Recently, I met with Nick and Shari Solis, a couple who have been leading in our NextGen ministry for 10+ years. Nick and Shari are transitioning their leadership roles to another Impact TEAM here at Believers. The minute we sat down, I got soggy. You know what I mean, it was all I could do to hold it together. All the memories of doing life, ministry and leadership together flooded my thoughts. As I began to celebrate them, I recalled a conversation I had just had with my oldest son the week prior to the meeting where he said “Mom, when I get married, one of the most important people I want to invite to my wedding is Nick Solis. He’s been so influential in my life and has always been there for me.”
And then I shared a time when my second son who is now 16 was going through a rough patch in his early teen years. He’s usually open with Ray and I but this time, he needed someone else. I reminded Nick that I pulled him aside on a Wednesday night at 4Real and said “Hey, can you take a few minutes with my kid, he needs you.” With no hesitancy at all, Nick sat with him, listened to his heart, spoke into his situation, and prayed with him. Ray and I are so grateful for the Solis family and their influence that helped shape the continued faith journey our boys are on.
But you know there are more, right? Nick and Shari are two of the many team members that serve in NextGen who know that being RELATIONAL is key to reaching the next generation. Maybe you have had a similar experience. The kind where you are so grateful that someone else saw the beauty and wonder that you see in your child; or your student finally opened up and shared a struggle you had been praying they would for a long time. These leaders are FOR you and FOR your kids! Andy Stanley said in a recent email that “FAITH is best shaped alongside other people. Faith needs friends. “
This is why in Believers Kids Preschool our team creates environments that help Preschoolers know that they are loved. Jesus loves them and wants to be their friend forever.
In Believers Kids Elementary, kids get to learn (alongside their leaders) in large and small group settings what friendship with Jesus looks like. Modeled through personal stories, and interactive activities, they learn how they too can live out their faith by being love to others even when it’s hard! (Games and fun included!)
In 4Real, our student team creates a safe space where teens can discover God, build relationships, and find purpose through large group Bible teaching, worship, and a small group community that focuses on what it means to live out a personal and growing relationship with Jesus every day!
Who wouldn’t want to experience that!
Psalm 78:4b says “…we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
So, if you have kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends, bring them! This summer is loaded with lots of opportunities to build connections. Connections lead to relationships that lead to community, and this community, points them to Jesus!
To check out our NextGen move-up schedule, click here.
To register for a 4Real Student Summer Fun Pass Event, click here.
Want to be a part of impacting the lives of the next generation with us? Sign-up here.
We’ll see you on Sunday as we continue our series Unquestioned Answers.
