NextGen ministry.

Not your old-time Sunday School…

Many of us remember a time of church ministry where little kids went to “Sunday School” and teenagers had their own class geared toward their age group. This model of children’s ministry was the standard for decades where the two groups had the same goal — raising kids to know and love Jesus and helping them grow in their faith — yet were independent of each other with little to no coordination, often resulting in a disconnected gap between the two.

Welcome to the next generation!

Through recent years, we have seen an increasing need in addressing this ministry gap and have felt a call to explore new ways to provide a cohesive learning and faith-building experience for kids of all ages. As a result, a vision for coordinating all ministries that impact the family as a whole at NJV was born. As pre-schoolers transition to elementary-age and then into their teen years, this establishment of connected and coordinated stepping stones for their spiritual journey and growth is not only important but spiritually rewarding.

So how does NextGen work?

A team approach is our focus in this new NextGen ministry at NJV. Mary Anne de la Torre, currently our Kids Church pastor, has stepped into the expanded role of NextGen Pastor which will oversee the entirety of this ministry — from pre-school through high school. Under Mary Anne’s supervision, two teams will be established to lead both the Kids Church and Teen ministries. Rather than being separate entities, these two groups now have a significant and impactful connection which results in a seamless, cohesive program focused on raising up the next generation as a whole for Jesus.

meet the team!

mary anne de la torre | next gen pastor

We’re so excited to launch our new NextGen ministry at NJV! Kids of all ages are so important to us, and it is our goal to walk alongside children from birth through their high school years. Meet our team and explore all that our ministries to kids and teens have to offer!