love to connect with students AND parents?! 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.
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Commitment: 9 months of the year (September - May). You’re a guide, a facilitator, and a person! 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.
Discovery (grades 1 & 2)
Journey (grades 3 & 4)
Middle Schoolers (Grades 5 -8) - occasionally we will need help from leaders with service projects throughout the year with your group on Wednesday evenings that require you to drive off-site.
The Edge (Grades 9-12) - occasionally we will need help from leaders with service projects throughout the year with your group on Wednesday evenings that require you to drive off-site.
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Commitment: 9 months of the year (September - May). 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.
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 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
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Lisa Huggins
Nursery Coordinator
Lisa loves cruising with her family!
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Lynne Kendrick
Administrative Assistant
One day Lynne hopes to sway Michelle over to the Diet Mountain Dew camp.
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Bailey LeBeau
NextGen Coordinator
If Bailey didn’t work in NextGen Ministries, she would be a wilderness explorer. “The wilderness must be explored. CAW! CAW! RAAR!” -UP
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Michelle Meyers
Director of NextGen Ministries
Lynne, Bailey and Michelle share an office, which is filled with laughter and shenanigans throughout most days!