Next Generation Track
Called to Be the NEXT GEN in Virginia!
You are invited to join this gathering because of your work as a NEXT GEN Leader seeking to pour into the lives of children, students, and their families. The BGAV is a collaborative network of churches that desires to encourage, equip and empower the local church effort to disciple the next generation. The goal of this event is to identify and equip leaders and leverage existing resources to assist the local church in nurturing faith in the next generation.
Registration
Please complete BOTH steps in order to be properly registered for this year’s meeting + Next Gen track!
- Register for the BGAV Annual Meeting by going to the Registration page.
- Register for the Next Gen track by filling out the Annual Meeting reservations form.
Our time will include...
– Complimentary Lunch & Dinner Networking
use code NEXTGEN24 when registering for meals to get discount!
– NEXT GEN Giveaways and SWAG
– Night of worship with @commonwealth.worship (Tuesday evening)
– After Party SOCIAL GATHERINGS
– NEXT GEN EQUIPPING Sessions led by Miriam Swanson, Fusion Movement
Fusion is a UK-based organization dedicated to equipping the local church to disciple every generation so that every student has the opportunity to find hope in Jesus and a home in the local church.
– Building bridges to help transition NEXT GEN through important life and faith stages in the church.
– Developing a culture of leadership that provides permission and support to NEXT GEN.
– Adapting and applying practices to know and serve NEXT GEN in your unique ministry context.
Scholarships Available
The Next Gen Track is FREE, but traveling and lodging is not. We get it. We got you!
SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE for NEXT GEN leaders to attend this important gathering! Click here to apply.
SPECIAL GATHERINGS AND MEALS
LIVING ON PURPOSE – Drs. Tim and Tasha Levert
Monday, November 13 from 1:45 – 3:00 p.m.
This interactive workshop creates a warm and inviting space for participants to dive deep into their values, aspirations, and the underlying motivations behind their actions. Through engaging discussions, thought-provoking exercises, and practical tools, the workshop helps individuals align their actions with their deepest desires and ambitions. By exploring the “why” behind their actions, participants are empowered to make conscious choices and live a more purposeful life. It’s an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery that leaves a lasting impact on the participants’ lives.
NEXT GEN LEADER DINNER & ROUND TABLE
Monday, November 13 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
$10 per person
We’ve saved a seat for you at the leadership table and we want to hear how it is going in your ministry? What’s working for you? And what’s not. What do you need and what could be developed to meet that need? Come be our guest, and meet other leaders in Virginia who are as passionate as you are to disciple the next generation. Your seat will get you dinner catered by Joe’s Inn, a favorite local restaurant in Richmond, a Round Table discussion, and a conversation led by Dr. Tim Levert to remind you, you are first a child of God, in a session called, SOUL CARE OF THE LEADER.
Registration required. Deadline to register is Monday, November 6.
NEXT GEN LEADER LUNCH WITH A NEXT GEN MINISTRY PANEL FROM AROUND VIRGINIA
Tuesday, November 14 from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
$10 per person
- You’ve made it through the pandemic and kids and teenagers are finding their way back to church, but some have not! But, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Join us for lunch served by BGAV Disaster Response (DR), hear about Impact Mission Camps, get some cool Impact swag, and let’s swap stories about what’s been working to reach the next gen in our churches around the state. This will be a panel-led discussion with time for Q&A and discussion around your lunch table.
- Registration required. Deadline to register is Monday, November 6.
Breakout Sessions
BUILDING BRIDGES
“Building Bridges to Help Transition Next Gen through Important Life and Faith Stages in the Church”
Monday, November 11 at 4:00 p.m.
This session will focus on how to build bridges that help transition Next Gen through important life and faith stages in the church.
Led by Miriam Swanson
OPENING DOORS
“Developing a Culture of Leadership Who Provide Permission and Support to Next Gen”
Tuesday, November 12 at 2:30 p.m.
This session will help ministries develop a culture of leadership who provide permission and support to Next Gen.
Led by a diverse panel of 3-4 leaders (TBD) to model leadership that opens doors for Next Gen
SHARING TABLES
“Adapting and Applying Practices to Know and Serve Next Gen in Your Unique Ministry Context”
Tuesday, November 12 at 3:45 p.m.
This session will explore concrete next steps to adapt and apply practices to know and serve Next Gen in your unique ministry context.
Led by Miriam Swanson and Welford Orrock
Guest Presenters
Nick Blevins
Nick Blevins serves on the staff leadership team at Community Christian Church and oversees the Next Gen ministries. Out of his passion for helping church leaders work on their ministry, not just in it, Nick co-founded Ministry Boost with his friends Kenny & Kevin, where they help leaders fast-forward growth in their ministry through courses, coaching, and consulting. Nick is a certified Church StratOp facilitator, helping churches walk through the proven strategic planning process of StratOp. You can find his writing, free resources, and weekly interviews with family ministry leaders at nickblevins.com.
Prior to working for the local church, I worked for a national defense contractor and a small development company as a Project Manager. I’m married to a beautiful and talented woman named Jennifer and we have three kids: Isaac, Mackenzie, and Paige.
Shannon Kiser
Shannon Kiser serves as Director of Training and Coaching for Fresh Expressions North America. She leads a team of mission strategists and trainers in the development and implementation of in person and online training for mission innovation. She is on the pastoral staff of Riverside Presbyterian Church in Sterling, VA focusing on ministry with children and families as well as providing leadership around shaping the missional strategies of this outward facing congregation. Riverside Church lives out this mission as one church that worships in two languages (English and Spanish), engages in several fresh expressions of church, and extends community hospitality through Ridgetop Coffee and Tea. An ICF certified coach, Shannon coaches individual ministry leaders and pioneers, trains organizations to coach fresh expression initiatives, and coaches church teams through the process of adaptive change. Shannon lives in Springfield VA with her husband, and is the mother to two young adult daughters. Shannon enjoys the outdoors, pickleball, gardening, traveling, and her neighborhood swim club.
Tim & Tasha Levert
Tim and Tasha have been in youth ministry since 1992, though they look much younger. They’ve both earned PhD’s – Tim in adolescent spiritual formation and Tasha in marriage and family counseling – but please don’t call them “doctor;” they prefer to be called “Grandmaster T” and “Skinny Lady,” respectively. Tasha is a writer, speaker, worship leader, and counselor. Tasha does online counseling through BroomtreeCounseling.com. Tim is a writer, speaker, worship leader, youth pastor, and currently, a high school English teacher and the Pastor/Church Planter at Mustard Seed Church, Baton Rouge, LA. They have three beautiful daughters and live by alligators.
Tim has authored several books including: The Simple Truth Bible as lead writer and general editor for, 24/7: Living for God in Real Life, co-authored The Nine Best Practices for Youth Ministry with Kurt Johnston, launched Youth Group Plus Blog and Podcast along with curriculum writing and articles for Group Publishing.
Tim and Tasha are longtime friends of BGAV and associated networks.
– Instagram: @tashalevert and @timlevert
Susan Wanderer
Susan Wanderer has the daily hope of cheering others on in their gifting and watching them succeed. She has been in full-time ministry for almost 30 years, is a licensed coach, communicator, and author. She is married to Ed and has three courageous kids: Joshua, Ruth, and Dibora. These four Wanderers are the joy of her heart.
– Church Website: themount.org
– Instagram: @susanwanderer
– Facebook: Susan Wanderer