Next Generation Ministry Team

The Next Generation Ministry Team will embody the dynamic voice of Christ’s Kingdom, connecting Pittsburgh Presbytery’s Next Generation ministries by creating an intentional community through shared experience and steadfast support.  We seek to be champions for Next Generation ministries through programs and partnerships that matter.

Next Generation Ministry is a broad term that includes any areas of ministry involving infants – young adults, including traditional categories like youth ministry, children’s ministry, and Christian education. The Next Generation Ministry Team hosts a variety of events throughout the year designed to encourage and equip those called to work with the next generation.

  • We’ve sponsored combined services projects
  • We’ve sponsored a group to attend the Montreat College Conference
  • We’ve hosted quarterly lunches to share in fellowship.
  • We’ve hosted The Event,  a combined youth group gathering
  • We’ve hosted Better Than Average Training, a one-day training event for next-generation volunteers and staff.

Connect with us:

Our Latest Newsletter

nextgen@pghpresbytery.org

Facebook Group

 

 

Resources:

  • The Nap – The Nap is a retreat-style event designed for next-generation ministry leaders, pastors, and volunteers.  Positioned strategically during the program year lull between Advent and Lent, think of this as 1/3 sabbath retreat, 1/3 continuing education, and 1/3 fun and fellowship.  Sharon Stewart will be speaking, and Del Treese will be leading worship.   The retreat will begin at 3 pm Monday, February 6th, and end at 3 pm on Wednesday, the 8th.   Registration will close on January 25, 2023.  This year’s theme: Relax, Refresh, Reconnect.  As leaders, we have all been through a rough couple of years with the pandemic and the toll it has taken on our churches and organizations.  Most of us are tired, depleted, and in short, in need of a nap.  The vision of The Nap 2023 is to give Next Gen leaders a place to relax for a couple of days, to be spiritually nurtured and refreshed, and to connect with colleagues, mentors, and friends. In short, this is a retreat designed for you.  Not to bring kids to, just for you.  The idea for The Nap came out of a conversation this fall at a ministry team meeting and our partners at Crestfield began putting the pieces together and planning the event.  The Ministry Team is committed to making sure everyone can attend The Nap, regardless of their financial situation, and is offering financial assistance to those who need it.  The basic cost of The Nap is $210 and includes the program fee, meals, and lodging in Scott Lodge (Crestfield’s hotel-style accommodations).  The ministry team is offering financial assistance of either $70, $140, or $210, depending on your and your church’s needs.  And, if you serve a community that can be described as multi-cultural or predominantly non-white or you yourself identify as non-white, please let us know as we provide specific financial support for you.

 

  • Next Generation Ministry Leadership Grants are designed to enable leaders (volunteer or staff) to participate in continuing education opportunities to further their knowledge and skills for ministry. In order to be eligible for a grant of up to $500 you must meet the following criteria:
    • You must be a member of or on the staff of a church within Pittsburgh Presbytery.
    • You must have significant involvement in the areas of ministry dedicated to birth through college/young adults.
    • The opportunity you wish to participate in should be focused on next generation ministry training.
    • All funds must be used within 2021 unless other arrangements have been made..  Applications will be considered on a rolling basis for 2021.
    • You can find the application online

Ministry Team Members:

  • Ellen Allston (Shadyside)
  • Rev. Laura Bentley
  • Mike Creamer (Sewickley)
  • Amy Grella (Bower Hill)
  • Rev. Jason Freyer
  • Rebekah Little (Hiland)
  • Karen Shumaker (Hampton)
  • Rev. Ryan Pixton
  • Rev. Jason Rea (Forest Avenue / Hebron)
  • Chair – Ed Sutter (Westminster)
  • Staff – Rev. Brian Wallace