The strengths of the next generation ministry (NGM) model are many. I do not just promote NGM because I have studied it. I promote NGM because I do it and because I believe in it!
There are other ministry models that are worthwhile. I have much respect for various family ministry models, particularly Timothy Paul Jones “family-equipping” ministry model. I have dabbled some in the “intergenerational ministry” model espoused by Holly Allen and Christine Ross and Genonministries.org. I would prefer any of the above mentioned ministry models over traditional children and youth ministry models.
But to be an honest salesman, I need to warn you that NGM is not all peaches and cream. I need to help you take off any glasses with rose-colored lenses you may be eying NGM through in order to warn you of possible pitfalls.
If left unguarded, NGM can divide a church. Constant care, attention, and supervision of NGM must be supplied by Next generation leaders. Words matter. NGM must always be viewed in the context of the whole church. The vision of NGM begins and end with a church’s pastor. Though he is not the Next Generation Pastor, he must fully back NGM and promote its value to the congregation.
Next Generation leaders must then be careful not to ostracize any church members from other generations. Generations nor generational ministries are to be compared to as better or worse than each other. A senior adult ministry is just as valuable to the church as next generation ministry is.
As a next generation ministry practitioner and pastor in a small rural church context, I email my next generation parents and leaders every week, but my email goes to the entire church. When next generation events are held, I make sure that everyone in the church knows they are invited and encouraged to attend.
The church is a community. In the past, various age-graded ministries within what I now call NGM acted as silos and operated unto themselves. NGM must be just as careful not to isolate itself (though more unified than traditional ministry models) of making the same mistake by separating or distancing itself (birth through young adult) from or against the rest of the church (middle-aged adult and up). If this happens, a church will still be divided, though the fractions be less (1/2 as compared to 1/4 or 1/5).
In large churches or megachurches, next generation ministry can pose problems if the Next Generation Pastor is not able to work hip to hip with the church’s Discipleship or Adult Education Pastor. The relationship between these staff members must be a marriage of cooperation and service.
No matter the size of the church, NGM, like any ministry model, will suffer if leaders are not held accountable. Next generation leaders must be faithful to lead their age-graded ministries and or small groups (life groups, transformation groups, mission groups, etc.). Next generation leaders who do not show up can stifle the ministry and make life hard on the Next Generation Pastor.
In my small church context, I “float” in between next generation student groups to check up on next generation leaders and or to help when needed. If one of my leaders do not show up, I can no longer float because I am then required to teach. In a small church, a Next Generation Pastor is a floater who oversees volunteer preschool, children, and student leaders.