Today, we’re highlighting our next generation ministries. We’re reminding all of us again how vital and critical it is for us to BE A CHURCH that is ALWAYS reaching to pass the baton of faith to the next generation.

The church of today must always care about and invest in - the church of tomorrow!

Because: the Church – this movement of Jesus is always one generation away from extinction. Thus it is critical that the church of today help build the church of tomorrow – the mission of Jesus, to welcome people home into relationship with the Father rides on this happening.

Friends: it’s a reminder to us that seek to be a church filled with people looking to pass along the baton of faith – that we MUST PASS ALONG AN AUTHENTIC FAITH! A Faith that has been tested, tried and found true to the Scriptures, true for ourselves and is being lived out - authentically passed along to the next generation!

It’s imperative that YOU own your faith; grow in your faith, trust in Jesus and walk out life with him as he stretches you and forms His heart within you.

DYK – in a relay race the most critical area on the track – is the: exchange zone. It’s 20 meters long = 65.6 feet THIS IS WHERE YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE EXCHANGE.

In order to pass and continue to the race - one must seize the window of space in those exchange zones to make the handoff. It takes intentionality of focus and activity to make it work.

Passing the Baton is NOT a ONE MOMENT action – it’s thousands of moments of preparation, followed by a thousand more moments of cheering them along!

2 Timothy 1:5
"I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

Passing the Baton of Faith is meant to be something we do!
That we’re intentional about – that we’re focused upon.

As a church – we must always have this focus! We cannot lose sight of it.
That’s why we want to invest our time, energies, efforts, and resources into our Next Generation ministries. This year and every year.

We want to be a multigenerational church – forever and always.
That means we will make decisions to promote and nurture that.

We want to pass along an authentic faith
We want to intentionally focus on it
We will do it ONE STEP AT A TIME. WE EACH ALWAYS HAVE A NEXT STEP

2 Timothy 1:6-7; 13-14
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Each one of us as we grow as a disciple, an apprentice and follower of Jesus – lives under the same call the original disciples had as Jesus called to them and said: “follow me”

We each will forever and always have a next step to take as we grow as a disciple and follower of Jesus. He will continually call us to take next steps to grow our faith, develop our faith, and transform our character to reflect His heart more and more!

WHAT'S YOUR NEXT STEP?

· What’s he calling you to do as you invest in your growth following Jesus? To grow an authentic faith within yourself
· What might he be elbowing you to do, to seize intentional moments and windows of space/time to invest in those around you?
· How’s He nudging you to help invest in the next generation?

NEED PRAYER?
Some of our prayer team and pastors are available following service to pray with you. You can also submit your prayer request via our app. We look forward to partnering with you in prayer.

IF YOU'RE NEW:
We throw a 10-minute party immediately following the service in the back corner of the room If you're new, we'd love to meet you and welcome you! We'd love to invite you back with us next Sunday at 5pm.