Activity
Love Black Country's Next Gen network exists to create links and build relationships between those who work with children and young people in all four boroughs of the Black Country.
Meeting together is key and there are a number of ways that we do this. Please click the options below to find out more or email info@loveblackcountry.org.uk
Emerge
Emerge is specifically aimed at those aged 18-25, who may already be in a current leadership position, whether in church or in society, or they might be someone with great leadership potential.
The aim of emerge is threefold:
- Relationship – to gather and get to know other emerging leaders of a similar age from other churches in the Black Country.
- Teaching – to receive practical, spiritual input about character and leadership development.
- Discipleship – to have time to discuss, challenge and disciple each other.
Equip Nights
Next Gen Equip Nights are aimed at those who work with children and young people on behalf of local churches.
Through our Next Gen network, we are doing all we can to support, encourage and further equip those called to reach the next generation in as many ways as we can. Our Equip Nights are just another string to the bow of our pursuit to reach them.
If you work with children and young people and are passionate about better reaching the next generation with the love of God, you are encouraged to come along and join with others who share your heart.
Borough Hubs
Next Gen Borough Hubs exist to help connect children’s and youth workers within specific boroughs. They gather on different days and different times throughout the year. Click on the name of your borough below to find out what’s happening where you are. Please email info@loveblackcountry.org.uk for more information on any of the Next Gen Borough Hubs.
Dudley
Dudley Kids have a Hub that have been meeting for the last 6 years. It is a mixture of paid workers and volunteers and the group meets to encourage and support each other every few months. Traditionally they have met in Costa at Merry Hill but they also meet in their local churches which gives a greater space for deeper discussions and prayer. Over the years many in the group have supported each other with holiday clubs, resources and special events. Attendance varies each time they meet but anyone is welcome to join them!
The next Next Gen Kids Hub for Dudley will take place on Thursday 10th November at 1:30-3:00pm at Little Taste of Heaven, Wordsley. Please email Paul Willmott for more details: willmott.p.i@gmail.com
Sandwell
Sandwell Kids and Youth Hub is a newly formed group of anyone who leads next generation work in their church. The first hub meeting was very informal and focused on people getting to know each other! There are a few paid workers in Sandwell and many volunteers too and all are welcome to join the group. It may be that the group separates the kids and youth workers at some point in the future but for now the group is making new connections between the churches represented and has begun to dream about what the future might hold if everyone works together to reach the young people in Sandwell!
Please email jon@lovesandwell.org.uk for more information about how you can connect with the Love Sandwell Next Gen Borough Hub.
Walsall
Walsall kids and youth workers have begun to meet every few months to build relationships between the churches. This Hub Group is an opportunity for people to get to know others who have a similar role to them in the local area. It is a great chance to share ideas and resources (we even found out someone has a camel prop if anyone is interested in borrowing it…!). It also provides a space to share challenges and ask for help! The group is new and currently meets in a coffee shop or a local church so anyone would be very welcome to join them with a heart for the next generation in Walsall!
Walsall also have a monthly gathering of youth from several churches across the borough called Big Youth! This takes on a variety of themes and activities each month and includes a weekend away. It is a great opportunity for the teenagers from different churches to get to know each other and is also an environment that encourages them to encounter Jesus.
Please email hannah@lovewalsall.org.uk for more information about how you can connect with the Love Walsall Next Gen Borough Hub and Big Youth.
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton have a new Hub Group for anyone involved in kids ministry. It is a great chance to meet others with similar roles and responsibilities and usually involves coffee and cake! This group is a safe space to share any questions or ideas and is a fantastic opportunity to find out what others are doing in the local area and share resources. The group meet every few months and would love others to join them!
Wolverhampton also have a youth focused group called Relentless. Their focus is to build relationships across the City and to pray for the next generation. This group of youth workers meet termly to share time in prayer and sharing of resources, stories and encouragement.
Their vision is based in the story of Nehemiah - "each family building a part of the wall in their area, working together with the big picture in mind" as they discuss and explore how to reach this next generation together.
