LEADERSHIP TEAM
Ron Tant
Founder, President and CEO
One Sunday I was moved to tears during our worship service. In front of me was a child, not much over two years old. He was in his mother's arms staring at me and my family the entirety of worship. His eyes were so fixed on us it was unnerving. Not wiggling, fussy, or agitated; only processing our every move. I could only imagine what was going on in that little brain of his, much less his little heart. Was he understanding our singing or not? Was he wondering why we lifted our hands and sometimes closed our eyes?
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Suddenly, our ministry vision verses struck my heart with clarity like never before. "We will not hide these truths from our children, we will tell them of the glorious deeds of the Lord...so they will set their hope on God" (Ps 78:4,7). Would this precious little one accept and follow Christ when the time comes? Or would he follow the ways of the world and reject God's love? I asked the Lord right then to help him believe. I opened my eyes to see this child, with eyes closed and hands in the air, worshipping our risen Lord.
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I was humbled at the simplicity of the Gospel and our Father's heart in drawing the next generation to Him. Many times He draws them to Himself through our example, albeit imperfect! May we be reminded to be fully aware of the fact that we children of God are reflections of Him to future children of God!
Barry Williams
Founder and Vice President
For generations the focus on evangelism, discipleship, and apologetics has been geared to teenagers and adults for the most part. If we want to see lasting change we must focus on our youngest generation. If we can intersect the truth into their lives at a young age and challenge them to take their faith seriously while giving them an opportunity to deepen their faith through biblical apologetics, we give them what they need to stand for truth.This generation of children have the opportunity to become a generation of world changers and that is why I have given my life to reach them and those that impact every part of their life!
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When churches begin to look outside the walls and reach kids where they are, the next generation can turn the world back to Christ!
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Richard Summerford
Founder
The highlight of my career has always been when I see a child understand the love of Jesus for his own life. Many years ago, a six year old boy came to Bible class every day at the daycare where I was ministering. On the fourth day, he came forward. I was so surprised because there was no indication he was listening to the lesson. When I asked him some questions, he was able to answer all of them. I then asked him what he wanted to do. He said proudly, “I want Jesus.” He then prayed the most profound prayer for a six year old child. I asked him, “Who are you today?” He replied, “I am a child of God.”
The main reason Next Generation IMPACT was founded is to help local churches reach the next generation and give the children hope that only Jesus can give. It is such a joy to my heart when one little one realizes their need of a Savior. May we all have the same compassion and desire for children to come to know Jesus.
