Reaching a New Generation

Willie George

Reaching a New Generation

Reach a new generation to engage and equip your children’s ministry.

7 Video Lessons

Watch, listen, and learn as Willie George shows you how to reach the next generation in engaging children’s and youth ministries. 

Course Guide

A FREE workbook that guides you through the course.

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Course Preview

Reaching a New Generation

Brad Andrews sits down with Dr. Berin Gilfillan about pastors role with children and youth ministries.

Course Overview

Reaching a New Generation covers various aspects of children’s ministry, including preaching, the role of pastors, the harvest of souls, youth ministry (teens), and the art of storytelling. It emphasizes the importance of effective teaching and holding the attention of children, as well as understanding their unique needs and culture. The focus is on reaching young people for Christ and nurturing their faith from an early age. The course highlights the significance of diverse giftings within the Church and the impact of storytelling as a powerful tool to communicate profound truths. Overall, it encourages believers to engage in children’s ministry with a heart for all age groups and to prepare themselves to effectively share God’s Word with different audiences.

What You’ll Learn

  • The importance of ministering to children
  • The law of hospitality
  • The Great harvest (James 5:7)
  • Preaching to Children
  • Pastoral ministry to children
  • Pastoral ministry to teenagers
  • How to hold a child’s attention
  • Effective storytelling

Sessions

1. What The Bible Says about Children’s Ministry

The lesson delves into Jesus’ desired tasks for His followers, showcasing diverse ministries like Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and Teacher. His earthly demonstrations underline the Church’s need for varied giftings. Notably, the significance of children’s ministry is emphasized, drawing attention to Jesus’ nurturing approach, stressing the vital role of early faith development. This ministry proves crucial, empowering young believers, shielding them from spiritual challenges, and fostering a solid foundation in Christ. Jesus’ teachings on children underscore their value in God’s eyes, emphasizing the necessity of dedicated ministry to nurture their spiritual growth and connection with Him.

2. The Laws of Hospitality

The lesson underscores the spiritual laws of hospitality, emphasizing their impact on life. Welcoming Gospel messengers is pivotal, fostering blessings for both giver and receiver. Drawing from the Old Testament, hospitality to God’s messengers is esteemed. The church’s role is highlighted, from creating newcomer-friendly spaces to kindness for older members. Special attention is urged for children, seen as influential and rewarding. Embracing them enhances spiritual growth and ministry. Understanding and applying hospitality laws promise God’s blessings, fostering a warm church community.

3. The Last Days Harvest

The lesson delves into the anticipation of Jesus’ second coming, stressing believers’ responsibility in the prelude to this event—the great harvest of souls. Using planting and harvest metaphors, it traces the Church’s historical journey from Pentecost to periods of dormancy and revival. The current era, marked by advanced tools and global Gospel dissemination, is highlighted. Recognition of ripe souls and the crucial role of youth in the harvest is emphasized. Group discussions explore reaching the younger generation, tackling obstacles like cultural biases and financial considerations. Participants reflect on the Earth’s harvest stage, pondering its connection to Jesus’ imminent return.

4. Preaching to Children

The lesson emphasizes the importance of preaching to children, emphasizing that without preaching, people cannot be saved. Preaching imparts faith to children and gives them the opportunity to be saved. The study reveals that children are most curious about God at around the age of seven, making it crucial to reach them for Christ during this critical period. The lesson provides important principles of preaching to children, emphasizing the need to relate to their culture, preach for understanding using objects and illustrations, and offer clear invitations for salvation, baptism of the Holy Spirit, and healing. By preaching to children and nurturing their faith, they can become the backbone of the Church in the future.

5. Pastor-Driven Youth Ministry

This lesson centers on the pastor, or shepherd, emphasizing their role towards the youth. Pastors, seen as mature elders, hold oversight for all church ministries, with key roles of feeding, overseeing, and setting an example. The pastor’s anointing extends to the people, defining each ministry. Crucially, they redirect fathers’ hearts to their children, recognizing the significance of engaging with youth, understanding their culture and challenges. Meeting the needs of young people is vital for the Church’s growth and fulfillment of its purpose in Christ.

6. How to Hold a Child’s Attention

In this lesson, the focus is on effectively teaching and holding the attention of children. The instructor emphasizes the importance of teaching both the details and principles of the Bible, allowing God to be the ultimate teacher. Teachers are encouraged to understand the needs of each age group and adjust their approach accordingly. Grouping children based on age and ability is essential, and the lesson provides helpful tips on using repetition, themes, and variety in teaching methods. The instructor stresses the importance of respecting the children’s attention spans and intensity levels to create engaging and impactful lessons, ultimately preparing teachers for effective ministry with any age group.

7. How to Be an Excellent Storyteller

In this lesson, the focus is on the art of storytelling, a powerful tool used by Jesus Himself to convey profound truths. The essence of storytelling lies in communicating a specific truth, much like water held in a container. The rules of storytelling involve knowing the story well, focusing on one main idea, creating suspense, using voices and sound effects, and engaging the audience with questions. Making up stories with relatable characters is encouraged, emphasizing the importance of application and climax in the narrative. Mastering this skill equips teachers to effectively communicate God’s Word to children, teenagers, and adults alike, as everyone enjoys a well-told story that carries a deeper message.

Trimester 5
Details

Level

Beginner

No. of Sessions

7 Sessions

Running Time

2 hrs 51 min

Recorded

2000

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About the Instructor

Reaching a New Generation
Willie George

Willie George is the founding pastor of Church on the Move in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a weekly attendance of over 11,000. He is well known for his role as “Gospel Bill” on the Children’s television program The Gospel Bill Show, from 1981 to 1993. In 1996, he and Blaine Bartel collaborated on a student outreach called Oneeighty. It would become the largest weekly youth group in America. In 2017, George transitioned from his role as Lead Pastor to his son Whit. Today he hosts a podcast called “Faith Roots with Willie George,” mentoring pastors and leaders. He also hosts retreats at Rock W Ranch. He speaks at local churches across the United States, providing counsel and insight. 

Willie asked the Lord why he no longer had a ministry to children. He answered me in this way: “I never called you to children’s ministry – I called you to a generation.” When Willie’s children were kids, he was Gospel Bill. When they became teenagers, he launched Oneighty. Now that they’re adults, he became the old sage who cheers from the sideline. And like the Apostle John said at the end of his life, this is my sentiment: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 1:4)

Bill George

Willie’s dad Bill George was a professional rodeo cowboy. 

Willie George (age 5) with Roy Rogers

Willie grew up in the rodeo life. He met stars like gene Autry and Roy Rogers. 

1986

Willie’s childhood was filled with alcoholism, prescription drug addiction, and divorce. His mother attempted suicide, and Willie left at 13, where he started drinking at 15. By 17, he turned his life over to Christ. He moved to live with his uncle Keith Johnson, a pastor.

Gospel Bill

From June 4, 1981 to May 12, 1993,  The Gospel Bill Show, a 30-minute TV program for children, was brodcast on CBN and TBN, which is still seen on syndication on Daystar and Smile of a Child

Dry Gultch USA

In 1986, Willie George Ministries built Dry Gulch USA, a camp and retreat center that drew campers from all 50 states and numerous foreign countries.

Church on the Move

The call to pastor led to Willie launching Church on the Move in Tulsa, OK, which became one of the nation’s largest, most innovative churches.

Oneeighty

In 1995, Willie reluanched the youth group with Blaine Bartel, and called it Oneighty. It grew from 250 teenagers to 2,500 average weekly attendance.

Transition to a new lead pastor, Whit George

From 2007 to 2017, Willie prepared his son Walt to take over as Lead Pastor of Church on the Move. 

Rocker W Ranch

Today, Willie is hosting retreats, providing counsel and insight, and speaking in local churches across the country.

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