Equipping and Commissioning Gen Z for the Harvest

By Jarrod Bushong

This gathering consisted of 40 individuals ranging from 18–30 years of age. There were also coaches, mentors, and those who helped organize this gathering in order to pour into the next generation of the church. I had the humbling privilege to attend this amazing weekend of empowering and equipping the next generation.

Coming into the weekend in Columbus, Georgia, I had no expectations. In all honesty, most of us who attended the conference did not know what 10:2 meant and what the overall purpose was for the weekend.

Starting off our weekend, I got to meet other people within my age range who came from all walks of life. Some of these individuals were pastors, college students, nonprofit workers, ministry interns, and much more.

Shortly after meeting some amazing people, we got to learn the theme for the weekend, which was based on Luke 10:2 where Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

This weekend was designed to equip the next generation, to help them say yes to what God is calling them into, and how to live that calling out.

Truths and Lies

The bulk of the gathering was spent listening to different speakers talk on topics like calling, discernment, spiritual giftings, and more. There was even a session that addressed the lies that people believe more than the truths that are found in Scripture.

Leaving that session, we were encouraged to write on a sticky note a lie that we had believed all our lives that kept us from saying yes to God. Many people voiced lies like “I don’t feel qualified,” “I am worried I will say the wrong words,” and “God can’t be calling someone like me.”

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 “This weekend was designed to equip the next generation, to help them say yes to what God is calling them into, and how to live that calling out.”

After writing down those lies, we were given time to surrender those at the altar, putting them to death that night.

We also had time to draw out maps of our hometown and to list out ideas of where God may be leading us to tend to the harvest. From there, a speaker led us through a step-by-step process to help us get moving as workers for the kingdom. Many people walked away from this session wanting to start Bible studies, share their testimonies, share the gospel, and do much more.

Sent to Serve

Leaving the weekend, we were commissioned by the bishops to be sent out to serve as workers in the plentiful harvest. All of us in attendance were excited for what God was going to do in and through us as we went back to our homes.

For myself, I was led by God to start a video devotional over the summer for a youth program that I lead through a faith-based nonprofit. But not only that, the Next Gen 10:2 Gathering was an opportunity to grow more deeply in love for God!

It was an opportunity to grow in my faith as God calls me into giftings and plans that I am still unaware of. Bishop Fraser Venter encouraged all of us as we left that weekend that “gifts get you through the door, but God’s character is what keeps us there. And God is sending people around us to help build that character.”

I am excited to see God move through the next generation. I got to witness it at the Asbury University Outpouring, and here God is pouring His Spirit as He sends young workers out into the harvest!

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 “It was an opportunity to grow in my faith as God calls me into giftings and plans that I am still unaware of.”

This weekend was so impactful to myself and those in my conference that the Genesis Conference is looking to have our own Next Gen Gathering right here in New York. The first Next Gen 10:2 Gathering has started a Holy Spirit movement to call, equip, and empower the next generation all throughout the Free Methodist world.
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