If you’ve ever visited The Woodlands Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, it’s evident that students play a vital role in its leadership. This is no accident; it’s part of a larger discipleship initiative called NextGen, which is not your average youth program. It’s a comprehensive, 20-year journey that nurtures spiritual growth and leadership from age three to 23, with a clear vision — If students aren’t leading, they are leaving.
This vision shapes every aspect of NextGen’s philosophy. When young people are given the opportunity to lead, they want to invite their friends, creating a ripple effect of engagement. As a result, those friends often come just to support them but end up staying because they are captivated by the fact that everything they see is student-led. The excitement isn’t just about the message; it’s about seeing peers their age taking the lead in worship and ministry.
"It’s not about hiring the best staff," said Mark Swayze, Pastor of NextGen Ministries. "It’s about equipping your most gifted leaders, giving them a platform, and watching how God works through them. When students begin to lead, everything changes."