D.A.N. Talks: Discourses About Next-Gen
Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Judges 2:7,10-12
DIGGING DEEPER
God has a vision, calling and plan to bless the next generation and every believer is called to play a part by being a blessing to those in the next generations. God has destined each of us to pass on a spiritual legacy. Psalm 145:4 states, "One generation is to tell another of the mighty acts of God."
We can influence and leave a legacy with the next generation in many ways.
Love and share God's love with them.
Equip them with God's word.
Give them grace and forgiveness.
Invest in their lives and spend time with them.
Recognize and affirm their potential.
Disciple, be a mentor and champion them.
Be a positive role model for them.
Understand their culture and help them biblically navigate difficult issues.
The next generation's faith is priceless, and we pray for and cry out for God to raise up and protect these future heroes of the faith. May all generations work together as we follow Jesus' command to "love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with our all mind." (Matthew 22:37)
WHAT NOT TO MISS
Dan Young - Executive Pastor Next Gen - Kids
"In the race to a child's heart, the first one there wins." - George Barna
Children are not only the future of the church. They are an active and important part of today's church. They are the future leaders of the church, and it's our job to prepare them to be successful in that role. There is no junior Holy Spirit. The same Holy Spirit lives in adults and children.
There are three truths every child needs to learn during the elementary years.
There is a really big God they can trust no matter what. (Proverbs 3:5-6 )
The church is a place where kids can belong. (Romans 12:5)
Uncommon sense helps us make wise choices. (Romans 12:2; 1 Samuel 16:7 )
Three people every child needs to see in their church.
People that Love God. (Matthew 22:37-39)
People that Love People (John 13:34-35)
People that Serve Joyfully - We have to show up! (1 Peter 4:10)
“And Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Matthew 22:37-39)
Dan Elkins - Executive Pastor of Next Gen - Students
We reach the next generation by being examples of Godly convictions, by making the Lord and what He has done known, and by sharing our changed lives with those younger than us.
Godly Convictions Lead to Devotion and Determination. (Judges 2:7; Joshua 24:15; 1 Thess 1:5)
Distractions Lead to Disengagement & Disobedience. (Judges 2:10; Joshua 2:10; Ephesians 4:14)
Changed Lives Lead to Serving and Sharing. (Judges 2:11-12; Psalms 145:3-4)
We have been commissioned to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to all nations, but how can we do that if we don't start with our own?
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
LIFE APPLICATION
Look for opportunities this week to spend time with someone in the next-gen age group. Intentionally look for fun ways to engage that will help you get to know how wonderful they are. Listen and encourage them to be their best self and share how much God and you love them for who they are.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What is your favorite memory from growing up?
What does God's word teach about next-gen?
What are the needs of the next-gen?
Why is it critical for the church to reach out and engage next-gen and develop them as leaders?
What are some practical ways to invest in the next-gen?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE PASSAGES
Day 1: Vision for the Next-Gen — Acts 2:17; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 119:11
Day 2: Blessings for the Next-Gen — Exodus 20:6; 1 John 2:1-3; Genesis 12:3
Day 3: One Generation Blesses the Next — Psalm 71:18; Psalm 78:4; Deuteronomy 7:9
Day 4: All Generations are to be Taught — Deuteronomy 4:9-10; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; Joel 1:3
Day 5: Next-Gen, the Light of the World — John 3:19-20; 2 Corinthians 6:14-15; Matthew 5:14-16
PRAYER
Lord, I pray that the next generation loves you with a sincere and pure heart. I see all the wonderful possibilities and opportunities the next generation has and all the great things you have in store for them. Help them be rooted in you, planted in rich soil that bears much fruit. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, teach them about the joy and peace that comes as they know you and learn to serve you faithfully. Guide their walk and keep them from all evil and wickedness. Show me ways I can love and care for them. Let all generations boldly share the Gospel with neighbors and nations through the power of the Holy Spirit.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
-Volunteer in Next Generation Ministry
-Register for What is the Bible and Can It Be Trusted LIFE² Group starting September 5th.
