Episode 8: Why Training & Resourcing?Show Notes:The Next Generation Ministries office exists for the sole purpose of training and resourcing the local church.  Our purpose is to help you develop and build towards the dreams and visions you have for your areas of ministry and community! TrainingTraining is an important aspect of development in any area of life.  We understand that we aren’t the only means of training and development; however, with our over 13 years of ministry experience in all areas of ministry within the local church we are able to provide perspective and insight towards your goals.  We believe in a personalized, contextual, approach.  We aren’t interested in a “copy/paste” mentality where one-size fits all.  We do believe that leadership is a “universal language” and has many areas to be beneficial to you no matter who you listen to!  We are interested in meeting the specific goals and dreams you have for your ministry with a hands-on approach.Next StepsNext Steps is a process where we formulate a plan specific to you and literally help you navigate your next steps.  We are with you each step of the way!  Our heart is to walk with you on this journey in a clear, practical, way to accomplish your goals.This is designed with you, or your team, at your pace, and expectation!  Our heart is your passion!ResourcingResourcing can be a vague term… in this case, we mean it to be.  We understand that there are many ways for a church to be “resourced”.  It could be through curriculum that you need for children’s ministry, or a leader you need to connect with to learn more from, or insight on an event you are trying to host, or something simple and significant like building relationships. Whatever we can do to help - we will.  Jesus came to serve… not to be served.  We consider it our greatest honor to serve you!Final ThoughtsWe would love the opportunity to partner with you and bring in some training and resourcing to your ministry.  Whether you are starting from zero or going places you haven’t yet been - we are on your team and want to help you get to wherever you are going!Podcast Resources: Instagram: @msnextgenWebsite: msnextgen.comFacebook Group for Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msnextgenleaders/ Connect with Matt & Christy: Matt: @matt2thetaylor // MTaylor@msaog.org Christy: @laurie_taylor // CTaylor@msaog.org

Episode 7: Why Internship?Show Notes:Interning is a great opportunity we have as a District to intentionally invest in and help develop students and young adults by preparing them for next steps in their journey.Who Can Participate?The Internship for 2024 and the following years to come will be available to Juniors & Seniors in High School that show a desire to grow in their leadership, have the ability to travel to our events to help serve, and are willing to invest time in themselves to help further their growth as a follower of Jesus.  This is also open to young adults of college age that show the same level of commitment to leadership development and availability to invest time in serving.What To Expect?Traditionally interning was limited to the summer camp experience for both Youth & Kids Camp.  However, we see the benefit of opening it up for a year-long experience with monthly meetings (virtually or in-person), various events to serve, and intentional investment from different high-capacity leaders from across the nation.  The year-long internship will help develop skill sets, team chemistry, on-job training, provide the chance to exercise the developed leadership, and enjoy the rewards of hard work.Is This For Me?There are going to be limited spaces for those desiring to intern.  We want to ensure that we can provide an incredible experience for those who have a desire to really grow in their areas of leadership and skill development over the course of the year.  This is not limited to those that feel a call to ministry.  The ultimate desire is to be more intentional in relational and skill development with a lot of the “behind the scenes” of what makes our events happen.  This is a great place to learn money management, budget building, event organizing, implementing, and execution.  You will be learning every area from pre-to-post event.Final ThoughtsWe would LOVE to partner with you and help you become who Jesus has created you to be! This is a year of hard work… but an excellent source of learning and building that will set you up for success for all of your future opportunities. Podcast Resources: Instagram: @msnextgenWebsite: msnextgen.comFacebook Group for Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msnextgenleaders/ Connect with Matt & Christy: Matt: @matt2thetaylor // MTaylor@msaog.org Christy: @laurie_taylor // CTaylor@msaog.org

Thanks for joining in on a special guest episode with our District Superintendent Bob Wilburn!  This is our final episode on prayer.Today's episode focuses on the Product of Prayer.Follow this link for more additional resources!https://https://campsite.bio/msnextgen

Episode 6: Why Discipleship?Show Notes:We have two significant focusses in our faith - The Great Commission and The Great Commandment.  One is to love people as we love The Lord and the other is to go into all of the world and make Disciples.Called to Make Disciples NOT ConvertsOne of the most interesting things to notice in The Great Commission is that we are not called to make “converts”… we are called to make disciples.Not all converts are disciples… but all disciples are converts. We have for a long time, and rightfully so, created spaces in our churches and ministries for people to respond the salvation message of Jesus.  We lead them to a moment, and then through a prayer, and celebrate the life changing decision they made to follow Jesus. All of this is appropriate! However, it is not the full story - it’s only the beginning! The real process of discipleship takes time, energy, and resources.  Discipleship isn’t clean - it’s messy.  It’s helping people wrestle with the Word of God as it applies to their life and the changes it brings.  It’s the accountability for growth as a person and in their walk with Jesus. Building Discipleship Back INTO The ChurchDiscipleship needs to be a systematic walkthrough of the Bible through bible plans and life applications.  We have a responsibility to tie the Word of God to our life and our actions.  Typically this is done in smaller groups with a plan to walk through the Word, talk about it’s application to our lives, commit to growing into what we are learning, and being accountable to each other during the growth process.  Discipleship is the pathway to becoming who Jesus desires us to be!There are many different methods we can develop discipleship and bring it more in focus in our local churches and ministries. Here are some different methods :Small Groups (In service and out)Girls MinistriesRoyal RangersSunday SchoolCommunity GroupsThis is not an all inclusive list… but a great place to get started!  We want to help you find creative ways to implement it into your church or help you grow what you already have!God Honors His WordThe Word of God tells us that He honors His Word as He honors His name. (Psalm 138:2). This is an incredible promise that we can hold on to!  It is vitally important that we show kids, students, and young adults, how to find the answers they need in the Bible and not hang on to our beautifully crafted alliteration. “Praise puts your problems into perspective.”  Is a great line that we can remember easy… but if we don’t help those listening understand where to find that in the Bible - Jesus doesn’t honor our cleverly crafted messages… He honors His word.  John 16:33 tells us that in Him we can have peace, because He has overcome the world! If we are able to tie that thought and anchor it into the scripture to where those listening can hide The Word in their heart, we are solidifying scripture in their heart and not something that just “sounds good”.Final ThoughtsDiscipleship is a process.  It’s a commitment of our time, relationship, resources, and a willingness to involved in all of life’s challenges.  It’s not easy.  It’s messy.  It is the most rewarding thing we can do as we fulfill the scripture of making disciples - not just “converts”.

Thanks for joining in on a special guest episode with our District Superintendent Bob Wilburn!  This is Part 3 on prayer.Today's episode focuses on the Place & Price of Prayer.Follow this link for more additional resources!https://https://campsite.bio/msnextgen

Episode 5: Why STL & BGMC?Show Notes:Speed The Light and BGMC are one of the most important components to discipleship for our kids, youth, and young adults!Missions Is A GREAT Discipleship ToolWhen we teach missions generosity and missions support to our students we are helping develop a passion for the Great Commission while at the same time helping them see that the world doesn’t revolve around them.  Many students who learn generosity in kids church, are generous students, who become generous adults.  No just with their treasure, but their time and skills, too!Speed The LightSTL is the missions arm of the Student Ministries of the Assemblies of God.  This is our way to help with Creative Communication and Transportation within our fellowship to support missionaries and missions organizations.Traditionally, this was seen as vehicles, donkeys, bikes, mopeds, or any form of travel that helps our U.S. & World Missionaries reach their community!  It’s not just a means of getting from “Point A to Point B”… it’s a means of delivering medical supplies that could be life-saving to a community.  It’s a means of helping transport bibles to a people that have never seen one before.  It’s a means of serving the community around them that ultimately points back to Jesus. Speed The Light helps organizations like:F.R.E.E. International - helping with units to meet the physical needs of those being recovered from Human Trafficking. Convoy of Hope - suppling 18 wheelers that will cary much needed supplies and food into disaster areas. World Serve - meeting the needs of major water crisis’ in countries that don’t have access to clean water. STL also helps with Global University and helping church plants, education, and various other projects in sensitive countries that are finding creative ways to communicate the gospel.  We supply many needs for church plants and higher learning to help them practically share the good news of Jesus.Of course, we also help our Mississippi Missionaries with any needs they have as they are trying to reach their community… whether here in the U.S. or around the world!It is often said that the first vehicle an Assemblies of God student buys is one for a missionary. BGMCBoys & Girls Missionary Challenge can be simply defined as “Kids Helping Kids”!  The famous Buddy Barrel is a unique tool that kids can use to help collect “Coins for Change” and raising support to help meet the critical needs of missionaries all around the world. Right now we have an incredible project to help pastors in sensitive countries go through school, get a degree, AND plant a church, for only $100!Teaching missions generosity is one of the greatest discipleship tools we can use to help children see the world as Jesus sees it and provides an opportunity for us to meet those needs and help instill principles that will truly be life changing.Final ThoughtsMissions is not just something we do - it’s who we are.  It is the foundation of our movement in the Assemblies of God!  We will always prioritize meeting the needs of others and helping support our heroes of the faith - our U.S. & World Missionaries… especially our missionaries from Mississippi!Podcast Resources: Instagram: @msnextgenWebsite: msnextgen.comFacebook Group for Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msnextgenleaders/

Thanks for joining in on a special guest episode with our District Superintendent Bob Wilburn!  This is Part 2 on prayer. Today's episode focuses on the Promise of Prayer.Follow this link for more additional resources!https://https://campsite.bio/msnextgen

Episode 4: Why Camp?Show Notes:Camp, whether it be Teen or Kids, will always be the best week of Summer!  This is a week of fun competition, community building, powerful services, and intentional times at the altar.BEST WEEK OF SUMMER!This week is FULL of fun games, activities, competition, community building, and yes, even some good food.Each year we will have intentional services revolving around a few areas:SalvationHealingHoly Spirit EmpowermentThe Call of GodThese areas are incredibly important to us because it addresses some very real needs in the lives of our students.  Every year we see hundreds respond to what the Lord is doing in their life. Responding to The CallOne of the greatest lessons we can teach a student is how to respond to what Jesus desires to do in their life.  Often times, we refer to this as “The Call” or, what God has called them to do.  We will have a focus for those that feel called into ministry - bit that isn’t the only focus.We want students to give Jesus their “Yes!” to whatever it is He is asking them to do! For some, it will be ministry.  For many, it will be to a career, school, education, trade, or any number of other things.  One thing is for sure, if we can trust Jesus with our “Yes!” And be obedient to follow through - we WILL be in the plan of God for our life! Empowerment of the Holy SpiritWe weren’t made to just survive in this life… I believe we have been empowered to thrive. We are not ashamed of the pentecostal message that Jesus gives us!  He said it was good for Him to go so The Holy Spirit could come, live within us, and also empower us to be a witness to the world around us.  We will create opportunities for students to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues and it will be done in decency and in order.  This time will protected by our leadership to ensure that things don’t get out of line or inappropriate - a thought that can often find itself attached to pentecostal response times.We believe it is a vital part of the life of a believer to experience the empowerment of God to make a difference in the world around us! We want to create a place where it can be experience in a healthy way. Final ThoughtsCamp truly is a week that campers, leaders, pastors, and parents, look back to as the highlight of summer.  So much good comes from this week!  It not only creates healthy relationships during the week - it extends to the rest of the year. We can’t wait to be with our family this Summer!Podcast Resources: Instagram: @msnextgenWebsite: msnextgen.comFacebook Group for Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msnextgenleaders/ Connect with Matt & Christy: Matt: @matt2thetaylor // MTaylor@msaog.org Christy: @laurie_taylor // CTaylor@msaog.org

Episode 3: Why Fine Arts?Show Notes:Fine Arts is one of the greatest events we can provide to help leaders bring an emphasis of discipleship to a students ability and talents!  This weekend event is designed to help students Discover, Develop, and Deploy their gifts for The Kingdom! DiscoverMinistry is not just limited to preaching and being on the worship team.  There are limitless ways we can take our passions, hobbies, and skills, to share the good news of Jesus with the world around us!  Although Fine Arts is an annual event - it really starts in the local church that ultimately leads to the weekend experience.  Through the year pastors and leaders will help students discover what God has put in them!  Different divisions offered include: Art, Communication, Dance, Drama, Exhibition, Instrumental,  Vocal, and Writing with over 75 different categories!  There is something for everyone and it’s a great place to discover what you like!DevelopAfter a student decides what category they would like to participate in they start the process of developing and preparing for their presentation!  This is genuinely done best with adequate time to prepare.  We don’t want students to participate by signing up for a random category and not putting effort in - there is tremendous value in picking something you are passionate about and investing time and energy to present your best.  There are a few reasons for this:EvaluatorsWith each presentation comes a set of three evaluators who have years of experience and a high-skill in the category you are presenting in.  They are here not to “judge” the presentation… but to evaluate it and add value by showing areas you can continue to grow and providing the practical feedback you need to do it.  If a student does choose preaching as their category - they will have a panel of gifted preachers investing into them to help them become the best communicator they can be!  Fine Arts is not like American Idol or America’s Got Talent - it is a resource and tool to help you develop the gift inside of you to be the best you were created to be!Opportunity to present at the National Level For students that present with excellence in their category get the opportunity to advance to National Fine Arts where they will present with others around the nation that advanced from their respective districts and states!  This is a GREAT opportunity to see what Jesus is doing in the lives of their peers while also being a place to be inspired to greater!DeployAs fun as the event itself is - the greatest reward comes after!  We desire that the students of Mississippi don’t stop discovering and developing but ultimately deploy their gift to make a difference in their local church, community, and school. So, for the five minute short sermon we hope develops into a small group leader. For the t-shirt design we hope they can see the opportunity to create a business to share the gospel - but also help financially support missions!Final ThoughtsFine Arts is a great way to disciple students with the understanding that Jesus has empowered them to make a difference in the very unique way he designed them.  It will never be about a performance - it’s about a presentation of the gospel.  It will never be about judges determining if you are good enough - it’s about evaluators encouraging students and supporting them to become who they were created to be.

Thanks for joining in on a special guest episode with our District Superintendent Bob Wilburn!  This is Part 1 of a few to come on prayer.  Today's episode focuses on the Priority of Prayer. Follow this link for more additional resources!https://https://campsite.bio/msnextgen

Episode 2: Why Youth Conference?Show Notes:Youth Conference is one of the best weekends of the year!  It is full of fun, excitement, high-energy, and a passionate focus on those who don’t know Jesus to experience Him in a very real way. High-EnergyFollowing Jesus is FUN!  There is nothing like celebrating Jesus as our Lord and Savior in a room full of hundreds of students and leaders from all across Mississippi!  We have designed this weekend to really emphasize that living a life of faith is something to celebrate and enjoy - even in the midst of struggle! Salvation FocusedOur major priority for this event is simple - the lost become found.  We intentionally invest in the most excellent communicators, worship leaders, and all of the details behind the scenes to ensure that the priority of the weekend is emphasized and done well.  In a time of hopelessness and chaos we understand that Jesus is the answer!  Everything we do will point to students making the best decision of their life this weekend by trusting and following Jesus.Momentum BuildingAfter Conference, we want your groups to go home energized, passionate, and ready to reach their community, school, and family, for Jesus!  We want to make sure leaders have what they need to keep the momentum going in the local church!  This is not about the churches coming to a conference - it’s about a conference resourcing the local church.Final ThoughtsWe have seen tremendous growth in the last few years of our Conference - with last year selling out!  We encourage you to register as soon as registration opens to ensure your spot for one of the highlights of the year!  You can keep up to date with the resources provided below.Podcast Resources: Instagram: @msnextgenWebsite: msnextgen.comFacebook Group for Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msnextgenleaders/ Connect with Matt & Christy: Matt: @matt2thetaylor // MTaylor@msaog.org Christy: @laurie_taylor // CTaylor@msaog.org

Episode 1: Why the Podcast?Show Notes:We are starting with a “Why?” Series to lay the foundation of why we exist and our purpose in serving you.  We will break down every event, talk about missions and how to support our missionaries through generosity, and give you practical tips to start your ministry from nothing or take it to the place you’ve only dreamed.The “We Will Tell” Podcast is a resource designed to help the local churches of Mississippi in the area of Next Generation Ministries.  Through this podcast we will focus on:Resourcing. Our heart is to provide you with everything you need from teaching, training, and curriculum to help you better serve your church, ministries, and families.Events.Events are a big part of what we do throughout the year to help reinforce what you are instilling in the lives of your students.  Everything we do has a purpose with a goal of helping bring momentum to your church.   Serving. Jesus came to serve - not to be served.  Our heart is that we would follow this model and serve you to help you see the visions and dreams Jesus has placed in your heart for your community. Final ThoughtsAs we work through this “Why?” Series and beyond - we are excited to offer you something that will add value right now and will help you on your way to achieving your goals!Podcast Resources: Instagram: @msnextgenWebsite: msnextgen.comFacebook Group for Leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/msnextgenleaders/ Connect with Matt & Christy: Matt: @matt2thetaylor // MTaylor@msaog.org Christy: @laurie_taylor // CTaylor@msaog.org

Life has created a sense of comfort all around us.  How we live, travel, and experience the world around us, is designed for peak comfort and efficiency.  We don't look at hard things and get excited... who wants to be uncomfortable?  However, there is beauty in the challenging and the growing.  We Do Hard Things! They make us better. Join us as we tackle the topic of doing hard things.

For those that love to people please - it's so easy to say "Yes!" to everything around us.  However, saying "Yes!" to one thing means saying "No!" to a multitude of others.  Join us as we break down the way to say our best "Yes!"

There is a challenge in discovering what you are gifted to do... it's another thing to actually develop it.  In today's episode we talk about the significance of developing your gift and some practical ways to do that. Show notes can be found here.

Character is the invisible quality that everyone sees.  It goes before you and enters rooms that you haven't yet been in!  The question we must ask is... What is going before you?  This week we conclude our series on leaving your Legacy with the most important part of who we are... our Character.Show notes can be found here!

Today we dive deep into some thoughts from James Clear's book Atomic Habits.  Incredible resource to help you develop, change, or stop, habits in your life.  Show notes can be found here.Atomic Habits resources can be found here.

Actions speak louder than words!  Today we talk about how we shift from just "talking about it" to "being about it".  Show notes can be found here!

This week we talk about the power of words and how they impact our life and the world around us.  We believe that what you say is what you'll do and it will ultimately be who you become.Show notes are found here.

Everything begins and ends with a thought.  How are you thinking? Do you have a solid thought life or do you find yourself lost in negative views of others and yourself?  As you think, so you go! Show notes can be found at themyc.org