"The Potential of Employing the Next Generation into the Great Commission"

"The Potential of Employing the Next Generation into the Great Commission."

(NexGen Challenge Training, Toronto. 64 trained. March 2026)

DCPI North America world zone serves the United States, Canada, and the Islands of the Caribbean. In March, Charlie Ritchie, one of our seasoned DCPI trainers conducted a NexGen Challenge (NGC) training in Toronto, Canada, where over 60 young people and leaders were trained. The NGC training event was hosted by the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) in Eastern Canada.

Several young adults and leaders from the church in Toronto gave valuable feedback about their participation and experience with the NGC training event.

Sarah said, "So far I've found the training to be very informative. I really like how we take time between each section to talk and to reflect on what we've learned." Sarah also conveyed that she feels that one of her strengths is being an example of the Timothy Principle that was taught in the NGC training. The Timothy Principle reminds us that every Christ follower should have a mentor and that we are responsible for mentoring the next generation. Sarah said that the NexGen training has challenged her to get out of her comfort zone and to share the Gospel outside of her friends and family who are already Christians.

Another brother who is a leader at the church shared what resonated in his heart following the NGC training. He said, "My take-away from the training is the importance of engaging the next generation as a leader." He continues, "It's important that I be a good listener, engage in discipleship and mentorship, and to honor that by leading by example for the next generation. I want to walk this journey with them, to really listen to them, to encourage, and to deal with the myths of the next generation. I want to really help them have the knowledge, confidence, and boldness to talk about their faith."

Initiatives like NexGen Challenge Training are powerful and necessary companions to discipleship and mentorship in the church. NGC helps pave the way for the young Timothies in our churches to emerge, to feel spiritually engaged, supported, and anchored in the truth of the Word of God. NGC training can be a catalyst in helping young leaders to realize their purposes, to utilize their gifts, and callings from the Lord; and to run with the baton with all of their hearts! In Psalm 112:2, the Bible speaks of a righteous generation (referring to the descendants of those who fear the Lord), "and that they will be blessed and mighty in the land!" The next generation needs us to believe in their potential, to engage, to listen, to inspire, to help them anchor their life in Christ and His Words, to walk with them in this journey, and to challenge them to be who God says they are, "the generation of the upright."