“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
“You don’t have to wait to be great!” You’ve probably heard me say it in a weekend service, or have walked past the big letters on the wall in our kids ministry, but this simple statement reflects the immense value we see in intentionally investing in, and empowering the next generation—value that has been at the core of Milestone’s DNA from the very start.
If you missed Next Gen Weekend this past Saturday and Sunday, you’ll absolutely want to check out the video of the service at milestonechurch.com. We celebrated all that God is doing in the lives of our young people, and experienced the fruit of all we’ve poured into them. As both a dad and a pastor, I was so proud watching the courage and talent of all the kids and students serving and leading worship, and shared in the passion and excitement that was evident in the Next Gen staff team who leads them. This weekend was a perfect example of what it looks like when we take the time to develop and equip the next generation of leaders.
Next Gen Weekend isn’t just a kids program that we put on once a year—it’s a snapshot of what these students and kids are experiencing every weekend in any of our Next Gen environments. Milestone has always been a place where you don’t see young people sitting on the sidelines—you see them in the game! They teach, lead worship, serve in teams, and even lead small groups. It’s amazing what kids can do when they have spiritual family standing behind them, believing in them and empowering them to lead and impact others for Jesus.
I’m so thankful for all the volunteers, small group leaders, and staff members who are investing in these young leaders every week. I’ve seen first-hand, in my own family and in so many others, the difference that all of you are making in the next generation!
Changing the world through students and kids isn’t just a phrase or idea—
it’s happening right now.
Jesse Wagner
September 7, 2018 at 10:09 amSuch an awesome weekend! So thankful to be a part of a church that champions the next generation so consistently!
Pastor Ron
September 7, 2018 at 11:23 amNot just once a year but it’s happening every weekend at Milestone Church! Such a true statement. Lead on Next Gen!
Michael
September 7, 2018 at 6:34 pmI love what Milestone is doing to empower next generation leaders. Keep up the good work!
Betty J. Gutierrez
September 8, 2018 at 7:39 amNext Gen weekend is always top notch, hearts are awakened by moments like these, these kids show us what heartfelt and wholehearted devotion to God looks like..alot goes on behind the scenes to prepare for this and the fruit was what we saw. I am thankful for our church pouring into our youth and they will never forget all this..most of all they will inspire and encourage those around them to not wait to be great!
Nathan
September 8, 2018 at 12:51 pmSuch a powerful weekend to celebrate Next Gen, and meant so much with the birth of our daughter last weekend! Can’t wait for her to be a part of these environments!