Introduction
'Generate' has been evolving over the past four years within the context of our church. Previously known as 'The Samuel Ministry', 'Generate' seeks to take people on a three year spiritual journey of discovery of the Holy Spirit, the Bible, the Church, Senior Church Leadership and Themselves.
The vision for this ministry was birthed in 2002 when senior pastor Paul Hudson began to ask the question amongst his own leaders, 'How old does someone have to be before they are given a significant role in leadership?' Can a young person actually be given this responsibility?
With this thought and a growing desire to see his young people in the church released into their full potential in Christ, Paul created what is now known as 'Generate'.
'I do not accept that young people have to be an adult before they do anything of significance in church. They are gifted now and placed in the right environment and encouraged to grow, can do great things for God.' Paul Hudson 2003
'Generate' was never designed with the intention of taking it outside of his church youth, but in 2006, Mark Pugh, Serious4God National Director and Nigel Tween, Elim National Training Director, took hold of the vision and gave it their backing, incorporating it as part of Elim Training and Serious4God.
Since then an excitement has stirred as to what possible affect this could have on churches nationwide. The Church is ready to begin generating a new season of leaders.
At the end of the three years, the aim is to see each person, equipped, prepared and ready to be released into their identified gifting/calling of leadership within the church, which could be at any level.
The Role of the Senior Pastor
'Generate' ideally is to be led by the Senior Pastor of the church or the Senior youth pastor, because it is the senior leader that needs to be fully behind this vision. The participants of 'Generate' need to be aware of the significance of what they are part of and this is heightened by the involvement of the Senior leader. It gives them the opportunity to impart and impact the new up and coming leaders that will be in their church. What leader does not have time to spend raising up new leaders? It is absolutely vital for the church to remain functioning.
Vision
Samuels and Elis
The vision of this ministry came out of the book of Samuel and Samuel's life as a young boy.
Therefore the participants of 'Generate' are referred to as 'Samuels', and the people who
lead the ministries within the church that the 'Samuels' serve are named 'Elis'.
Availability - 'Here I am'
'Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am"' 1 Samuel 3:4
Samuel was a boy available to God. This is at the very centre of the ministry's vision.
A cry of availability from someone to say "Here I am Lord, I'm completely available, use me."
Imagine a church where everybody responded to God in this way. 'Generate' requires such an attitude as this.
Training on the Job
'Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy ministered before the LORD under Eli the priest.' 1 Samuel 2:11
Samuel was a young boy dedicated to God. He ministered under Eli, he trained 'on the job'. On the commencement of 'Generate' there will be an immediate release of the 'Samuel' into a ministry situation under an 'Eli'.
Expectation
'Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD... This sin of the young men was very
great in the Lord's sight, for they were treating the Lord's offering with contempt.
But Samuel was ministering before the LORD.' 1 Samuel 2:12, 17-18
There was a contrast between the sons of Eli and Samuel. The contrast was one of obedience, consecration,
being set apart for God, being different for Christ. 'Generate' is raising the standard in people's lives,
working with the 'Samuel' to maintain this standard of holiness. There is a high level of expectation
placed upon the 'Samuel', but there is not an expectation of perfection, alongside this expectation
is a realistic view also.
If a 'Samuel' decides that they no longer want to be a part of this ministry then there is no pressure put upon them or shame attached to them leaving. If they want to recommence the following year than they may do so.
Looking the Part
'But Samuel was ministering before the LORD--a boy wearing a linen ephod.' 1 Samuel 2:18
Samuel looked the part. Outwardly he looked the priest in every sense. A 'Samuel' is to take pride
in this ministry and their role. They will be given responsibility they have not had previously,
and therefore they are to act responsible.
Growth
'And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the LORD and with men.' 1 Samuel 2:26
There was growth in every area of Samuel's life. 'Generate' seeks to address all areas of the 'Samuel's'
life rather then just their spiritual life in church.
Hearing God
'And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me."' 1 Samuel 3:5
Samuel was learning how to hear the voice of God. The desire is that every 'Samuel' learns how to hear
God for themselves, how to prophecy, and how to recognise guidance and God's leading in their life.
Knowledge of God
'Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.' 1 Samuel 3:7
Samuel was on a journey of discovering who God was. The hope is that each 'Samuel' will grow in the
intimate knowledge of their God.
Servant-hood
'The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said,
"Speak, for your servant is listening."' 1 Samuel 3:10
Samuel recognised that he was God's servant. This is a servant-hood ministry. There will be things
the 'Samuel' may not have envisaged doing and not even want to do. They will be expected to
complete everything at their own pace. Everybody has to do everything that is required, there
are few exceptions. It is all about serving.
Accountability
'"What was it he said to you?" Eli asked. "Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever
so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you." So Samuel told him everything, hiding
nothing from him.' 1 Samuel 3:17-18
Samuel was completely honest and open with Eli. 'Generate' will foster an openness and honesty between
the leaders and the 'Samuels', both must be honest with one another and the 'Samuel' must agree to
be accountable. The ministry will not be as effective if openness fails to take place.
Encountering God
'The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.' 1 Samuel 3:21
Samuel continued to encounter God. This ministry will see ongoing encounters between the 'Samuel' and God.
Bible Reading
'... and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.' 1 Samuel 3:21
God was revealed to Samuel through the Word. The Bible will play a major part in this ministry.
The 'Samuel' is given a chapter a day to read and will need to be disciplined to continue to read it.
The Call of God
'And Samuel's word came to all Israel.' 1 Samuel 4:1
The end result of 'Generate' and its desire, is that there be a full recognition of the 'Samuel's'
own gifting and ministry as they are released into service for God.
The Culture of the Church
'And Samuel's word came to all Israel.' 1 Samuel 4:1
The church has a major part to play in the success of 'Generate.' The leadership of the church
must be behind this ministry, and be prepared for the outcome. The church must make room
for the 'Samuels' to lead. There may be an 18 year old ready to join the leadership team,
or various 'Elis' may have to step aside and become a servant to a 'Samuel' allowing the 'Samuel' to rise up.
What is Required?
Throughout the three years there are five main areas that each person must embrace.
- The ministry tasks
- The Encounter Times
- The Bible Reading Plan and Journal Record
- The One-to-One appointments with the pastor
- Mission
The Ministry Tasks
Year one
Church Management
The church must devise a list of existing ministries in the church that could be classed as
'behind the scenes' ministries, this will of course be different for every church.
Then the 'Samuel' must approach the 'Eli' (the person who does that ministry) and arrange
a suitable time to assist them and learn what it is that they do. Before the 'Samuel'
carries out these ministries they will have received a training sheet from each department
showing them what takes place. 'Samuels' can work together on these various tasks or on their own,
as longer as it is in agreement with the 'Eli'. There is no limit to how many times a 'Samuel'
can carry out a task, but every task must be done at least once. An assessment sheet will need
to be completed by the 'Eli' and brought with the 'Samuel' at their one-to-one appointment.
Year Two
Public Ministry
Again the church must devise a list of existing ministries in the church that this time could be classed
as 'public' ministries. It is now the responsibility of the 'Eli' to approach the 'Samuel' and
arrange a time where the 'Samuel' can first of all observe the 'Eli' carrying out their ministry
role and then actually do it themselves. For many of these public ministry tasks, the 'Samuel'
will need training prior to them carrying the task out. This is done in the way of training sheets
but also through the individual leaders spending time with the 'Samuels' taking them through the
procedures and letting them practice. Again there is no limit as to how many times they can assist
an 'Eli', and an assessment sheet must be completed.
Year Three
Specialist Ministry
Based on the last two years of ministry and having completed all the 'Eli' ministries the 'Samuel'
will be able to specialise in an area. This will relate to their own gifting and calling which
will be made clear during the last two years. In their specialist role they will be assisting
someone else for the first half of the year and then leading it themselves still with the assistance
from the main leader of that ministry, the second half. The leader of the ministry will become a
mentor to the 'Samuel' for that year. At the end of the third year the 'Samuel' will be placed in
some form of leadership in the church, in line with their calling and desire.
The Encounter Times
Encounter Evenings
Every month throughout the three years an Encounter evening is held where the teaching element
of this ministry will take place, and people are given the opportunity to encounter God in various ways.
Each evening will also provide a chance for the 'Samuels' to give a short presentation in front
of everyone else, which on some occasions they will have prepared prior to the evening and on
others will have to prepare it on that evening.
Encounter Days
During the second year an Encounter day is held where all the 'Samuels' will spend the day together,
preferably away from the normal church building. This again involves teaching, prayer, participation
from each person, and most importantly a chance to meet with God.
Encounter Weekend
During the third year an Encounter weekend is arranged, again preferably away from the church building.
This gives an opportunity for the group to reflect on the past two years and begin to think about
their future position of leadership.
Encounter Times
Year One
October
Raising The Bar Part 1
An introduction to all that lies ahead. An evening of envisioning and encouraging, stretching and
strengthening, incorporating teaching on how to read the Bible and use their journals.
November
Becoming All That We Can Become
Looking at the person in the anything possible church. Teaching on being a disciple in every aspect of life.
December
No encounter evening
January
Worship For Life Part 1
Exploring what it means to be whole-life worshipper.
February
Worship For Life Part 2
Looking at worship within the church setting
March
Going Public
Teaching on water baptism and the importance of it.
April
It's About Others Part 1
Teaching on the baptism in the Holy Spirit and what it means to walk with the Spirit daily
May
It's About Others Part 2
Praying for people to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
June
Keeping It Going
Looking back over the first year, reflecting on all that has taken place. Addressing lifestyle issues:
behaviour, attitude, and thoughts.
Year Two
October
Raising The Bar Part 2
Envisioning and encouraging. Raising the bar of expectation for the 'Samuels'.
November
Praise: In The Beginning
The importance of filling our lives with praise, and staying in God's presence through praise.
December
No Encounter Evening
January
Available For God - Day Encounter
Is God still number one? Will you get to where God wants you to be? Teaching on the power of forgiveness to release freedom.
February
Strengths and Weaknesses
Identifying them and exploring what threatens them. How do we strength our strengths and manage our weaknesses?
March
Preparation for the weekend mission.
April
Going away on a mission weekend
May
Gods Call: The Small Will Lead The Big
God in your smallness. How today effects your tomorrow.
June
It's My Life
Teaching on accountability. Your life in secret and in public. Looking back and reflecting on year two.
Year Three
October
Raising The Bar Part 3
Envisioning and encouraging. Walking the Talk.
November
The Gatekeeper
Leadership
December
No Encounter Evening
January
The Life of Ruth: Being Honest About Where You Are
February
The Life or Ruth: Expectation Leads to Encounter
March
The Life of Ruth: You Are Worth More Than That
April
The Life of Ruth: The Unknown Redeemer
May
Encounter Weekend - Looking further into Church Leadership
June
Keeping It Going
Looking back over the three years. Envisioning for the future.
The Bible Reading Plan and Journal Record
The Bible reading plan is devised already, and each person is encouraged to read a chapter of the Bible a day and write anything of significance down in their journal, whether that be what they read in the bible or what takes place during an encounter evening or one-to-one appointment. This will help them to remember and enable them to look back and see what God has been doing in their lives.
The One-to-One Appointments
Each term the 'Samuels' will meet with the pastor for a chat, to assess where each person is at and what they are going through. Openness and honesty are encouraged in this, for those who are most honest with the leaders get the most out of this ministry. Of course outside of these formal appointments each person is encouraged to meet with the pastor whenever they need to.
Mission
During the second year the Samuels are taken on a weekend away, where they stay in and serve a different church. The idea of the mission is to be evangelistic, where the Samuels can get involved in all different ministries, ranging from running youth groups, to giving testimony at an evangelistic event. The make-up of this mission will be different for each church depending on where they go to.
At the end of the three years an overseas mission trip is arranged. Taking the Samuels to a place where they will really be challenged and stretched.
Conclusion
Generate will not be for all people. It will be for those who are willing to learn, to be accountable, grow in their walk with God, who have a desire to serve the church, and are recognised as having leadership potential. Generate is a ministry that runs alongside the other programmes in the church which cater for all people in various other ways.
What do I do now?
If you would like to apply to be a Generate church then please contact the Serious 4 God
website: info@serious4god.co.uk
