Next Generation Track
Called to Be the NEXT GEN in Virginia!
We are inviting you 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 passing on faith to 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 Next Gen Registration form.
Schedule Overview
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13
1:00-1:30 p.m. Special Event: Caffeine, Carbs, & Connection (Lora Gravatt & NEXT GEN Leaders)
1:45- 3:00p.m. Special Event: “Living on Purpose” (Drs. Tim and Tasha Levert)
3:15-4:30 p.m. Breakout Session: “Unlocking the Power of Potential” (Drs. Tim & Tasha Levert)
5:00-6:30 p.m. Next Gen Leader Dinner & Round Table (registration required by 11/6)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14
12:30- 1:45 p.m. Next Gen Leader Lunch: Next Gen Ministry Around the State (registration required by 11/6)
2:00-3:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions (3 offerings)
3:30-4:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions (3 offerings)
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
Unlocking the Power of Potential – Drs. Tim & Tasha Levert
Monday, November 13 from 3:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Are you interested in equipping your children and students with the tools to engage in more positive actions and reduce negative behaviors? Imagine if their academic performance improved, and their at-risk behaviors decreased. Join us for an enlightening workshop where we explore the transformative work of the Search Institute and delve into the 40 Developmental Assets. These assets are essential for the positive development of children and adolescents, fostering resilience, competence, and a sense of purpose. By intentionally integrating these assets into your ministries, you can empower the young people you serve to thrive and succeed.
AI & technology – Tim Levert
Tuesday, November 14 from 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Join us for an engaging and interactive session where we explore the limitless possibilities of AI in enhancing and streamlining various aspects of ministry. From optimizing email correspondence and website and social media content, to transforming sermon and Bible study planning, AI has the potential to revolutionize your ministry rhythms, freeing up more time for meaningful connections and caring for people. Through practical examples and hands-on activities, you will gain valuable insights and learn how to effectively harness the power of AI for your ministry. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to discover the transformative potential of AI in ministry!
Postmodern Family Ministry: What to do when you don’t know what to do – Shannon Kiser
Tuesday, November 14 from 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Children’s ministry is central to the life of a congregation, but HOW we connect with and disciple families and children is changing as the culture around us changes. In this workshop, we will consider the implications of the changing ministry landscape and consider practical ways we might experiment with new ways of engaging children and their parents with the good news of Jesus.
Creating A Strategy for 2024 – Nick Blevins
Tuesday, November 14 from 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Next year is right around the corner, and now is a perfect time to create a strategic plan for the next 12 months. In this breakout, you’ll evaluate your current reality and make a plan for what to focus on next year. Whether you are thinking through a strategy for a specific ministry or your entire church, this breakout is for all who are ready to make the necessary changes and want to create a plan to make it happen.
How to be a Better Communicator – Tim Levert
Tuesday, November 14 from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
In this workshop, participants will learn essential techniques to enhance their communication skills and become more effective disciple-makers. Through a combination of discussion and practical exercises, attendees will discover the power of thorough preparation, the art of interpretation and delivery, and the significance of creating space to engage their listeners on a deeper level and facilitate lasting learning experiences.
Building Intentional Partnerships with Busy Families – Susan Wanderer
Tuesday, November 14 from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Today, the reality is church is one of many extracurricular activities for children vying for the attention of our busy families. For many families, gone are the days when families show up at church weekly much less multiple times a week. So now, how will our children be discipled? Join us for a discussion on meeting the modern-day needs and concerns of parents, kids and students. In this breakout, you will explore new ideas on how to help equip parents to be successful in their activities of daily living as they raise their families and follow Jesus.
6 Game Changers for Recruiting Volunteers – Nick Blevins
Tuesday, November 14 from 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Every ministry and every church needs volunteers, and far too many ministries don’t have enough. There are tons of factors that impact volunteer recruitment in your church, both positively and negatively. However, not all of them are equal. Some matter more than others, and in this breakout, we’ll look at 6 of the biggest things you can focus on to boost volunteer recruitment every week, every month, all year long so you can have the team you and your ministry deserve.
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