CONFERENCE
NEXTGEN CONFERENCE
January 18 - 20, 2025 | Denver, Colorado
The NextGen Conference is designed for all children, youth, and young adult ministry leaders to find connections, develop leadership skills, be inspired, and be empowered to continue investing in the next generation. You can expect dynamic teaching, passionate worship, breakout sessions led by pace-setting leaders, and opportunities to develop vital relationships. We create this space to partner with you as you engage your call to ministry.
Early Registration through November 22, 2024
- NGC Early $175 (Saturday – Monday Noon)
- NGC Early Plus $250 (Saturday – Tuesday – includes Monday dinner)
Regular Registration after November 22, 2024
- NGC Regular $200 (Saturday – Monday Noon)
- NGC Regular Plus $275 (Saturday – Tuesday -includes Monday dinner)
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
Matt Markins
Matt serves as the president and CEO of Awana, a global leader in child discipleship. Matt and his wife, Katie, have been involved in children’s ministry for more than 25 years and spend their time in Nashville with their two sons.
Tammy Swanson Draheim
Tammy serves as president of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She has held a variety of roles within the denomination for more than 23 years and most recently has served as superintendent of the Midwest Conference.
Paula Danielle
Paula is the lead pastor of Cohesion, a church plant in Charlotte, North Carolina. Having been in ministry for over 25 years, she is passionate about leadership development, empowering women leaders, and preaching and reconciliation.
Shirley Yang
Shirley serves as an associate pastor at Metro Community Church in Englewood, New Jersey, focusing on Special Needs and Women’s Ministries. After studying psychology and education, she pursued Christian education and later earned certification in special education.
FOLLOW ME
This January, we will gather with all who serve in children, youth, and young adult ministries as we collectively journey through this year’s theme, “Follow Me.”
Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus repeatedly invite us to “follow him.” From the very beginning of our faith journey, we’re invited to take the first step and follow Jesus. Along our lifelong journey of faith, we discover that following him transforms every area of our lives, calling, and those we’re called to serve. It sends us on a trajectory of divine purpose, self-denial, and proclaiming the hope that only he can provide.
During our time together, we will examine some fresh implications of discipleship through our speaker lineup, relevant breakouts, and everything in between. As we continue to invest in the Next Generation, we want to deepen our call to follow Jesus and point those with whom he has entrusted us toward eternal hope.
We hope to see you this January in Denver, Colorado!
SCHEDULE
| Saturday, January 18 | |
|---|---|
| 3:00-7:00 pm | Registration Open |
| 3:30-5:00 pm | Large Breakout Session w/ Matt Markins |
| 7:00 pm | Opening Worship Session |
| Sunday, January 19 | |
| 9:30 am | Morning Worship and Communion |
| 11:00 am-1:00 pm | Conference Lunches |
| 1:30-2:15 pm | Breakout Session 1 |
| 2:30-3:15 pm | Breakout Session 2 |
| 3:30-4:15 pm | Breakout Session 3 |
| 4:30-5:15 pm | Breakout Session 4 |
| 5:15 -6:30 pm | Dinner Break |
| 7:00 pm | Evening Worship |
| Monday, January 20 | |
| 9:30 am | Morning Worship |
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Large Breakout Session | Saturday at 3:30 pm
We’re Stuck in a Stalemate
Matt Markins
In the early 2000’s the phrase, “Parents are the primary spiritual influence over their children.” was popularized. Since then the modern-day Family Ministry and NextGen movements were birthed. After two decades of the family ministry movement, the church and the home are at a discipleship stalemate. In this session, through the latest research, we will identify the key factors making up the stalemate. We will also discuss how to break through the stalemate to a more fruitful path where parents are stepping up in their calling to biblically disciple their own kids.Breakout Sessions | Sunday from 1:30 - 5:15 pm (45 minute rotations)
Making Faith Matter More Through Relational Discipleship
Erik Cave & Lisette Fraser
Join Erik Cave, Point Person, Youth Leadership Team, and Lisette Fisher, TENx10 Senior Director of Strategic Operations, as they share about how the Covenant and TENx10 are making faith matter more through focusing on relational discipleship. You will learn more about our Relational Discipleship Cohorts and Coaching as well as new resources and opportunities from the TENx10 team.
Strategic Student Ministry
Rebecca Jacobson
Youth ministry can have us feeling like we’re continually running to the next event, retreat, or programming night. In this session, we’ll explore how to think strategically about your ministry year, special events, and more. You’ll leave with practical ideas and tools to elevate your leadership and build a truly strategic plan for your ministry.
Engaging an Incarnational Ministry Practice with LGBTQ Kids, Students, and Families
Phyllis Myung
Have you wondered about the practicalities of ministering, caring, loving, and welcoming your LGBTQ kids, students, and their families? Join us as we explore together what it means to engage in incarnational ministry practice, walk away with practical resources and tips, and participate in a robust discussion on what ministry in your context looks like.
Partnering with Parents
Kayla Maxey
We all know partnering with the home is important, but how do we actually do this well? In this session, we’ll dive into the realities of families and modern parenting. We’ll take a look at how parents engage differently with the church, and how we effectively minister to everyone from the connected to the disengaged.
Continue the Refugee Journey: How to Mobilize Your Church to Welcome Refugees
Serve Globally
Last summer almost 3,000 students and leaders participated in the Refugee Journey at Unite. They were encouraged and challenged to take next steps in their journey of advocacy and offering hospitality to refugees. Join us to learn more and mobilize your church community to engage in the ongoing global refugee crisis. Whether you have participated in the Refugee Journey or not, we encourage you to join us to explore ways your church can take meaningful action in your community.Monday Morning Worship
Special Needs ministry
Shirley Yang
Did you know that more than 80% of churches in the U.S. lack a special needs ministry? We can change that statistic TOGETHER as we identify and discuss barriers that divide us so we can then build bridges to be the one body of Christ that honors the “weakest and least important” who are actually “the most necessary” (1 Corinthians 12:22 NLT). Come and be a part of expanding God’s Kingdom on earth as He calls us to.
TRAVEL
United Airlines Discount
We are excited to partner with United Airlines to offer discounted airfare for Midwinter 2025.
- Booking Online: Click here and use promo code ZQ3D338721 to make your flight reservations. MileagePlus members can earn miles when booking with this code.
- Phone Reservations: Call United Meetings Reservation Desk at (800) 426-1122 (Monday–Friday) for assistance. Be sure to mention the discount code ZQ3D338721. International travelers can contact their local United Reservation Desk. Booking fees are waived for this conference.
Airport Transportation
The Sheraton Denver Downtown does not provide airport transportation, so we recommend making your own travel arrangements. Here are some convenient options:
- Denver Airport Rail: For an easy and affordable option, take the A Line train from Denver International Airport to Union Station in downtown Denver. From there, hop on the Free MallRide to reach the Sheraton. Travel time: 37 minutes. Cost: $10 each way.
- Blue Shuttle: Blue Shuttle offers $25 shuttle rides per person each way to and from the Denver airport with no surge pricing. Book online or call 720-792-8355.
- SuperShuttle: Click here to receive a 5% discount on SuperShuttle services with the code KHC6Y. This discount is available at all airports served by SuperShuttle, valid 5 days before and after the conference.
HOTEL
Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
1550 Court Place, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 893-3333
Guest rooms (King and Double Double) are available at a special rate of $176/night plus taxes.
Policies
Cancellation Policy
To cancel your registration, please email events@covchurch.org. Cancellations cannot be accepted via phone.
- Deposit-only registrations: Non-refundable.
- Full-paid registrations cancelled before January 15, 2025: $50 cancellation fee.
- Cancellations after January 15, 2025: $100 cancellation fee.
Substitutions
Substitutions are allowed from the same church or institution, provided the fee remains the same for the new registrant. To make a substitution, email events@covchurch.org with the new registrant’s details (name, address, phone number, email).
Image Policy
By attending Midwinter, you grant the Evangelical Covenant Church permission to use your image, likeness, or voice in recordings or promotions for this or future events.
