The Next Generation and Me
I joined the Flatirons Aurora Student Ministry in 2023. On my first night of student groups, I thought, What if they don’t like me? What if I don’t know what to say? What if I’m not cool? During introductions, I felt awkward, and I could tell that the students sensed my nervousness.
A few weeks later, I visited Estes Park, where over 700 students from Flatirons Community Church had gathered. On the first evening of worship, God gave me a glimpse of the power brewing within the next generation. When worship began, the students rushed to the stage, ready to praise the Lord, their hands raised in full surrender. As I looked around, I noticed other adults woven into the tapestry of the student body. I wondered what significant roles these men and women played in the students’ approach to praise. I stood in awe, thinking of all the ways these leaders must have prayed, prepared, planned, and shown up for these students so that they could experience the presence of Jesus. In that moment, I didn’t feel worthy of being called a student leader; I didn't feel qualified. The Holy Spirit then reminded me that He is always with me and that He would help me.
After camp, I came across “NextGen Simple Mentoring,” offered through RightNow Media and taught by Derwin Gray and Lisette Fraser. While emphasizing the importance of mentoring the next generation, the presenters highlighted a few interesting statistics: one-third of churchgoers are not involved in mentoring, however, 73% of Gen Z would like to grow spiritually.
What an opportunity!
Mentoring students doesn’t have to be intimidating; it can be as simple as performing small acts of kindness, being vulnerable and authentic in conversations, and asking questions. Mentoring students is an excellent way to build up the legacy of faith within our church.
When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, His words captured the attention of both adults and children. Jesus planted seeds in the hearts of everyone, old and young. Jesus also affirmed children when He said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:13–14; NIV).
Although I didn’t initially feel qualified when I began serving in the Next Gen program, I quickly realized that the students didn’t expect me to change the world, they just wanted me to walk alongside them, believe in them, and encourage them.
Jesus asks us share the Good News with others. As He works through each of us while we serve, He promises to take care of the rest. Our consistency and commitment to our Next Gen programs can make a significant difference and create a lasting impact for the Kingdom. Is there a specific student that God is placing on your heart? I encourage you to take the time to reach out and uplift them today.
Learn More about Flatirons Next Gen Here