Next Gen Now: Recent Episodes
The Hills Church
In this week's episode, Stephen Grove and Jackson Sanford sit down with Senior Teaching Minister Rick Atchley to discuss eternal destiny and different denominations. They cover a variety of topics, including the rapture, heaven, and how to understand denominational differences.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
This week, Stephen Grove sits down with two student ministers from the North Richland Hills campus—Diego Reinoso and Trystian Broussard—along with Creative Arts Senior Minister Bailey Plake. Together, they talk through spiritual gifts and what it means to hear from God. These are important questions students are asking, so tune in for a meaningful conversation that will help you live out your gifting and tune your ear to God's voice.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Stephen, Jackson, and Brooklin sit down to discuss all things related to relationships and spiritual growth. In this episode, you'll hear conversations ranging from romantic relationships to friendships—which may not be all that different. They also dive into details about something important to all Christians: growing closer to God.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
This week on the Next Gen Now Podcast, the student team sits down with Executive Minister David Myer to discuss stress and community. In this episode, David and Alexandra share wisdom on how followers of Jesus can navigate seasons of busyness and how community plays a vital role in our lives. These topics are relevant for all believers, but especially for students who are constantly busy and surrounded by peers.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
We are jumping into week two where our Student Ministry team is taking over the Next Gen Now Podcast. On this episode three of our Student Ministers sit down with Drew Ritchie to discuss questions that students are asking about the Bible. In this episode we cover a range of topics including the creation account, precieved contradictions, and how we should approach Gods word. This is an excellent episode for anyone who loves scripture and is seeking truth about what's going on with the Bible.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
This week on the Next Gen Now Podcast marks the first time the Student Ministry team is grabbing the mic and talking about real questions students are asking. In this episode, our Keller Student Minister, Stephen Grove, sits down with West Fort Worth Student Minister Jackson Sanford and Kingdom Expansion Minister Chris Shelby to have a conversation about evangelism and fearing God. In this episode we will look at questions like what does successful evangelism look like in our world and should we be scared of God?
Our Student Ministry team is really excited to get into these questions and we hope you join for each episode and pray it helps you grow closer to Jesus.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
We're wrapping this season of Next Gen Now in a new way—by handing the mic to the voices closest to students every week--our student ministers.
In this short intro episode, we introduce a couple of our student ministers who will be stepping in to host a special run of conversations centered around real questions students are asking about faith, life, and following Jesus. Most of our listeners are parents and leaders, and this is for you too. These conversations are designed not only to engage students, but to help you better understand what they're carrying and how to walk with them in it. And if you're a student listening—this is for you. Your questions matter, and this is a space where they can be explored honestly and faithfully.
What to Expect in This Series -Honest conversations around real questions students are asking -Voices from student ministers who are walking closely with this generation -A conversational approach to faith and discipleship -Practical insight for parents and leaders to better engage students
We believe discipleship grows in environments where questions are welcomed, not avoided. When students are given space to ask honestly, it opens the door for deeper faith, real formation, and a more personal walk with Jesus. And when parents and leaders understand those questions, they're better equipped to walk alongside them. Students—we want to hear from you. Bring your real questions. Nothing is off the table. Parents and leaders—consider listening alongside your students or using these conversations to start meaningful dialogue at home or in your groups. If this resonates with students, this may grow into something even more—creating ongoing space just for them and their questions. Real questions don't weaken faith—they can deepen it.
In this special Legacy Conversation, Jill sits down with Dottie Schulz— a retired missionary, college professor, and counselor whose life has shaped generations of followers of Jesus. From serving in Holland with her husband, to mentoring college students in Nebraska, to walking with missionaries and third-culture kids through seasons of transition and re-entry, her story is one of steadfast faith and quiet fruitfulness.
Now retired, Dottie continues to invest deeply in her family and spiritual children. Through grief, transition, and decades of ministry, she has discovered that God's faithfulness never retires. Her wisdom reminds us that a life well lived is one rooted in the presence of Jesus, marked by perseverance, and overflowing with generational blessing.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Graduating high school is one of the most significant transitions in a young person's life. It marks the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood—new freedoms, new responsibilities, and new opportunities to follow Jesus.
In this episode of the Milestones Podcast, we talk with WFW Student Minister Jackson Sanford about Senior Sending & Blessing, the milestone where The Hills Church comes alongside families to celebrate graduating seniors and commission them into their next season of life.
This conversation explores why this milestone matters, how parents can intentionally disciple their student during this transition, and how the church partners with families to pray over, bless, and send seniors into the world as followers of Jesus.
Whether your child is graduating this year or still years away, this episode will help you think about how to prepare students not just for college or careers—but for lifelong faith.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Many children and teenagers today are quietly carrying heavy struggles—anxiety, shame, identity confusion, spiritual questions, and wounds they don't always know how to talk about. As parents and leaders, we often want to help, but we're not always sure where to begin.
In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Barnett, author of Next Generation Prayer: Helping Youth Overcome Their Struggles by Connecting with God, about how prayer can become a powerful pathway for young people to encounter God, experience healing, and grow in spiritual freedom.
Jennifer shares about her journey in Freedom Prayer ministry and how years of walking with people in prayer led her to focus specifically on helping children and teens. Through those experiences, she began to see how deeply young people long to connect with God—and how transformative it can be when they are given language, space, and guidance to bring their struggles honestly before Him.
In our conversation, we explore:
-Jennifer's personal journey into Freedom Prayer ministry
-Why prayer ministry is so important for children and teenagers today
-The kinds of struggles young people commonly carry beneath the surface
-How prayer can help youth experience healing, truth, and connection with God
-Practical ways parents and leaders can guide children and teens in prayer
-How churches can create environments where the next generation encounters God in meaningful ways
Jennifer also shares insights from her book about how parents, youth leaders, and children's ministry leaders can walk alongside young people as they learn to bring their hearts, struggles, and questions to God.
This episode is an encouragement for anyone who cares about the spiritual lives of the next generation. Whether you are a parent, mentor, children's ministry volunteer, or student ministry leader, you'll come away with practical wisdom and renewed hope for how prayer can shape the lives of young people.
Get a free print copy of Jennifer Barnett's book Next Generation Prayer: Helping Youth Overcome Their Struggles — just pay shipping! Just click on http://oakspress.com/thehills to check out. If you want to buy in bulk (as few as two copies can be "bulk") to give this book away, click on https://oakspress.com/nextgenbulk to check out.
https://freedomprayer.org/
The transition from high school into the next stage of life—whether that includes college, work, trade school, a gap year, or another path—is one of the most significant seasons in the life of a young person and their family. During these years, young adults begin asking deeper questions about identity, purpose, relationships, and faith. At the same time, parents are learning how to shift from direct guidance to supportive presence.
In this episode, we're joined by the founders of Emerge Collaborative Rachel Collins and Falon Barton who work with families to help them navigate the unique challenges and opportunities that come during this transition into young adulthood. Drawing from years of experience working with students and families, they share insights into what young adults are really experiencing during these formative years and how parents can walk alongside them with wisdom, patience, and hope.
Special Opportunity for Parents of Seniors
Following this conversation, we're excited to host the founders of Emerge Collaborative for a live Zoom conversation for parents of seniors and young adults.
During this 90-minute interactive session, they will go deeper into the transition from high school into young adulthood, offering insight, practical tools, and space for questions from parents navigating this stage with their students.
Title: Navigating Faith and Life with Your Young Adult 📅 Date: Sunday, April 19 ⏰ Time: 6-8:30 pm 📍 Location: Live on Zoom Register here and you'll receive a Zoom link
This will be a valuable opportunity for parents to learn how to:
-Understand the developmental and spiritual shifts happening after high school
-Support their young adult without overstepping or withdrawing
-Maintain strong relational connection during a season of growing independence
-Encourage lasting faith during a time when many young adults wrestle with identity and belief
If you're a parent preparing to launch a senior or already walking alongside a young adult navigating life after high school, we hope this conversation encourages you and reminds you that this season—while sometimes challenging—is also full of possibility and growth for both you and your child.
https://www.emerge-collaborative.com/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
We close the series with wisdom. In a candid and grounding conversation, Joseph and Makaila share how they're learning to embrace limits, practice rest, and follow Jesus at a sustainable pace in a demanding world.
https://thehills.org/young-adults
@thehillsyoungadults
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Practicing the Way
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Worship: This episode explores worship as an expression of love, surrender, and identity. These worship leaders (Micah and Valeria) share how cultivating a worshiping culture leads people to Jesus—not through performance, but through presence.
https://thehills.org/young-adults
@thehillsyoungadults
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Prayer: Prayer is learned, practiced, and often messy. In this conversation with Isa and Nick, young intercessors share how God is forming spiritual depth, teaching perseverance, and awakening faith for transformation through prayer.
https://thehills.org/young-adults
@thehillsyoungadults
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Mission & Service: Mission doesn't start overseas—it starts where you already are. This episode with Cam and Jodeci highlights everyday obedience, showing how classrooms, cafés, airplanes, and neighborhoods become places of transformation when we live sent.
https://thehills.org/young-adults
@thehillsyoungadults
https://paismovement.com/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Intergenerational: This episode with Clara, Delayla and Makaila expands the conversation on community into inclusion and legacy. Hear a beautiful reflection on radical hospitality, generational honor, and how love creates space for everyone to belong at the table.
https://thehills.org/young-adults
@thehillsyoungadults
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Community: Culture doesn't happen by accident. In this episode with Ariana, Clara and Makayla, we explore how community is created and maintained—online and in real life. With creativity, joy, and intentional care, these leaders are turning events into family and connection into discipleship.
https://thehills.org/young-adults
@thehillsyoungadults
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Leadership: After hearing how it all began, this conversation with Cris and Kyana explores how it's being sustained. Two leaders reflect on building something that lasts—sharing wisdom on humility, vision, and raising up the next generation with care and intention.
https://thehills.org/young-adults
@thehillsyoungadults
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Beginnings: From living rooms to hundreds gathered—Makayla, Tyler and Valeria tell the origin story of the young adult minsitry at The Hills. Hear how friendship, consistency, and obedience created space for God to move in powerful ways. This is a story of humble beginnings, faithful yeses, and a spark that grew into something only God could orchestrate.
https://thehills.org/young-adults
@thehillsyoungadults
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
In this episode, Jill sits down with Eunice Lin Nichols, Co-CEO of CoGenerate and co-author of the groundbreaking report Honest Conversations: Faith Leaders on the Real Work of Intergenerational Collaboration. Together, they explore what it really takes for churches to bring generations together in meaningful, transformational ways—not just on paper, not just symbolically, but in ways that change culture, repair conflict, share power, and deepen relationships across age groups. This conversation is honest, hopeful, and deeply practical for pastors, parents, ministry leaders, and anyone who cares about the future of the Church.
Conversation Highlights • The story behind Honest Conversations and why CoGenerate turned its lens toward faith communities • How power dynamics between generations can either fracture or fuel transformation • Why intergenerational work begins with repair, not programming • What Next Gen and Senior Adult ministries can learn from each other • Real-world examples of churches that are living out "cogeneration" • How to move from intent to practice in building bridges between generations
Featured Guests Eunice Lin Nichols Co-CEO, CoGenerate Co-author, Honest Conversations: Faith Leaders on the Real Work of Intergenerational Collaboration Eunice has led groundbreaking initiatives to bridge generational divides, from Encore.org's Gen2Gen campaign to local models of service and mentorship that bring youth and elders together for social impact.
Resources Mentioned • Read the Honest Conversations report • CoGenerate.org — inspiring stories and tools for bridging generations • Sympara.org — helping communities reimagine sacred assets for the common good
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
In this episode of Next Gen Now, Jill sits down with missionary, discipler, and children's author Bradyn Boone, whose book The Boy Who Falls Up has been sparking conversations about identity, freedom, and the transforming love of God. Bradyn shares the story behind the book, how identity exchange became central to his ministry, and why he believes God is reshaping how this generation sees Him—and themselves. Together they explore: • The surprising origin story of The Boy Who Falls Up • What "identity exchange" means and how it can reshape your daily life • Strong starting steps for parents, mentors, and ministry leaders • A simple truth Bradyn is praying over people in this season
The Boy Who Falls Up book https://bradynboone.com/the-boy-who-falls-up/ https://www.identityexchange.com
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
To conclude Season 7, Jill sits down with a spiritual mother, Debb Webb — a Kingdom teacher whose journey has moved from leading a traditional church to cultivating Spirit-led, home-based Kingdom communities as part of the Legacy Conversation series.
This episode draws from a deep well of wisdom. It's the kind of conversation that may feel like drinking from a fire hydrant — dense, layered, and overflowing with revelation. Together, Jill and Debb explore themes that range wide and deep: -The meaning behind the title "Son of Man" and key Hebrew words that reveal God's heart -The original human mandate and how it shapes our purpose today -How to discern the Spirit of God in community -The nature of revelation and prophecy -What it means to live in faithful obedience to the Father's will
This is a rich, Spirit-filled conversation for those hungry to understand the Kingdom more deeply — an invitation to listen slowly, reflect prayerfully, and let wisdom take root.
The advent guide referenced in the intro can be found on The Hills website - www.thehills/christmas - and on The Hills App under Daily Habits, Guided Reflection.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
In this Legacy Conversation, Jill sits down with longtime friend and fellow educator Chad McNatt, now the Head of Seattle Christian School. From serving together as principals in Rwanda to leading schools and ministries today, their conversation explores what it means to lead to and with the next generation while preparing them to lead in the future.
Together they talk about: -The three threads the next generation needs most — Truth, Trust, and Identity -What today's students need from leaders and mentors -How to equip and empower young people to lead now -The kind of leaders the next generation is becoming -How parents, teachers, and ministry leaders can guide them for this moment and this mission
Chad also references two books that have shaped his thinking about engaging culture and forming resilient faith: So the Next Generation Will Know by Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace A Practical Guide to Culture by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle
This is a practical and hope-filled conversation for anyone investing in the next generation — from parents and pastors to teachers and mentors — offering wisdom for how to help students build lives anchored in truth, shaped by trust, and secure in their identity in Christ.
Seattle Christian School
The advent guide referenced in the intro will be included in next week's podcast show notes.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
The Power of Blessing: Theology, Practice, and Presence
Jill is joined by three key voices in the Local Houses of Prayer movement — Anne deLeyser (Director of Local Houses of Prayer), C'havala Crawley, and Sharon Van Horn — to explore one of the most beautiful and transformative practices in the Kingdom: blessing.
Together, they unpack the theology, practice, and power of blessing—how it flows from God's heart, shapes communities, and awakens spiritual renewal right where we live. Whether you're a parent, ministry leader, or someone hungry to see the Kingdom come in your neighborhood, this conversation will stir your imagination for how simple acts of blessing can open heaven over homes, schools, and cities.
Links: Ffald y Brenin LOCAL HOUSES OF PRAYER
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
We're thrilled to welcome back author, teacher, and spiritual director Lacy Finn Borgo to the Next Gen Now Podcast. In her book Faith Like a Child, Lacy invites us to rediscover the kingdom of God through the lens of childlike trust, wonder, and presence. In this episode, we dive deeper into: • What Lacy is learning about walking with Jesus in childlike faith. • How children model prayer, presence, and trust in ways adults often forget. • The importance of cultivating intergenerational discipleship spaces in the church. • Encouragement for leaders and parents who long to nurture authentic faith in the next generation. Whether you're a parent, ministry leader, or simply curious about what it means to enter the kingdom like a child, this conversation will inspire you to slow down, listen, and embrace the joy of being God's beloved. Resources & Links: • Faith Like a Child book • Good Dirt Ministries - Lacy Finn Borgo • How to Have Spiritual Conversations with Children podcast
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
On this episode, we look ahead to a powerful weekend at The Hills—November 15–17, 2025—when our church family will gather across generations and cultures to seek God together in worship and prayer.
Senior Pastor Rick Atchley, Kingdom Expansion Minister Chris Shelby, and Valeria Guillory, a Young Adult leader, join us for a roundtable conversation about the heart behind the theme More Than We Can Ask or Imagine: Ask for Nations & Generations.
Together we talk about:
-Why this weekend is so important for our church in this season
-How prayer is preparing us now through the altar themes: Heart, Home, Church, and City and an upcoming 14 day prayer and fasting guide
-What to expect on Saturday night, Sunday morning, and Monday night
-How every generation—from kids to young adults to seniors—can participate fully
-The role of revivalist Luke LeFevre and how to prepare for his message
-Stories of how God is already moving "more than we can ask or imagine"
Key Details for the Weekend: 📅 November 15–17, 2025 📍 The Hills Church – NRH Campus (Friday Night & Sunday) + Prayer Morning Saturday ✨ Saturday, Nov 15: Ask for Nations & Generations Night (intergenerational, multicultural worship & prayer) with Luke (5-7 pm with multicultural booths and fair experience open in atrium from 3-5 pm) ✨ Sunday, Nov 16: Luke LeFevre preaching ✨ Monday, Nov 17: Young Adults City Gathering with Luke (7-9 pm)
See more on event and register to submit an art piece and for childcare here
www.lukelefevre.org
Follow along with the Ask for Nations & Generations prayer guide in The Hills App. Invite a friend or family member to join you for the weekend.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
In this episode of the Next Gen Now Podcast, we introduce Samantha Williams, the new Kids Minister at our West Fort Worth campus. Samantha shares her faith journey, how the Lord called her into ministry, and what drew her to join The Hills staff family.
We talk about: -Samantha's story of coming to faith and milestones along the way. -What drew her heart to kids ministry and how God has used her past experiences to prepare her for this role. -The opportunities she sees for kids, students, and families at West Fort Worth. -Her vision for partnering with parents and raising up the next generation.
Samantha also shares how you can be praying for her as she steps into this exciting new season, and she ends our conversation by blessing our listeners with prayer.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
In this episode of the Next Gen Now Podcast, we sit down with Deborah Overall, the new Early Childhood Kids Minister at our North Richland Hills campus. Deborah shares her story of faith, her journey into ministry with children, and the call that led her to The Hills.
We talk about: -How God has been at work in Deborah’s life and ministry journey. -What excites her most about serving kids, students, and families in this season. -How she senses the Lord is moving in the next generation at The Hills. -Practical ways you can pray for and encourage Deborah as she begins this new role. -You’ll also get to know more about Deborah’s family, her passions, and the vision God is stirring in her heart for kids ministry. She closes the episode with a prayer of blessing for all our listeners.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
In this episode of Next Gen Now, we’re joined by Dr. David Fraze—former student minister at The Hills, now a national leader in youth and family ministry. Dr. Fraze reflects on how his time in local church ministry shaped his passion for intergenerational discipleship and explores how faith, family, practices, community and service intersect to form resilient young believers.
We also dive into his role in the Tenx10 initiative, a nationwide effort to help faith matter more to the next generation. From practical wisdom to personal stories, Dr. Fraze offers encouragement for parents, pastors, and leaders as they seek to pass on faith across generations. Whether you're in student ministry or simply care about the future of the Church, this conversation will inspire and equip you.
David Fraze (D.Min., Fuler Theological Seminary) is a Professor and Endowed Chair of the Youth and Family Ministry Program at Lubbock Christian University. David has been in student ministry and has worked with students for over 35 years. David is a popular speaker at Youth Events, Public/Private SchoolEvents, Ministry Trainings and Seminars. David is a writer who has contributed articles for youthspecialties.com, ENGAGE, the quarterly journal of The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, Youth WorkerJ ournal, Journal of Student Ministries, and the Fuller Youth Institute. He authored Practical Wisdom for Youth Ministry: Not-So-Simple Truths That Matter and contributed a chapter to Owning Faith. David has co-authored a book entitled Practical Wisdom for Youth Group Parents: Partnering With Your Youth Minister. David also wrote Practical Wisdom for Athletic Families: How to Survive and Thrive in Competitive Athletics. David worked withYouth Specialties (www.youthspecialties.com) as the leader of Ministry Coaching and was a seminar speaker at the National Youth Workers Convention and is the Co-Editor of the Youth Specialties Blog. He is a speaker and partner with the Fuller Youth Institute speaking on the topics of Sticky Faith, Growing Young and Right Click (a seminar of technology). He is a coach with the Dallas Cowboys Football Youth Academy and a resource for various Dallas Cowboys youth and coach education programs. He writes and is the on-camera personality for the KCBD 11 “That’s Good Stuff” news segment. He also serves as Character Coach for the Friendship High School Football program. He has been married to Lisa for 32 years. They have two children, Braeden and Shelbee. Braeden is married to Jenna and they have their first child, Olivia Rose.
https://www.greatopportunity.org - Download Pintetops Study
https://www.tenx10.org
Practical Wisdom for Youth Ministry: The Not-So-Simple Truths That Matter
Practical Wisdom for Youth Group Parents: Partnering with Your Youth Minister
Practical Wisdom for Families with Athletes: Winning Isn't the Ultimate Goal
lcu.edu
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
What does it mean to be a truly intergenerational church—and why does it matter more now than ever? In this episode of Next Gen Now, we sit down with Wilson McCoy to explore the heart behind his new book, Imagining All Generations: A Renewed Vision for an Intergenerational Church. Wilson shares practical insight and biblical imagination for how the Church can bridge generational divides and become a community where every age is needed, known, and empowered. Many churches today face worry and concern over their collective future. One tragic consequence is that growing anxiety can turn inward on communities of faith. A subtle distancing and dividing can occur, often happening along generational lines. Us-versus-Them thinking morphs into Old-versus-Young. Instead of a culture of generation to generation, churches are shaped and formed more by a culture of generation versus generation.
Imagining All Generations offers a better, more faithful way forward by remembering our identity as the generational people of God. The volume features nineteen authors from around the world, providing fresh theological reflection, innovative practical wisdom, and a unified call for all churches to move into a more intergenerational future. Imagining All Generations Book If you care about the next generation, the future of the Church, or the discipleship of all ages—this conversation is for you. Listen for: • Why the Church must move beyond age-segregated ministry models • How generational imagination shapes community and discipleship • What Gen Z and Boomers need from each other Practical steps churches, leaders, and families can take today
Wilson is a contributing author to Intergenerate: Transforming Churches Through Intergenerational Ministry (2018) and All Ages Becoming (2023). He is currently serving as editor of the forthcoming book “Imagining All Generations” (ACU Press, 2025). Wilson earned his Doctorate of Ministry in 2016 with a focus on intergenerational ministry. This project developed into a passion as he saw the unique benefits for a church to embrace this vision of bringing all ages of the church together in meaningful ways.
Since then, Wilson continues to work with churches and leaders in America and around the world to help them see and explore the power intergenerational ministry. https://www.drwilsonmccoy.com
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Saundra Botts (WFW) shares her breakout session from Leader Equip on Better KIDStorytelling. Dive into the unique KIDStory approach, using visuals, motion, and sound to help children absorb, recall, and retell the story of God. Learn practical techniques for storytelling that maintain the integrity of Scripture and create space for the Spirit to work.
www.thehills.org/serve
Saundra Botts shares on previous podcast
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
In this episode of Next Gen Now, we explore TBRI®—Trust-Based Relational Intervention®—a trauma-informed model designed to help children and teens heal, connect, and thrive. Whether you're a parent, ministry leader, or educator, this conversation offers practical tools and deeper insight into the relational needs of the next generation.
Our guests share why trust-building, connection, and felt safety are not just therapeutic strategies—they’re gospel values. Amy Leith, Family Engager @ WFW Campus Dr. Laurie Bailey, KSP & SSP @ NRH Campus Katie Maitland, TBRI Specialist
Seeing Beyond Behaviors Podcast with Dr. Laurie Bailey
TBRI Website
Amy Leith's Podcast on Family Engagement
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
For as long as it’s been measured, women have been more religious than men. But an alarming shift is happening in American religion: For the first time, young women are now less religious than men. A new Barna Group study shows that Gen Z women ages 18–24 are less likely than young men of the same age to identify with a faith or be very active in church.
Yet, even as church attendance and religious affiliation decline, spiritual openness among Gen Z men and women remains high — 73% of Gen Z believe in God or a higher power, and 60% say they're more open to God today than before the pandemic.
Cicely Corry is Editorial Director at Barna Group, where she leads online content strategy to help Christian leaders understand key trends affecting the Church. With over 10 years serving in student ministry, she can share how Gen Z’s “spiritual but not religious” outlook presents a challenge and opportunity for the Church.
Connect with Cicely and her work: Instagram and her own podcast, Life with the Corrys. • Gen Z Vol. 3 Report and Gen Z Barna article • Open Generation Report and Open Generation Barna article • Aging Well Report and Aging Well Barna article
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Debbie Loy shares how to unlock the full authority of prayer in your life. Become empowered to break through common barriers, ignite your passion, and experience prayer as a life-changing force--for you, your loved ones, and beyond.
https://www.24-7prayer.com/prayer_guide/prayer-walking/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-gen-now/id1637468749?i=1000671260502
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
What happens when you hand the mic to the interns? In this special episode of Next Gen Now, four of our amazing summer interns take over the podcast to reflect on what they’ve experienced, what they’ve learned, and what they believe God is doing in the next generation. They’ve spent their summer serving in Kids and Student Ministry, leading small groups, praying with the next generation, running events, and learning what it really means to disciple the next generation—and now, they’re sharing their hearts with you. Whether you’re a parent, a pastor, or a peer, this episode will give you a fresh glimpse into the faith, questions, and hope of emerging leaders in the Church.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Summer is a sacred time in Next Gen Ministry—full of camps, late-night conversations, first-time commitments, and unforgettable moments with Jesus. But summer is also a launching pad for what God wants to do in the school year ahead. In this episode of Next Gen Now, we sit down with our Global Kids Minister and Global Student Minister to reflect on what God did this summer and what’s ahead for Fall 2025. You’ll hear stories that encourage your heart, insight into what’s shaping our strategy this year, and a clear invitation to join us in discipling the next generation—at home, at church, and in your everyday rhythms. Whether you're a parent, a group leader, or simply someone who cares about kids and students, this conversation will equip and inspire you. Listen in for: • The fruit of camps, service projects, and student leadership • How to partner with your kids during spiritual momentum moments • What to expect this fall in both Kids and Student Ministry • Why this year’s curricluum matters for your family • Tangible ways to pray, serve, and lead the next generation with purpose
NRH Only - What is ION and Why Are We Offering It? As our middle schoolers take their next step in faith and maturity, we’re excited to offer something intentionally designed just for them. Beginning Promotion Sunday at 9:30 AM in Room 272, our ministry team will lead students through the ION Course—Identity. Ownership. Navigation.
Created by FourFiveSix Ministry, ION is a discipleship experience tailored to the unique needs of preteens and young teens. Over the course of the semester, students will engage with truth, discussion, and spiritual practices that help them: • Discover their identity in Christ, • Take ownership of their faith journey, and • Learn to navigate real-life decisions with wisdom and courage. ION runs during the full 9:30 service time and is a key part of how we’re equipping students for the transition into middle school. As 5th graders begin to serve on Sundays and step into more intergenerational rhythms, ION helps prepare them not just to attend church—but to be the Church. We’re passionate about walking alongside your family during this formative season and can’t wait to see how God works through this next step in your child’s faith journey.
Register MS Students for ION here
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
After 17 years of investing in students, Adam Herndon is stepping into a new role as Campus Pastor—and he’s bringing every lesson, scar, and story with him.
We sit down with Adam who has walked with hundreds of teenagers through every season imaginable. We look back on what God has done, reflect on what the Church needs now, and look ahead to a multi-generational vision for what’s next.
Whether you’re a student leader, parent, minister, or just passionate about the next generation, this conversation is full of wisdom, humility, and of course fun! and a powerful call to keep showing up—one student, one season at a time.
Highlights: • The unexpected lessons 17 years in student ministry taught him • Why the next generation needs the whole Church (not just youth group) • What’s changing—and what must never change—in discipling young people • His blessing for leaders and families who are still in the trenches
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
In this special episode of the Next Gen Podcast, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the two newest members of our ministry team! You’ll first hear from Jon Ahles, our new NRH Elementary Minister, as he shares his heart for children's ministry. Then, stay tuned as we sit down with Darrell Halk, our new Lead Student Minister, to talk about his passion for student discipleship and what excites him about serving at The Hills.
Even when beloved leaders move on, God remains faithful. We’re so grateful for how He continues to provide—and we’re excited for what’s ahead with Jon and Darrell on board!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Pastor Rick joins us on this special episode to discuss Kids & Communion. We're hitting pause on our leader equip series to cast vision for a powerful upcoming moment in the life of our church—Family Worship Day on Sunday, May 25.
When you hear “family worship,” maybe you think, “No kids classes.” But we want to reshape that thought into something far more exciting: “I’m thrilled to worship as the intergenerational family of God.” This day is for all of us—parents, kids, teens, grandparents, singles—everyone who makes up the family of God at The Hills Church.
Family Worship Day isn’t just a break from routine—it’s a step into the kind of worship Jesus envisioned: whole families, across generations, gathered together in His name. Whether you’re a parent or not, this day is for you—because we are one church family.
Family Worship podcast with Patty Weaver
Should my child take communion?
Talking to Your Kids About Communion
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Alexandra McAulay shares about her recent transition from full-time student ministry at NRH to full-time motherhood. Be encouraged and blessed by her powerful words to students, parents and leaders. Thank you, Alexandra, for your legacy in student ministry. If you would like to encourage Alexandra, contribute your blessings here: Alexandra Blessing Form
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
What is religion? Why should Christ-followers know about other world religions? What is Hinduism? What is Buddhism? What is Islam? What is Judaism? Why Jesus? Mark Baur, Professor at Greater Atlanta Christian School, joins us again to answer these questions.
Worldview Podcast with Mark
Connect with Mark on Linked In
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Adam Herndon shares his breakout session from Leader Equip on LGTBQ+. Gain a working theology, current resources, and practical application in discipling kids and students as they navigate the confusing gender and sexual identity landscape. End by bathing it all in prayer.
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
We flip the script on this one and Alexandra McAulay interviews Jill. Step into your calling as the "royal priesthood" in a world marked by anxiety. Explore the toxic cycle of anxiety versus God's cycle of renewal, and learn how to stand, carry, and bless as a priest who brings the presence of God.
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
We pause our Leader Equip series to interview Evangelism Minister Reid Overall where we discuss all things baptism in anticipation of Baptism Sunday, April 27.
For Kids We have a free baptism booklet designed for children ages 5-12 to help guide conversations about baptism. To receive a booklet, reach out to your Kids Ministry Team at the Welcome Desk. Use the QR code inside the booklet to let us know about any next steps your child may want to take.
For Students Younger students (6th-7th grade) may still find the baptism booklet helpful. One-on-One Conversations: Students can schedule a meeting with their campus student minister to discuss baptism further. We also encourage parents to have open conversations with their students about baptism, offering guidance and support as they explore this important step in their faith.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Baptism Sunday is coming up on April 27, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! If you’ve been considering baptism, this is your opportunity to take a bold step in your faith journey. Baptism is a public declaration of your decision to follow Jesus, and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just have questions, we’d love to connect.
Let’s take this step together—sign up today and be part of this powerful day of transformation! Baptism Sign Up
Talking to Your Kids About Baptism Baptism Revival and the Next Generation NT Wright - Do I Need to Be Baptized? Baptism is: · Commanded by Jesus: Baptism is a key part of making disciples, commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).
· Repentance and Forgiveness: It symbolizes repentance and the forgiveness of sins, with a promise of receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
· Salvation through Faith: Baptism is tied to belief and salvation, showing outward faith in Jesus (Mark 16:16).
· Union with Christ's Death and Resurrection: Through baptism, believers are symbolically buried with Christ in His death and raised to a new life, identifying with His resurrection (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12).
· New Identity in Christ: Baptism represents putting on a new identity, being clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27).
· Spiritual Rebirth: Jesus teaches that baptism represents being born again by water and the Spirit, necessary for entering the kingdom of God (John 3:5).
· Conscience before God: It’s not just an external act but a spiritual appeal for a clear conscience through the resurrection of Jesus (1 Peter 3:21).
· Cleansing from Sin: Baptism is a symbolic washing away of sins as believers call on the name of Jesus (Acts 22:16).
· God’s Mercy and Renewal: Baptism reflects God’s mercy in regenerating and renewing believers by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
FAQs about Baptism
What is baptism? Baptism is a beautiful ceremony where a person who has decided to follow Jesus Christ is immersed in water to demonstrate their faith in Him by publicly declaring Jesus Christ as their Lord and King. Baptism is the way Scripture teaches that we are united with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism was a command of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) and Jesus himself was baptized (Luke 4:21-22). Baptism is for everyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and has decided to give their lives to him.
Why does the Hills practice baptism by immersion (going under the water)? The word “baptism” we find in Scripture comes from a Greek word “baptizo” which means “to dip or immerse.” The examples we see in the New Testament show that the people who were being baptized went down into the water (Acts 8:26-38). And going completely under the water shows that we are participating with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). When we go under the water, it’s as if we are dying and being buried. When we come back up from underneath the water, it’s a sign of our resurrection and coming out of the grave as a brand new person. These are several reasons why we practice baptism by immersion at the Hills.
Should I be baptized if I was baptized as an infant? Many people are baptized as an infant because their parents desired to dedicate them to the Lord and for his protection to be on their lives. We believe that choosing to be baptized later on in life honors that choice made on your behalf by someone else. As we read the New Testament, we see that the examples of all those who are baptized are people who are older and who are able to commit themselves to following Jesus Christ. So we welcome all those who have been baptized as an infant to be baptized again as a way to declare I personally choose to follow Jesus the rest of my days.
Should I wait until I get my life together before I am baptized? We would emphatically say “no”! Waiting to come to Jesus until you get your life in order is like telling someone with a broken leg to set the bone themselves, splint it, learn how to walk on it, and then go see the doctor. We would never keep someone from the person who could heal them. The same is true with baptism. You come to Jesus, not because you have it all together, but precisely because you don’t. The only thing we’ve proven on our own is that we can’t do it on our own. Jesus is the only one that can put us back together. And it is by surrendering to Jesus that we receive his life, his healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit who begins to transform us from the inside out. Staying away from Jesus keeps us away from the only power that truly can change us. Come to Jesus, surrender to Him, be baptized, and watch what God can do in your life!
How much do I or my children need to know before we are baptized? We have often made entrance into the Kingdom of Jesus a matter of information, when in reality it is a matter of surrender. A person does need to understand that Jesus declared that He was the Son of God and that our faith in Him is what saves us. A person needs to be able to understand that Jesus invites us to give up control of our lives so we can follow his ways and not our own. Beyond that, a person is free to come and learn about Jesus with Jesus instead of learning about him from a distance. Baptism is a starting place on our spiritual journey, not a test we must pass before we can begin. Jesus wants us to walk with him, learn from him as we go, and share as much life together we possibly can. Remember, Jesus is a person to love, not a subject to study. If you or your children believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and you are ready to follow Him, you are ready to begin that journey. We invite you to come and be baptized this Sunday!
I’ve been baptized before but I’m not really sure I knew what I was doing or I haven’t really followed Jesus since then. Do I need to be re-baptized? Certainly, when people are baptized, they need to be able to make a commitment that they believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that they want to surrender to Him. But remember, the power of salvation comes not from our knowledge and understanding of every aspect of the spiritual journey but from Jesus’ grace. Often what is needed is not re-baptism but a deeper surrender to the decision that was already made. In some cases, a person made the decision to follow Jesus and was baptized but then decided to follow their own path which could’ve even led them into deep sin and wandering. In situations like this, what is needed is not re-baptism but repentance. Jesus’ grace is so immensely powerful all that God is expecting from us is to turn our faces back to him and come home, making the decision to honor the commitment we’ve already made to follow him. And sometimes people are baptized because they had a parent or grandparent or friend who wanted them to be baptized and it wasn’t really a commitment they were making on their own. In these situations, we would encourage the person to consider being baptized again. Going through the practice of being baptized without commitment and without faith and is just an exercise in getting wet. It is faith that saves us, not water.
What should I expect on Baptism Sunday? Baptism Sunday will be a very exciting day! We will have our regular worship service at the Hills. At the end of our time of preaching and sharing God’s Word, Pastor Rick will invite everyone who would like to be baptized to come towards the stage. There will be people there at the stage who will welcome you and walk with you back to get you registered. After we get you registered, we’ll take you back to the dressing rooms where we will have clothes you can change into for your baptism. The dressing rooms are private and are separated for men and women. After you change into your clothes, you can leave your things in the dressing rooms and they will be watched and kept safe while you are baptized. You can choose someone to baptize you or one of our ministers at the church can baptize you. If you are going to have someone personal to you baptize you, they will need to change into clothes, as well. They can bring their own if they’d like or they can change into clothes we will have available. You then will go into the baptistry (the water is warm and is heated) and you will be baptized in front of the church. You’ll then go back and change into your clothes. After changing, one of our elders will pray over you and your family and friends as you begin your new journey. There will also be photo backdrops set up so you can take pictures with family and friends on your big day!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Diego Reinoso, NRH Student Minister, shares his breakout session from Leader Equip on Small Student Groups that Actually Talk. Foster trust, belonging, and deeper conversations with students in small groups. Get equipped with tools to build community and create space for the Spirit to work.
www.thehills.org/servechurch
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Hollee Ford (KLR) and Bailey Plake share how to build genuine relationships with the next generation by creating welcoming spaces and bridging the gap between isolation and community.
How can you create a community family in your student group or kids' classroom? Where can you keep notes or information on students or kids? What roles could kids or students have inside your group or family? How can you track kids or students that are missing? How can you help them to know they were missed? What will you do differently after today?
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Jackson Sanford, WFW Student Minister, shares his breakout session from Leader Equip on Students Who Lead. Equip 6th-12th grade students to serve with Christlike humility, honoring peers as God's image bearers. Learn to lead others by reflecting Jesus' love, valuing everyone, and positively influencing friends and classmates.
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
We had a full house for this one. Kids Leader Developers Jennifer Young (WFW) and Rachel Herman (KLR) and the Cave Family (WFW) join us to share their breakout session from Leader Equip on Teaching Kids to Pray. Equip kids to connect with God through prayer. Discover why prayer matters, how to teach the next generation to hear God's voice and gain tools to nurture a lifelong relationship with Him.
Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home through Time, Moments, and Milestones book by Matt Chandler
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Capture the big picture of Scripture and learn the PROBE tool to enrich your Bible reading and the Word of God effectively with kids and students. Hear from Twila Higginbottom.
Previous Next Gen Now episode with Twila, Season 4 Episode 64: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-gen-now/id1637468749?i=1000641682106 https://sites.libsyn.com/427094/episode-64-teaching-with-the-master-teacher
Link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Get to know Hollee Ford and hear some of her story and her heart for the next generation.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
This will encourage you! Listen to Sophomore Ty Siegmund share his testimony and encourage all of us to "testify to the gospel of the grace of God". (Acts 20:24) If you didn't listen last week, Ty's parents shared on that episode.
Check out Ty preaching at The Gathering at NRH Student Ministry this past fall. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fd9t9wasQM&t=10s
Check out the song - Use Me by Josiah Queen - https://youtu.be/q1-6SLWRf8E?si=f32y6lXlEPgl8wgY
Check out Ty leading communion at the 1:58:00 mark of this video - https://www.youtube.com/live/yy8-qNXLeSU?si=YnMDLUgIjIQyb0eB
Join us at Gather25 to join the global church in reaching the lost. https://thehillschurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/3360/responses/new
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org
Say "yes" to Jesus! Ryan and Mikel Siegmund share how discipling your children is really about where you are in your own journey. That discipleship is about whole life orientation and it starts with what we say "yes" and "no" to. Parents, you'll be simultaneously encouraged and challenged in this one. Tune in next week when you hear directly from Ty!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Get to know Trystian Broussard and hear some of his story and his heart for the next generation.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
What's the greatest motivator for mission? Kingdom Expansion Minister Chris Shelby shares what the global church has to teach us in this area, how listening and responding to God grows our faith, and that love is the greatest motivator for mission.
https://at-network.org/ https://thehills.org/harvest/
Student Ministry is engaged in a series called Engage the Mission of God. See scheduling below where they learn about the different opportunities to participate in the mission of God right here (at The Hills), here (local evangelism), near (community engagement), and far (world missions). • 2/5 • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Right Here with Connections Minister • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Here with Kingdom Expansion Minister • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister 2/12 • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Right Here wiht Connections Minister • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Here with Evangeilsm Minister • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister 2/19 • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Right Here with Connections Minister • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Here with Evangelism Minister 2/26 • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Right Here Connections Ministers • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Here with Evangelism Minister • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister WFW - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister
Make plans to join us for Gather 25!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Want to know what intergenerational community on mission could look like? Want to know what a stole is? Hear new Minister of Celebrate Recovery and Community Engagement Nathan Irwin share about how his experience growing up in a church with older Christians pouring in to him, his time as a youth minister, and his recent years in North Africa as a missionary have shaped his outlook. Hear how hospitality is the great door opener and how we can all reach the city with the good news of Jesus.
Celebrate Recovery - https://thehills.org/cr Dash Network - https://www.dashnetwork.net/ Local Houses of Prayer - https://localhousesofprayer.org/
Student Ministry is engaged in a series called Engage the Mission of God. See scheduling below where they learn about the different opportunities to participate in the mission of God right here (at The Hills), here (local evangelism), near (community engagement), and far (world missions). • 2/5 • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Right Here with Connections Minister • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Here with Kingdom Expansion Minister • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister 2/12 • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Right Here wiht Connections Minister • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Here with Evangeilsm Minister • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister 2/19 • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Right Here with Connections Minister • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Here with Evangelism Minister 2/26 • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Right Here Connections Ministers • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Here with Evangelism Minister • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister WFW - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister
Make plans to join us for Gather 25!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Join us for all things evangelism as The Hills' new Minister of Evangelism Reid Overall shares how evangelism is built on love and care for people. Hear how kids and students can be activated for evangelism by engaging in simple listening prayer, asking God, "Who's my 1?" Prayer is foundational and you'll see how Reid's daughter prayed for her dad before he went on the podcast.
Student Ministry is engaged in a series called Engage the Mission of God. See scheduling below where they learn about the different opportunities to participate in the mission of God right here (at The Hills), here (local evangelism), near (community engagement), and far (world missions). 2/5 • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Right Here with Connections Minister • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Here with Kingdom Expansion Minister • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister 2/12 • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Right Here wiht Connections Minister • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Here with Evangeilsm Minister • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister 2/19 • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Right Here with Connections Minister • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Here with Evangelism Minister 2/26 • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Right Here Connections Ministers • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Here with Evangelism Minister • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Far with Kingdom Expansion Minister WFW - Engage the Mission of God Near with Community Engagement Minister
Make plans to join us for Gather 25!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
How is service connected to a thriving faith? Bailey Plakes shares how serving right here in The Hills Church is a tangible, accessible way to together be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do what He did.
thehills.org/servechurch Faith for Exiles
Student Ministry is engaged in a series called Engage the Mission of God. See scheduling below where they learn about the different opportunities to participate in the mission of God right here (at The Hills), here (local evangelism), near (community engagement), and far (world missions). • 2/5 - • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Right Here • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Here • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Near • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Far • 2/12 - • KLR- Engage the Mission of God Right Here • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Here • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Near • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Far • 2/19 - • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Right Here • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Here • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Near • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Far • 2/26 - • WFW - Engage the Mission of God Right Here • DAL - Engage the Mission of God Here • KLR - Engage the Mission of God Near • NRH - Engage the Mission of God Far
Make plans to join us for Gather 25!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Hear a preview for 2025 in Next Gen Ministry including what you can expect for Season 6 of this podcast, curriculum in Kids and Student Ministry, retreats, camps and more.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
As a speaker, author, wife, and mom of five, Erica Renaud brings a Christian perspective to matters of the heart and home, as well as of the world and culture around us. She speaks at conferences and events and has hosted a weekly radio show, At Home and Abroad. Erica and her husband are active in their multicampus congregation, where they lead prayer and worship gatherings. Her house is rarely short of laughter, schoolwork, and mess. When she finds time to venture out, she heads for the nearby mountains, lakes, and coffee shops of upstate New York.
Consider her book as a great Christmas gift for a parent you know. Pray with Me: Help Your Children Engage in Authentic and Powerful Prayer book
https://www.ericarenaud.org/about-me/
To celebrate the Advent season with your family, consider following the Advent Guide that you will find on The Hills App. The Hills Church App on the App Store The Hills Church on Google Play
Sean Sweet is a 25-year passionate advocate for preteens and Community Director at FourFiveSix.org which educates, trains and resources preteen ministry leaders around the world. Listen in as Sean shares what's different developmentally in 9-12 year old and how they are primed to move toward a faith in God that is theirs, a love of God's Word that is theirs, and a walk with Jesus Christ that is theirs. Especially if the adults around them "let go and run beside".
FourFiveSix.org LetGoAndRunBeside.com
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Adam, Sarah, Debbie & Jill celebrate Next Gen Now's 100th podcast episode. Join them to reflect on some of their episode favorites and remember the faithfulness of God!
See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
A visitor from across the world visits to share insights about spiritual formation starting with an amazing story from when he was 3 years old! Kristijan Kalinov discusses pastoring a first generation church in Macedonia, spiritual formation in the home, the role of community, and the accumulated wisdom from past generations.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Do you like your kids? Recently empty nesters, Philip and Aimee Woodward share how a value of enjoying your kids at every stage helped them parent, discipline and allow their own hearts to be shepherded. This one is full of wisdom, laughs, tears, and more!
Shepherding a Child's Heart Let's Start Talking NextGenNow Episode 65 with Kellan Woodward and Adi Lowry https://sites.libsyn.com/427094/episode-65-facing-your-future
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Living counter-culturally takes intentionality. Hear how the Robinson family does it in a multi-generational family. The podcast studio was full for this one that has three generations living under one roof. Inspiration and practical takeaways in this episode. Right after the podcast Jonathan (JJ) asked his mother if she had ever heard the Elevation Worship song "Talking to Jesus". Thought it was fitting after our conversation on a legacy of faith. Take a listen - Talk to Jesus song
https://mytruegirl.com/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Hear Shawn and Niki Fear describe their journey in following the way of Jesus. Listen to the way they describe, in awe, the way they are seeing how God has woven the througlines of Scripture and Life together. And how it is impacting everything -- their own journey, parenting their two girls, their jobs.
https://shereadstruth.com/
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
thebibleproject.com
Living Fearless
What is one word to describe Jesus? Hear Spiritual Formation & Groups Minister Erich Robinson's answer to that question and how spiritual formation in groups is how you can connect relationally and grow spiritually at The Hills regardless of your age.
practicingtheway.org
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
https://thehills.org/studytools/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Drew Ritchie, Senior Discipleship Minister, shares who has influenced his discipleship journey, how he believes community is what the next generation needs, and you'll find out his middle name.
Future Church book
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
"Parents, you are enough!" Diego Reinoso shares this encouragement and testifies to the working of God in his life while offering some practical ways his young family follows the way of Jesus together.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Want to know what praying without ceasing actually looks like? Next Gen Admin Coordinator and Prayer Warrior Debbie Loy shares what a life of prayer can be -- constant communication with the Father. Hear how adults, kids, and students have been equipped and activated to pray and how prayer really is the strategy!
Stay tuned for updates about prayer room days and times.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Telling the truth disarms the enemy. Jake Miller, NRH Student Ministry Resident, vulnerably and openly shares about his discipleship journey--the highs and lows, the good and the struggles. Parents, this is worth listening to more than once. Hear Jake discuss ways parents can talk to their children about pornography (before and when they are exposed) and why including "the why" is part of discipleship.
https://everaccountable.com/
https://www.covenanteyes.com/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Attention is one of the most precious resources there is. Joe Don Ridgell notices that the focus of our kids' attention reveals how they are being discipled. Joe Don is on the Primal Path with his two sons. He shares vulnerably about the intentionality required in parenting without beating ourselves up and encourages all dads of boys to join the Primal Path. If you are interested in participating in the Primal Path, reach out to your campus Student Minister in charge.
DAL: jeremiah.haywood@thehills.org KLR: adam.herndon@thehills.org NRH: Diego.reinoso@thehills.org WFW: jackson.sanford@thehills.org
Additional Resources:
Primal Path Website The Intentional Father book The Future of Manhood (earlier Next Gen Now episode)
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Meet Student Ministry Resident Stephen Grove shares what it means to follow the way of Jesus even, or maybe especially, when that means uncertainty. Hear how his parents sowed, others have watered, but God has given the increase in His life.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Pastor Rick provides timely insight about how following the way of Jesus includes knowing Scripture and the voice of the Spirit and how knowing Scripture is the way you discern the voice of the Spirit. It's not either/or; rather it's both/and. Hear how he sees the next generation and encourages families to foster both Biblical literacy and listening to the voice of God for today. May God's word feed you and His Spirit lead you...
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
These young adults have something to share that includes not discounting the next generation and providing space for them to question and grow. Summer interns Hannah Davis (KLR) and Brooklin Shackelford (WFW) join the podcast and offer their experience this summer and words of wisdom and encouragement for all of us wanting to impact the next generation.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
A father and son describe their journey on the Primal Path. Listen as Jeremy and James Bankes tell what the last six months of taking part in Primal Path has been like. The Hills Church is offering dads and sons the opportunity to participate in Primal Path at a discounted rate. We believe this could change a generation of men as fathers and sons follow the way of Jesus together.
What: Intentional Father Kick-off (a gathering of men who intend to raise their sons well)
When: Saturday, August 24, 2024 / 8:30am - 11:00am / Breakfast Provided
Where: The Hills NRH Campus Student Center Downstairs Room 171.
Click this link to register - https://thehillschurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/3137/responses/new
Primal Path Website
The Intentional Father book
The Future of Manhood (earlier Next Gen Now episode)
So much in store for '24 (and 25)! Hear where God is leading the Next Gen team including the calendar, teachings, experiences, mission, and more! Adam, Sarah, and Jill preview the school year and launch the fifth season of Next Gen Now!
Reach out to our Global Kids Minister at sarah.wilson@thehills.org or our Global Student Minister at adam.herndon@thehills.org.
Raising Passionate Jesus Followers podcast
Primal Path Information What: Intentional Father Kick-off (a gathering of men who intend to raise their sons well) When: Saturday, August 24, 2024 / 8:30am - 11:00am / Breakfast Provided Where: The Hills NRH Campus Student Center Downstairs Room 171. Click this link to register - https://thehillschurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/3137/responses/new
Leader Equip - Save the Date - Nov. 16
Click here to sign up to serve in Next Gen Ministy - thehills.org/serve
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
What a summer it has been! Kids and students have been discipled and have been on mission. Hear how while summer may be a break from school, it's not a break from mission of God. In fact, it has been the perfect opportunity for the next generation to go deeper in their faith.
Reach out to our Global Student Minister at Adam.herndon@thehills.org and our Global Kids Minister at Sarah.wilson@thehills.org.
Interested serving in Next Gen Ministry? Fill out a form here - www.thehills.org/serve.
WFW Student Minister Jackson Sanford and WFW Student Leader Danny Pectol share on the importance setting boundaries around technology and ideas to do it.
The Anxious Generation book
Katharine Hill is UK Director at Care for the Family. Prior to joining the organization in 2004, Katharine practiced in family law. Katharine leads Care for the Family’s policy agenda, participating in Government Round Tables and in consultations on matters of family policy. She is currently an expert advisor to the Archbishops’ Commission on Families and Households. Alongside this she continues to speak both nationally and internationally, and writes stand-out books on family life.
She is a former board member for the International Commission on Couple and Family Relations, a trustee for The Relationships Academy and is a member of the Council of Reference for Time for Marriage.
https://www.katharinehill.co.uk/
Left to Their Own Devices book
https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/
Season 4 concludes with this episode. Catch up on episodes this summer and look for new episodes in Season 5 in August.
Phil and Diane Comer share about their book Raising Passionate Jesus Followers. The Comers have been in ministry together for over 45. Phil and Diane count as their greatest joy that John Mark and Tammy, Rebekah and Steve, Elizabeth and Brook, and Matthew and Simona have each chosen to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Their two sons have followed their father into pastoral ministry, one of their daughters is married to a pastor, and the other daughter and her husband are living on mission to their friends and fellow designers in the heart of Hollywood and around the world.
And now Phil and Diane have the unprecedented joy of watching their seven grandchildren being raised up in a rich heritage of life changing faith.
In 2004, Phil and Diane planted Solid Rock, A Jesus Church (now known as Westside: A Jesus Church), in Portland, Oregon. Their son, John Mark, and his wife, Tammy, partnered with them from the very beginning, in what became a clear move of God in and through the thousands of people who came each week. With half of the 6000 or more people being under the age of 30, Phil and Diane have been privileged to learn to adapt the way they communicate to a generation longing for truth expressed in their own language.
This movement has now become a network of churches that are similar but with their own distinct leadership and vision. In 2011, Phil passed the lead role on to John Mark’s capable leadership and expanding vision. Phil and Diane began to focus their sights on developing a ministry to the next generation of parents who were asking many of the same questions that had perplexed them all those years ago.
Thus was born, INTENTIONAL: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers as a way of teaching and training the hundreds of young people in their church who were now just beginning to raise children of their own. The elders of their church asked Phil and Diane to put together a conference for this purpose, both for the AJC family of churches, and for any other churches that might share the need and desire to enable parents to train their own children to love and follow Jesus.
Their own church embraced this conference with such enthusiasm that they filled the first session with hundreds of parents, turning people away and quickly rescheduling a second event to accommodate all who wanted to listen and learn. Phil and Diane recognized the pressing need for focused teaching in the spiritual training of children. They have decided to completely dedicate the next season of their lives to focus on this task of training parents.
While remaining embedded in Westside: A Jesus Church, Phil and Diane have, thus far, accepted invitations to five countries on five continents and to numerous churches around the United States in order to teach Intentional: Raising Passionate Jesus Followers.
https://www.intentionalparents.org/phil-and-diane
https://the-intentional-parents-podcast.simplecast.com/
Raising Passionate Jesus Followers book
https://www.practicingtheway.org/
Luke LeFevre is 27 years old and lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Rebecca and his daughter Evelyn. He is the Director of Ministry Engagement & Gen Z at Gather25—a global gathering of the Church that will take place on March 1st, 2025—and is the founder of a student and young adult movement called Consecrate. Luke has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people and led thousands to faith in Christ. He is the author of the book "Holy Unto The Lord: Rediscovering the Joy of Holiness" and holds degrees in Speech Communication, Christian Ministry, and Strategic Leadership. Luke lives with a passion to see revival in the Church, awakening in America, and the gospel reach the ends of the earth.
https://lukelefevre.org/
Holy to the Lord book
www.gather25.com
When You Pray podcast
Do you want to disciple your children at home but don’t know how or where to start? Many parents are intimidated and think those in the church will do a better job even though children are there for maybe an hour a week. KIDStory is a simple strategy where everyone in your home can connect with Jesus and His Story in an environment that builds trust, stability and security. Sarah and Jill share this simple strategy anyone and everyone can do at home. Start today! Access free resources here: https://kidsaroundtheworld.com/kidstoryhome/
Register for free virtual KIDStory workshop. DATE: Monday and Tuesday, May 20-21 TIME: 8:00-9:30 AM Pacific/ 10-11:30 AM CST Reserve your spot by clicking on this link: https://bit.ly/KS_ZoomWorkshop_05-2024
We are actively inviting members to serve Sundays this summer in Kids Ministry using KIDStory. We'd love to have you join us. Click here to join the team - https://thehills.org/servechurch
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
11th grader Caleb Young shares his testimony on how saying "yes" to living life on mission is for the benefit of others and for our own transformation.
https://www.rocakidzclub.com/
https://thehills.org/sermon/you-2-0/
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Get to know Jeremiah Haywood, the Next Gen Family Discipleship Minister at The Hills Dallas Campus.
Here is a link to the book Jeremiah mentioned: The Faith of Our Children: Eight Timely Research Insights for Discipling the Next Generation
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Emmanuel Dominguez, David Meyer and Jill Shelby discuss Emmanuel's call to church planting, the difference between leaving and being sent, and how for all of us our lives are really just finding our place in God's story.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Are you using technology or is it using you? Join Adam and Jill as they interview Fort Worth Christian Director of Modern Learning and Next Gen Now podcast producer Darryl Loy as we dive into this anxiety-producing hot topic. We only scratch the service so we anticipate there are more podcasts to come.
Parents of kids and students are invited to the Parent Gathering on Wednesday, April 24 at KLR, NRH and WFW campuses. Check with your campus kids or student minister for details where you will discuss establishing a Technology Rule of Life for your family.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Are you using technology or is it using you? Join Adam and Jill as they interview Fort Worth Christian Director of Modern Learning and Next Gen Now podcast producer Darryl Loy as we dive into this anxiety-producing hot topic. We only scratch the service so we anticipate there are more podcasts to come.
Parents of kids and students are invited to the Parent Gathering on Wednesday, April 24 at KLR, NRH and WFW campuses. Check with your campus kids or student minister for details where you will discuss establishing a Technology Rule of Life for your family.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
[REPLAY] Is there a move of God happening in the next generation? Auburn University sophomore and former Hills' student Jackson Brownlow shares about the September 12th event when hundreds of students were baptized after a worship service. He reflects on how God was already at work on campus weeks before this event and how he sees hunger for King Jesus rising in his generation. With Baptism Sunday coming up April 7, this is a great listen for anyone considering baptism for the first time or desiring onging immersion into the real life found in the kingdom of God. ALL HAIL KING JESUS!
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
[REPLAY] Baptism Sunday is coming April 7! One of our N&G goals is to see 1,825 people surrender to Christ and be baptized. Baptism Sunday is a day to celebrate new life in Christ, while also seeing God’s faithfulness in adding to this goal! If your kids or a child close to you is showing an interest in baptism, this one is for you!
Curious about baptism and want to learn more? https://thehillschurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2624/responses/new
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Adam and Sarah share learnings from the Forming Faith Collaborative with teachings from John Mark Comer, Andy Crouch, and Matt Markins. Some key takeaways: fromation is a daily process, a discipleship pathway is simple (be, become, do) but also complex (because we are all unqiue and at different points), and formation is counter cultural.
Join the Student Gatherings at each of our campuses on April 24 to craft a Digital Rule of Life for you and your family. More details to come through campus communications.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
10th grade students Addison and Tess join Alexandra and Jill to discuss the mission of God and their generation after attending World Mandate Missions Conference together. They share how they are learning to hear God's voice, pray about His Kingdom coming, the importance of multi-generational community, and partnering with Jesus in what He is doing on the earth during our times.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Do you desire to see the fame and deeds of God renewed and known in our time? Do you hunger to see more of the manifest presence of God? Do you want to build a culture of prayer inside your heart, your home, your church, your city? A group of women who attended the Altars Conference in NYC debrief the experience and share why anytime, anywhere is altar time.
https://www.altars.nyc//
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
New Hill's missionaries share their own journey in learning to listen and hear the voice of God and how they are cultivating that lifestyle in their own journey and in their parenting.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Kingdom Parent and author Bridget Van Zyl discusses her book Wired to Parent and how we can lead our children from a heavenly mindset in partnership with the Holy Spirit.
Order her book here: Wired to Parent by Bridget Van Zyl.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Join Adam and Jill as we discuss teens and addicion with Teen Life Director of Communications Karlie Duke. Student Gatherings on February 28 and March 6 will deal with this topic. On February 28 we will also host a Parent Gathering to equip parents to disucssion addicition with their teen.
Linked her is a discussion guide to help you with these conversations. https://axis.org/resource/a-parent-guide-to-addiction/
Scriptures mentioned were: Psalm 37:4, Matthew 12:43-45, 2 Timothy 1:7
https://teenlife.ngo/
Saundra Botts, Volunteer Leader & KIDStory storyteller, shares a powerful testimony on how God has worked in her life as she has stepped into Kids Ministry, not allowing fear to hold her back. Click here if you are interested in impacting the next generation by serving in Kids Ministry. http://www.thehills.org/serve
Click here to register for KIDStory training on Feb 24. Use code HILLSCHURCH to attend for free.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
"Set this one on repeat and listen every day." That's what someone said who got to listen to this episode early. Julie Puckett shares her heart about the heart of worship. This one's for everyone because we are all worshippers! Living into the culture of worship that Julie describes would be transformational for us as individuals, families, and a church body.
Check out this previous podcast episode from Season 1 with Yancy entitled Discipling Kids in Worship
Wednesay Night Student Ministry Gatherings will focus on Encountering God through Worship on Feb 7, Feb 14, and Feb 21.
Kids Leader Developers Rachel Herman (KLR), Brandi Ayala (NRH) and Jennifer Young (WFW) share about their role in Kids Ministry and why elevating community is what the next generation needs.
Click here if you are interested in impacting the next generation by serving in Kids Ministry. http://www.thehills.org/serve
Click here to register for KIDStory training on Feb 24. Use code HILLSCHURCH to attend for free. https://give.kidsaroundtheworld.com/event/kidstory-workshop-februrary-24-25/e553384
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
College student Kellan Woodward and Adi Lowry share their own journey in making decisions about college, major, finding a faith community and much more. This is a great one to share directly with the teens in your life. Parents and leaders, hear how these two young adults are processing their future and what they say the church can do to help their generation.
Decision Making and the Will of God book
Jamie Winship Identity podcast 1 of 5
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Twila Higginbottom, a former public school teacher, delightfully shares how teaching children is one of the things that makes her most come alive. She encourages and provides some practical ways that those wanting to teach kids the Bible can do so by listening to the Holy Spirit. Hint: It includes vulnerability. A few notable quotes: "Jesus is the Way and He has a way." "Curriculum should serve Jesus." "Plan your lesson with Jesus".
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
8th graders Jace Drain and Cy Shelby share about ways they have been equipped, activated and mobilized to be on mission with God now. Hear how they have have been led to serve in Kids Ministry, Special Needs, Respite, and most recently as part of a Student-Led Prayer Team on Wednesday nights at The Gathering. They also share about ways they have been mobilized to be on mission in their schools.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Just like a good swing, we must swing backward to swing forward. We need vision that sees both backward and forward. This week we introduce new Lead Kids Minister, Sarah Wilson. God has chosen her to lead our kids ministry into the future. Sarah's first day will be January 8, 2024.
This is the last epsiode of Season 3 of our podcast. Season 4 of Next Gen Now will drop on Monday, January 8, 2024. We have so much planned for the upcoming season for you!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Just like a good swing, we must swing backward to swing forward. We need vision that sees both backward and forward. We look back to learn from the past, get in touch with our heritages--our roots, and remember how we got here today. We identify our foundation. This week Patty Weaver looks back on the past 20 years of kids ministry at The Hills Church. Two decades full of highs and lows. Listen in and learn from this pioneering kids minister as she steps into the next chapter of her life.
Come see Patty's last Christmas musical-In a Galilee Far, Far Away on Saturday, December 9 at 6 pm in the Worship Center at NRH. Then, stop by at her reception on Sunday, December 10 between the 8:30 and 10 or betwwen the 10 and 11:30 services at NRH.
Other Christmas opportunities are: Keller Campus - Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9 at 9 am. West Fort Worth Campus - Christmas Musical on Saturday, December 9 am at 5 pm.
For more information on Christmas, visit thehills.org/christmas
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Get to know NRH Kids Family Engager, Sarah Jameson, as she shares about the Advent Family Guide that will be available at all campuses. This guide will align with Rick's Christmas sermon series Fearless Faith. The guide will be handed on December 3.
Episode 22 - Teach Your Children Well w/Sarah Cowan Johnson
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Young adults Micah and Tanner share about their passion for Jesus and how they desire a church with a multi-generational community.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
One thing we have been hearing in Next Gen ministry for over two years now is that the spiritual mothers and fathers are coming. The next generation among us has been praying and asking for spiritual mothers and fathers. John and Donna Willbanks, a spiritual mother and father, join the podcast to share how being spiritual parents is not only something they do to serve the next generation, but they are being blessed in return.
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Kingdom Expansion Minister Chris Shelby shares why this Harvest season is extra special and ways for our families, kids and students to engage.
Some special dates to keep in mind:
Nov. 4 - Leader Equip https://thehillschurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2657/responses/new
Nov. 11 - Harvest Story & Prayer Night
Nov. 12 - Harvest Sunday and Offering
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Jonathan “JP” Pokluda is the Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, TX. He was formerly the leader of The Porch in Dallas, TX, which grew to be the largest weekly young adult gathering of its kind in the country. JP didn’t come to understand the grace of the Gospel until his early twenties after being involved in different denominational churches his entire life. This ignited a desire in him to inspire young adults to radically follow Jesus Christ and unleash them to change the world. JP's partner in ministry is Monica, his wife of seventeen years, and together they disciple their children Presley, Finley, and Weston.
For more on JP, visit https://www.jonathanpokluda.com/
JP on Instagram
Check out his newest book: Why Do I Do What I Don't Want To Do? book
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
RaeAn, a student of one of our missionary families, shares about what it means to her to be on mission now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFWF9rSAWF8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcSqRkpeQyM
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
How do we hear the voice of Jesus clearly speak our identity over us in a culture cluttered with competing voices? Lead Student Minister Adam Herndon and Executive Minister David Meyer have a conversation overviewing the current student Gathering series entitled Clear Identity. This series will be every Wednesday night in October at every campus. It will conclude on October 25 when the current cultural identites of gender and sexuality will be discussed. All families have received resources and can reach out to their campus student minister for other resources or support your family may need as you navigate conversations related to identity. Bottom line: Our identity must be fully formed by Jesus, not by what we decide it is or what others say, or what we have, or what we do. This is true freedom for the next generation and for all of us.
Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church and What the Bible Has to Say by Preston Sprinkle
Guiding Families of LGBT+ Loved Ones
Axis Identity Resources
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Is there a move of God happening in the next generation? Auburn University sophomore and former Hills' student Jackson Brownlow shares about the September 12th event when hundreds of students were baptized after a worship service. He reflects on how God was already at work on campus weeks before this event and how he sees hunger for King Jesus rising in his generation. With Baptism Sunday coming up October 8, this is a great listen for anyone considering baptism for the first time or desiring onging immersion into the real life found in the kingdom of God. ALL HAIL KING JESUS!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
We keep hearing that there is no junior Holy Spirit. What does that mean? Ali Lowry and her 11-year old daughter Ella talk about being activated in the Spirit at a young age. You'll hear Ella share how she's been taught to align herself with God's heart for people and how to pray and bless people. This will bless you so you can bless others!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
How do you keep the fire burning after a moment of transformation with God? Join Student Minister Emmanuel Dominguez as he sits down with students Ella Carder, Imari Washington, and Josh Richards to share stories of transformation and steps that anyone can take to grow as disciples of Jesus!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Chris Covington and Scott Gauldon from the Keller campus share about the importance of community for Special Needs families.
Sunday Morning Class Schedule
- Keller: 10:45 am
- North Richland Hills: Kids & Adults: 10 am, Kids Only: 11:30
- West Fort Worth: 9 & 10:45 am
https://thehills.org/serveothers - Click here to learn how to volunteer in Special Needs ministry.
https://thehills.org/specialneeds - Click here to find out more about Special Needs ministry
Want to talk to someone at Special Needs ministry? Reach out to:
- Keller - Stacy Barnes at stacy.barnes@thehills.org
- North Richland Hills - Amber Baze at amber.baze@thehills.org
- West Fort Worth - Amy Leith at amy.leith@thehills.org
Looking to be encouraged the next generation of young women? You'll find it here as our four female student interns share their summer journey serving in Student Ministry at The Hills.
Learn more and register here for our Womens Wonder Conference.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Want to hear a real kids staff member share her own vulnerable story of family discipleship and her hopes for families at The Hills? You won't want to miss this one! West Fort Worth Kids Family Engager Amy Leith shares how her new role in Kids Ministry actually set the trajectory for what discipleship looks like in her own home. You'll be encouraged and inspired by this one!
Family Discipleship by Matt Chandler
Amy Leith - amy.leith@thehills.org
KIDStory at Home
Family Worship - September 3, 2023 - FAMILY WORSHIP
In Deuteronomy 6:4-9 we read, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.”
One of the amazing things about this text is that it’s completely exhaustive! It leaves very little wiggle room for us to sidestep our responsibilities as parents in the spiritual development, training, and discipleship of our kids. There is no greater responsibility in your life than spiritually equipping your children. It is not always easy nor convenient. It is demanding and sometimes there is little fruit to show for your labors. Nonetheless, it is our call as the primary disciples of our kids to be active in bringing the gospel to bear on their hearts and minds each and every day.
Our aim for Family Worship services here at The Hills Church is to engage, equip, and encourage parents in the daily task of discipling their children toward a lifetime of following Jesus. We want all that we do to come alongside you. We never want to replace you, and biblically, don’t see that as an option. But we want all that we do to serve and equip you for the daily task of discipleship!
We sometimes think the production of fruit in our kids’ lives is our responsibility. It’s not. It is simply our responsibility to faithfully live out and teach these amazing truths to our kids. We must leave the fruit to God. In applying these verses to the weekly worship service as believers gather on Sunday mornings, it is vitally important that you model a life and heart of worship in front of your kids as you lead them into worship.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to and are in worship with your kids:
- More is caught than taught. Your children will learn more about the value of worship by how you model it than what you simply say about it.
- Talk with your children ahead of time about what worship is and why it matters, what behavioral expectations are for the worship service, and ask and answer questions they have.
- Encourage and praise them when they meet expectations and correct when needed.
- Make corporate worship gatherings and church involvement a family priority every week.
- Look for ways to involve your children in the various aspects of the worship service as the different aspects are happening: prayer, Scripture reading, offering, communion, etc.
- Arrive early and sit where you can see clearly and hear effectively during the service.
- Pray, pray, pray! Pray with your children on Saturday evenings before bed, during breakfast, on the way to church as a family, and during the service. Plead with God to move in your own heart and life as well as your children’s.
- Encourage your child to listen for familiar names, songs, words, or events during the service.
- Worship with your child throughout the week through everyday conversations, meal times, family devotions and worship, singing in the car, and expressing gratitude for all God has done regularly.
On the reverse side, there are some ways for you to talk through, explain, engage, and equip your children at various points throughout the worship service. There is also some space provided for them to take notes during the sermon as well. What an incredible opportunity for you to teach, model, train, and equip your children during worship. You’re not in this alone!
How to prepare your children for and equip them during worship:
- Announcements/Host Moment: This is when we learn about what is going on in the community of our church, ways to be involved or volunteer, as well as things to do be more connected to others in our congregation.
- Music: This is the time that most people think of when we say, “worship,” though all of life really is worship. Music is simply the time that we sing praises to God for all that He has done for us through Jesus. It is done corporately as a way of demonstrating unity in what we believe and sing about.
- Prayer: This is a time when we approach God and speak to Him. Sometimes there are components of:
- confessing
- honoring Him as God
- asking God for various things in our lives or the lives of others, and
- thanking Him for His grace, mercy, and patience with us through Jesus.
- Missions Moment: This is an occasional time that we hear from a missionary or someone who has gone a mission trip and what they saw God doing in various parts of our country or the world.
- Testimony: This is an occasional time that we hear from someone in our church about what God has done or is doing in their life as well as what they are learning about God through their experiences.
- Baptism: This is an occasional time when we see people respond in obedience to Jesus’ command to make disciples and baptize them. There’s nothing magical about the water. It is simply a picture that everyone watching gets to see that reflects what God has done in that person’s heart and life.
- Scripture Reading: This is the time when we read through a selected portion of the Bible, which is God’s breathed-out word to us. There are 66 individual books with one main message: God’s love for a sinful people and everything that He has done throughout history to redeem and love them in Jesus.
- Sermon: This is the time when the preacher takes what the Bible says and explains what it meant when it was written and also what it means to us today. This is a very important time to pay attention, listen, pray, follow along in your own Bible, and see what needs to change in your life to live obediently.
- Offering: This is the time in the service when we are reminded about God’s faithfulness to us and that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him. He doesn’t need our money. It is simply a time for us to generously give to advancing the gospel in our own church and the ministries it is involved in.
- Communion: This is an event that takes place every Sunday. It is a reminder for us of Jesus’ death for us as we eat the bread, which reminds us that His body was broken for us, and when we drink the cup, which reminds us that His blood was spilled in order to reconcile us to God.
As a father, do you ever feel like…you might lost your son to the teenage world pressures? You want to disciple him but don’t know how? You wish there was a community of men running alongside you but you don’t know where to find them? You hope your son will grow up to be a man among boys in his early adulthood? You desire help for your son and yourself in the process? That’s where the Primal Path Discipleship Program comes in!
Lead Student Minister Adam Herndon, Family Engagement Minister Tquan Moore, and a Hills' Church parent Joe Don Ridgell discuss a beta program called Primal Path set to launch at The Hills this year. An interest meeting will be held at each campus on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 9 am. More details to come.
The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character
Primal Path Website
Have more questions about Primal Path? Email Tquan at tquan.moore@thehills.org
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
What can you expect this year in Next Gen Ministry? West Fort Worth Kids and Student Minister -- Erin Nix and Jackson Sanford -- spend time on the podcast sharing some discipleship stories from the summer and preview what to expect this new year. They'll answer questions like, "What's KIDStory?" "What are the primary discipleship moments in Next Gen Ministry?" "How can I get involved?"
Want to serve in Next Gen? Click here: https://thehills.org/serveothers
Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org
Welcome to Season 3 of the Next Gen Now Podcast! Are you ready to hear what's next in Next Gen Ministry? Join Next Gen Minister Jill Shelby and Lead Student Minister Adam Herndon as they review Seasons 1 & 2 and preview Season 3 of the podcast. The next generation needs you now! But, you also need the next generation and what God is doing among them.
Want to serve in Next Gen? Click here: https://thehills.org/serveothers
Register for Next Gen Activate on August 13 here: Keller Next Gen Activate - 2:00-4:30 pm North Richland Hills Next Gen Activate - 3:00-6:00 pm West Fort Worth Next Gen Activate - 2:30-5:00 pm
Check out our Next Gen Ministers who spoke about the next generation on Communicators Weekend.
Jill Shelby | Meet The Moment | Communicators Weekend 2023 - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSSVOTVZPSM&t=593s
Adam Herndon | The Overflow | Communicators Weekend 2023 - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBcQGCZDO0k
Susan Conway | Anticipating God's Voice | Communicators Weekend 2023 - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGL8WsCR1Tg
Jackson Sanford | Carry The Fire | Communicators Weekend 2023 - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hki_f7mD1fE&t=687s
Tquan Moore | Identified | Communicators Weekend 2023 - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXaJoieQR0w
Next Gen Manifesto
We are an army.
We have a leader. Our leader is Jesus. We will follow him anywhere. He is our king and our friend. We know Him, we trust His voice, we obey His calling. He tells us who we are. He has all power and authority and he shares it with us.
We are an army.
We have an enemy.
Our enemy is real. We know his tactics are lies, confusion, chaos, destruction and death. We are aware of his activity when we see it. We are not deceived by his lesser stories of materialism, secularism, consumerism, and individualism. Our armor and weapons include truth, Scripture, worship, and prayer. We practice using these every day.
We are an army.
We have a purpose. Our purpose is loving God and loving others as we pursue the Kingdom of God. The world needs us. They have been deceived. They need light, revelation, insight, healing, and breakthrough. They need to discover the Way, the Truth and the Life. We're on assignment and living our calling. We are not self-actualizing, we are self-emptying following in the footsteps of Jesus.
We are an army.
We are equipped and activated. Our training is constant. We know where the battle is--in the heavenly realms. We lock arms with brothers and sisters, gaining ground for the good king and leaving his good kingdom in our wake. We have the armor of God, the word of God as truth, and the Holy Spirit as our constant companion.
We are an army.
We have a story. It’s the best story and the only true, beautiful story there is so we will keep re-telling it for all generations so each generation can set its heart anew on God. This is how we meet the moment. We tell stories. We pray hungry. We lay down our lives. We rise up to meet the moment in the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill his purposes for us in these times.
We are an army!
Hear the plans for the podcast over the summer and what's in store for Season 3 this fall!
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
There is a spiritual battle going on for the minds and hearts of our children. A vision for God’s heart must be cast and leaders must be multiplied before our kids’ foundation has crumbled to the culture at large. There is a critical need to raise up and equip leaders to disciple children in ways that work best for them. The Hills Kids Ministry is investing in all of our kids leaders being equipped and activated in KIDStory--an effective teaching strategy to reach kids in all cultures and circumstances with the good news of Jesus and His story. KIDStory Global Director Gary Strudler explains more about KIDStory. Gary will be providing an immersive equipping experience for all current and potential kids ministry leaders and volunteers in June.
The Hills Church is happy to host a KIDStory workshop on July 14, 15, and 16th! KIDStory workshops are critical to raise up and equip leaders to disciple children in ways that work best for them. At these workshops you can expect to learn: Teaching skills that bring the stories of the Bible to life Fun, interactive ways to hear, learn and retell God's word to include: games, music, art, and drama Proven ways to facilitate discussions that provide a place where the Holy Spirit can penetrate children's hearts rather than giving pat, predictable answers How to create learning environments where children become active participants in God's redemptive story instead of just distant observers
IF YOU REGISTER, CHILDCARE IS AVAILABLE FOR NURSERY THROUGH 5TH GRADE!
To register or get more information, please CLICK THE LINK below. Contact your local kids ministry team for more information and to register. July 14 - 6:30-10 pm - NRH July 15 - 1-4:30 pm - WFW July 16 - 2-5:30 pm - KLR Click here to register here: https://thehillschurch.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2535/responses/new
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
How do we lead our families in the way of Jesus? Hills member Sarah Brooks shares how she has learned from those ahead on the journey. Join this winsome conversation where you will laugh and learn.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Is the gospel good news to you? Evangelism Minister EJ Brown shares how once the next generation has tasted and seen that the Lord is good, sharing that good news becomes a lot easier.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Women's Minister Barbara Gradke shares ways generations of women can learn with and from one another.
hillswomen@thehills.org
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
What teens long for, most are not finding -- connection! Teen Life CEO Chris Robey shares some of the latest findings from the CDC on teen mental health and how Teen Life equips, encourages, and powers teenagers all over the metroplex by providing connection. He also shares how parents and leaders can do the same thing.
https://www.teenlife.ngo/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
How can setting boundaries help the next generation deal with trauma? Licensed Clinical Social Worker Donna Capps explains what trauma is and how equipping the next generation in setting boundaries in a world inundated with trauma can set them up for a better life.
WEEK 1 - APRIL 26 KLR - Donna Capps (Boundaries) NRH - Mark DeYoung (Mind & Body) WFW - Stephanie Hunter (Community)
WEEK 2 - MAY 3 KLR - Mark DeYoung (Mind & Body) NRH - Stephanie Hunter (Community) WFW - Donna Capps (Boundaries)
WEEK 3 - MAY 10 KLR - Stephanie Hunter (Community) NRH - Donna Capps (Boundaries) WFW - Mark DeYoung (Mind & Body)
Mental Health Resources:
www.thehills.org/mental-health
https://thehills.org/counseling/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
What do our bodies have to do with mental health? Dr. Mark DeYoung, LMFT, shares how understanding the connection between our mind and bodies is important in living the life God intended. He encourages us to start from a place of wholeness instead of focusing on what is wrong, providing practical suggestions for discipling our kids and students in stewarding their lives well. This includes taking care of our bodies through nutrition, exercise, hydration, and other practices that allow us to be fully present in our own lives.
https://www.deyoungconsulting.com/book.html
Revolutionary Marriage book
WEEK 1 - APRIL 26 KLR - Donna Capps (Boundaries) NRH - Mark DeYoung (Mind & Body) WFW - Stephanie Hunter (Community)
WEEK 2 - MAY 3 KLR - Mark DeYoung (Mind & Body) NRH - Stephanie Hunter (Community) WFW - Donna Capps (Boundaries)
WEEK 3 - MAY 10 KLR - Stephanie Hunter (Community) NRH - Donna Capps (Boundaries) WFW - Mark DeYoung (Mind & Body)
www.thehills.org/mental-health
https://thehills.org/counseling/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
What is the role of community in mental health? The Hills' Counseling and Wellness Minister Stephanie Hunter shares how loneliness, isolation, hopelessness, sadness, and depression are rampant today and how we were made for connection within community. She shares some of the current barriers to true community and some practical next steps in seeking out real, authentic connection.
WEEK 1 - APRIL 26 KLR - Donna Capps (Boundaries) NRH - Mark DeYoung (Mind & Body) WFW - Stephanie Hunter (Community)
WEEK 2 - MAY 3 KLR - Mark DeYoung (Mind & Body) NRH - Stephanie Hunter (Community) WFW - Donna Capps (Boundaries)
WEEK 3 - MAY 10 KLR - Stephanie Hunter (Community) NRH - Donna Capps (Boundaries) WFW - Mark DeYoung (Mind & Body)
Mental Health Resources www.thehills.org/mental-health https://thehills.org/counseling/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Want to know what's going on in Next Gen ministry for the next few months and into the summer? Take a listen as Lead Kids Discipleship Minister Patty Weaver and Student Discipleship Minister Emmanuel Dominguez give an update for kids and student ministry. In addition, they discuss the upcoming renovations for the NRH Kids Ministry wing. thehills.org/studentsummer thehills.org/events
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Want a way to serve monthly as a family? Connections Minsters Bailey Plake (WFW) and Sarah Wilson (NRH) share the vision for the next generation serving on the Guest Services team. This is a way for kids and students to be mobilized for mission, engaged as a family, and part of an intergenerational community.
jeff.gary@thehills.org (KLR Connections Minister)
sarah.wilson@thehills.org (NRH Connections Minister)
bailey.plake@thehills.org (WFW Connections Minister) thehills.org/serve
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Bridge Minister Amber Baze and Kids and Student Support Person Dr. Laurie Bailey discuss ways you can help meet the needs of kids and students requiring a higher level of care. There are current needs at every campus on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. There is a call to rise up to ensure that none of our kids and students leave our building without contact from a loving, caring adult. Contact amber.baze@thehills.org for more information and specific ways you can help.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
How do you lead your family well in the daily chaos of this world? Justin and Lauren Earley share how parenting happens in habits and how to establish intentional rhythms around everyday routines to find a greater sense of peace and purpose as your home becomes a place where everyone learns how to love. Justin tells how his two books were born out of crisis and desribes our current cultural moment as a mental health crisis, why this is, and what we can do about it.
www.justinwhitmelearley.com
www.habitsofthehousehold.com
https://www.thecommonrule.org/
https://www.amazon.com/Common-Rule-Habits-Purpose-Distraction/dp/0830845607
https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Household-Practicing-Everyday-Rhythms/dp/0310362938/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
How do you lead your family well no matter where you find yourself? Josh and Ali Lowry vulnerably share about cultivating a kingdom culture in their home and how it starts with being honest with Jesus. Challenging and encouraging at the same time, this episode has heart and practical applications.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Student ministry dives into a series on Sexuality beginning March 1. Student ministers Emmanuel Dominguez and Tquan Moore overview the series including the dates, the format, and how we desire to equip and activate parents to have hundreds of one minute conversations with their students on sexuality. To delve into human sexuality is to delve into our identity, shame, and longing for connection. In this series we will discuss the identity given to us by God, some unhealthy voices speaking to us about identity (including Gnosticism, modern culture, and purity culture), how those can lead to shame and disconnection. And, finally we will discover how a loving God, who designed our sexuality, calls us out of the shadows of shame and into the greatest intimacy of all. Click here to access the Parent's Guide to the Sex Talk.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Bridge Minister Amber Baze and Our Father's Children Development Director Danielle Bogart discuss ways you can serve foster children in our community in support of our Generations Goal to "raise up 25 new foster families and train 100 members to support foster families".
Contact amber.baze@thehills.org for more information.
Also visit ofc.org
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Baptism Weekend is coming up March 19 at The Hills. Ross and Emily Kaellner and Amy and Misty Herndon join Jill this week in a conversation that includes their own stories of baptism with their children and some tips on how to talk to your child or student about baptism.
https://thehills.org/baptism/
https://thehills.org/events-set/baptism-class/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Anne de Leyser, who works with a Christian retreat center in Wales called Ffald y Brenin and facilitates the Local Houses of Prayer (LHOP) movement, joins us on site at Ffald y Brenin. You won't want to miss this one! What does our world need right now? What does this next generation need right now? It's the same thing! The presence of God and the inbreaking of His kingdom. Anne shares a bit about the history of the retreat center, the LHOP movement, and her dream for every home to become a local house of prayer. Great stories shared and invitation to each one of us to become a house of prayer, a dwelling place for God.
www.localhousesofprayer.org
https://ffald-y-brenin.org/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Chris and Jill Shelby reflect on the recent sermon series Soulfull. They share about how a recent trip to a retreat center (Ffald y Brenin) in Wales has shaped practices in their own home and offer encouragement to families about habits that can cultivate a hunger for the presence of God in their homes.
https://thehills.org/sermon/soulfull/
https://ffald-y-brenin.org/
https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectioforfamilies/
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Counselor Dr. Kevin Shelby shares how we were created for connection and the importance of moving from isolation, lonelieness, shame and anxiety to a place of healing, connection and freedom. He discusses the three points of connection--to God, others, and self. We also discuss ways that parents can disciple their children Jesus People: A 12 Week Discipleship Study for Teens A Guide for Listening and Inner Healing Prayer-Study Guide A Guide for Listening and Inner Healing Prayer Renew My Story Counseling - Dr. Kevin Shelby Created for Connection Podcast
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Trevecca Okholm, author of The Grandparent Effect: Bridging Generations One Story at a Time, shares some practical ways that grandparents can impact the faith formation of the next generation. Grandparents are those with biological grandchildren or faith grandchildren so this podcast is for anyone who wants to impact the next generation.
Kingdom Family: Re-Envisioning God's Plan for Marriage and Family
The Grandparenting Effect: Bridging Generations One Story at a Time
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
West Fort Worth Kids Discipleship Minister Erin Nix outlines the new kids ministry roles at WFW including Kids Discipleship Minister, Mission Mobilizer, Family Engager, and Leader Developer. She shares the excitement and the challenges of shifting to a discipleship model and how incremental increases in relational investment can create a ripple effect that impacts the spiritual formation of the next generation.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Sarah Cowan Johnson shares about her new book Teach the Children Well: A Step-by-Step Guide for Family Discipleship. We discuss ways to both proactively and responsively disciple your children. There's lots her that you don't want to miss--from discerning ways you deal with post-Christian culture to facilitating God moments with your children; from technology and deconstruction to learning how to eat your spiritual vegetables. From January 2-16, with the code NEXTGEN you can get 30 percent off the ebook and hard copy (plus free shipping) at www.ivpress.com. See Sarah's bio at https://www.ivpress.com/sarah-cowan-johnson. Visit her website at sarahcowanjohnson.com. Follow her on Twitter: @scowanjohnson.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Student Minister Alexandra McAuley discusses the importance of community in the lives of the next generation. This is part of The Hills’ Next Gen strategy of elevating community and part of our Ask for Nations & Generations goal of seeing 2000 members serve the next generation. If you are interested in serving in Next Gen, go to www.thehills.org/serve. Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Christian Worldview Teacher Mark Baur shares what worldview is, why it is important, and how we can be intentional in evaluating our developing worldviews. He also talks about how this impacts our faith journey and how we can help the next generation be intentional about how they are viewing the world. Mark's book recommendations:
You Are What You Love - https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-What-Love-Spiritual/dp/158743380X/ref=sr_1_3
The Weight of Glory - https://www.amazon.com/Weight-Glory-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060653205/ref=sr_1_1
Crazy Busy - https://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Busy-Mercifully-Really-Problem/dp/1433533383/ref=sr_1_1
Life Together - https://www.amazon.com/Life-Together-Exploration-Christian-Community/dp/0060608528/ref=sr_1_1
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Senior Teaching Minister Rick Atchley discusses the first season of the Next Gen Now podcast with Jill. He shares his insights and his encouragement to families, Next Gen leaders, and kids and students.We discuss his upcoming sermon series Cosmic Christmas and ways our families can engage their children throughout the holidays. We also preview upcoming episodes in Season 2 beginning January 2, 2023. Here is a link to some great Advent season resources from author Justin Whitmel Earley, author of Habits of the Household. https://www.thecommonrule.org/advent-edition
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
PATH Director Emily Young shares about The Hills program including the purpose, scope and details. She also shares the alignment happening between all three Hills' campuses. Visit www.thehills.org/preschool for more information about the PATH program. Email Emily at emily.young@thehills.org for more information about volunteering or working at PATH.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Next Gen Admin Coordinator Debbie Loy discusses the way she sees God moving and what is required of us as He does new things in, among, and through us, especially as it relates to the faith formation of the next generation. We share our story of meeting and how God has worked in our lives.
Marching Off the Map - https://www.amazon.com/Marching-Off-Map-Students-Navigate/dp/0996697063/ref=sr_1_1
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Recreation Minister Brian Gill discusses John Mark Comer's presentation on becoming an apprentice to Jesus from the Child Discipleship Forum.
Ruthless Elimination of Hurry https://www.amazon.com/Ruthless-Elimination-Hurry-emotionally-spiritually/dp/1529308380/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1X9ZRUFSLFKK3&keywords=the+ruthless+elimination+of+hurry&qid=1666021797&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjIyIiwicXNhIjoiMS45NiIsInFzcCI6IjIuMDUifQ%3D%3D&s=books&sprefix=the+ruthless+%2Cstripbooks%2C115&sr=1-1
Live No Lies https://www.amazon.com/Live-No-Lies-Recognize-Sabotage/dp/0525653120/ref=sxin_10_mbs_w_global_sims?content-id=amzn1.sym.167d0880-9da0-400b-938e-4382731a4102%3Aamzn1.sym.167d0880-9da0-400b-938e-4382731a4102&crid=1X9ZRUFSLFKK3&cv_ct_cx=the+ruthless+elimination+of+hurry&keywords=the+ruthless+elimination+of+hurry&pd_rd_i=0525653120&pd_rd_r=4d745e2f-48fb-4f64-a533-47910f910734&pd_rd_w=jWv2r&pd_rd
Search for The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry on the YouVersion App.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Elana Curry joins us from Memphis, Tennessee to share how implicit bias impacts our discipleship. She includes ways to reflect on and mitigate our bias as well as some culturally responsive teaching practices. Cultural Iceberg - https://akgtcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/INT-Cultural-Iceberg.jpg Follow Elana on Facebook or Instagram @elanacurry.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Hills' Worship Leader Luke Cabrera and Jill interview Yancy Wideman Richmond. Yancy is a worship leader, songwriter and producer of hundreds of songs that make Jesus loud. Her Dove Award winning music is all the things kids love and everything adults value. She is a powerhouse at leading and teaching kids from birth to preteen how to worship, and creates popular worship resources for churches and homes around the world.
Yancy authored the book “Sweet Sound: The Power of Discipling Kids in Worship.” She is a passionate advocate of raising disciples to worship. With a family legacy of children’s ministry, her authority and PK perspective help encourage and champion the Kidmin community that the seeds they are planting will reap a harvest that will go on to affect families for generations. Yancy lives with her husband and two sons in Nashville, TN.
YancyMinistries.com/sweetsound
Listen to all of Yancy’s music at your favorite music source: https://sc.lnk.to/yancy
Children's Spiritual Director Lacy Finn Borgo shares the importance of creating space to listen to children on their spiritual jounrey. She includes several practical exercises and examples. http://www.gooddirtministries.org/books-curriculum The Grandparenting Effect: Bridging Generations One Story at a Time https://a.co/d/ihGkqAI
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Christian Worldview Teacher Mark Baur shares what worldview is, why it is important, and how we can be intentional in evaluating our developing worldviews. He also talks about how this impacts our faith journey and how we can help the next generation be intentional about how they are viewing the world.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
WFW Student Minister Jackson Sanford shares way to start "handing over the keys" to the next generation now. How do we equip and activate the next generation to love others, to be on mission, to serve right in their current phase? This not only helps curb entitlement but is aligned with the way God designed them.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Student ministers Adam Herndon and Tquan Moore discuss the call to engage every family as part of the Next Gen ministry strategy. In this challenging yet encouraging episode, you will hear about ways we want to engage families in the discipleship journey--that of their children and their own. Check out all the great resources that were mentioned. And make sure you hear the special call to fathers to intentionally disciple their sons.
https://www.familylife.com/podcast/series/jon-tyson-the-intentional-father/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intentional-family/id1585603452
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-no-lies-podcast/id1585715586?i=1000538452149
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Young Adult Liasion Ross Kaellner and Young Adult Ministry Leader Kinsey Gibson discuss young adult ministry at The Hills Church, the challenges young adults faces, ways the church can best come alongside young adults, and considerations within Next Gen Ministry to help better equip young adults to thrive. thehills.org/youngadults https://instagram.com/thehillsyoungadults
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org
Next Gen Bridge Minister Amber Baze discusses her role and her heart for conencting with all kids and students needing a higher level of care. She shares TBRI (trust based relational intervention) principles of connection, empowerment and correction and how this is the way Jesus treats everyone of us. In addition, you will learn about The Hills' special needs ministry as well as our foster care Generations goal. thehills.org/specialneeds nationsandgenerations.org child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri/ thehills.org/serve Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Leading kids ministry voice Melissa MacDonald encourages us to focus on empowering the next generation to hear God. She shares a phenomenal story about a kid who didn't believe God was real and then experienced God in a surprising way. Come hear Melissa in a webinar at The Hills on September 22 from 12:15-1:00 pm in the upstairs student ministry room. https://www.melissajmacdonald.com/ Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
The Hill’s missionary and mother of four Ali Lowry shares a vision for the next generation and that they will be a generation where “the voice of the Lord does not go unheard.”
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
We interview our summer student interns about their faith journey.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Kids Minister Patty Weaver talks about Family Worship. Find out why we have family worship and key ways to help prepare your child for attending family worship weekends.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org
Student Minister Emmanuel Dominguez and Kids Minister Patty Weaver talk about Equipping & Activating the next generation to Love God. They also preview what the fall will look like for kids and student ministry. Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Student Minister Alexandra McAuley discusses the importance of community in the lives of the next generation. This is part of The Hills’ Next Gen strategy of elevating community and part of our Ask for Nations & Generations goal of seeing 2000 members serve the next generation. If you are interested in serving in Next Gen, go to www.thehills.org/serve.
Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
In this episode, Taylor Walling hosts a conversation with Jill Shelby, Next Gen Minister and her husband Chris Shelby, Kingdom Expansion Minister. The team discusses the topic of the mission of God. We hope you enjoy this first episode and that you will subscribe to the podcast. Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.
Here is the official Trailer of the new podcast from the Next Gen minisitry team at The Hills Church. Taylor Walling introduces Next Gen Minister, Jill Shelby and they discuss the Next Gen ministry at The Hills as well as the vision for this Next Gen Now podcast. Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.