Next Gen Now

On this episode, we look ahead to a powerful weekend at The Hills—November 15–17, 2025—when our church family will gather across generations and cultures to seek God together in worship and prayer. Senior Pastor Rick Atchley, Kingdom Expansion Minister Chris Shelby, and Valeria Guillory, a Young Adult leader, join us for a roundtable conversation about the heart behind the theme More Than We Can A...

In this episode of the Next Gen Now Podcast, we introduce Samantha Williams, the new Kids Minister at our West Fort Worth campus. Samantha shares her faith journey, how the Lord called her into ministry, and what drew her to join The Hills staff family. We talk about:   -Samantha's story of coming to faith and milestones along the way.   -What drew her heart to kids ministry and how God has used h...

In this episode of the Next Gen Now Podcast, we sit down with Deborah Overall, the new Early Childhood Kids Minister at our North Richland Hills campus. Deborah shares her story of faith, her journey into ministry with children, and the call that led her to The Hills. We talk about: -How God has been at work in Deborah's life and ministry journey. -What excites her most about serving kids, student...

In this episode of Next Gen Now, we're joined by Dr. David Fraze—former student minister at The Hills, now a national leader in youth and family ministry. Dr. Fraze reflects on how his time in local church ministry shaped his passion for intergenerational discipleship and explores how faith, family, practices, community and service intersect to form resilient young believers. We also dive into his...

What does it mean to be a truly intergenerational church—and why does it matter more now than ever? In this episode of Next Gen Now, we sit down with Wilson McCoy to explore the heart behind his new book, Imagining All Generations: A Renewed Vision for an Intergenerational Church. Wilson shares practical insight and biblical imagination for how the Church can bridge generational divides and become...

Saundra Botts (WFW) shares her breakout session from Leader Equip on Better KIDStorytelling. Dive into the unique KIDStory approach, using visuals, motion, and sound to help children absorb, recall, and retell the story of God. Learn practical techniques for storytelling that maintain the integrity of Scripture and create space for the Spirit to work. www.thehills.org/serve Saundra Botts shares on...

In this episode of Next Gen Now, we explore TBRI®—Trust-Based Relational Intervention®—a trauma-informed model designed to help children and teens heal, connect, and thrive. Whether you're a parent, ministry leader, or educator, this conversation offers practical tools and deeper insight into the relational needs of the next generation. Our guests share why trust-building, connection, and felt saf...

For as long as it's been measured, women have been more religious than men. But an alarming shift is happening in American religion: For the first time, young women are now less religious than men. A new Barna Group study shows that Gen Z women ages 18–24 are less likely than young men of the same age to identify with a faith or be very active in church. Yet, even as church attendance and religiou...

Debbie Loy shares how to unlock the full authority of prayer in your life. Become empowered to break through common barriers, ignite your passion, and experience prayer as a life-changing force--for you, your loved ones, and beyond. https://www.24-7prayer.com/prayer_guide/prayer-walking/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-gen-now/id1637468749?i=1000671260502 See link to  Leader Equip '24 R...

What happens when you hand the mic to the interns? In this special episode of Next Gen Now, four of our amazing summer interns take over the podcast to reflect on what they've experienced, what they've learned, and what they believe God is doing in the next generation. They've spent their summer serving in Kids and Student Ministry, leading small groups, praying with the next generation, running e...

Summer is a sacred time in Next Gen Ministry—full of camps, late-night conversations, first-time commitments, and unforgettable moments with Jesus. But summer is also a launching pad for what God wants to do in the school year ahead. In this episode of Next Gen Now, we sit down with our Global Kids Minister and Global Student Minister to reflect on what God did this summer and what's ahead for Fal...

After 17 years of investing in students, Adam Herndon is stepping into a new role as Campus Pastor—and he's bringing every lesson, scar, and story with him. We sit down with Adam who has walked with hundreds of teenagers through every season imaginable. We look back on what God has done, reflect on what the Church needs now, and look ahead to a multi-generational vision for what's next. Whether yo...

In this special episode of the Next Gen Podcast, we're thrilled to introduce you to the two newest members of our ministry team! You'll first hear from Jon Ahles, our new NRH Elementary Minister, as he shares his heart for children's ministry. Then, stay tuned as we sit down with Darrell Halk, our new Lead Student Minister, to talk about his passion for student discipleship and what excites him ab...

Pastor Rick joins us on this special episode to discuss Kids & Communion. We're hitting pause on our leader equip series to cast vision for a powerful upcoming moment in the life of our church—Family Worship Day on Sunday, May 25. When you hear "family worship," maybe you think, "No kids classes." But we want to reshape that thought into something far more exciting: "I'm thrilled to worship as the...

Alexandra McAulay shares about her recent transition from full-time student ministry at NRH to full-time motherhood. Be encouraged and blessed by her powerful words to students, parents and leaders. Thank you, Alexandra, for your legacy in student ministry. If you would like to encourage Alexandra, contribute your blessings here: Alexandra Blessing Form   Reach out to us at  nextgennow@thehills.or...

What is religion? Why should Christ-followers know about other world religions? What is Hinduism? What is Buddhism? What is Islam? What is Judaism? Why Jesus? Mark Baur, Professor at Greater Atlanta Christian School, joins us again to answer these questions. Worldview Podcast with Mark   Connect with Mark on Linked In  Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The...

Adam Herndon shares his breakout session from Leader Equip on LGTBQ+. Gain a working theology, current resources, and practical application in discipling kids and students as they navigate the confusing gender and sexual identity landscape. End by bathing it all in prayer.  See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources .    Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hi...

We flip the script on this one and Alexandra McAulay interviews Jill. Step into your calling as the "royal priesthood" in a world marked by anxiety. Explore the toxic cycle of anxiety versus God's cycle of renewal, and learn how to stand, carry, and bless as a priest who brings the presence of God.  See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources .    Description - Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.or...

We pause our Leader Equip series to interview Evangelism Minister Reid Overall where we discuss all things baptism in anticipation of Baptism Sunday, April 27. For Kids  We have a free baptism booklet designed for children ages 5-12 to help guide conversations about baptism. To receive a booklet, reach out to your Kids Ministry Team at the Welcome Desk. Use the QR code inside the booklet to let us...

Diego Reinoso, NRH Student Minister, shares his breakout session from Leader Equip on Small Student Groups that Actually Talk. Foster trust, belonging, and deeper conversations with students in small groups. Get equipped with tools to build community and create space for the Spirit to work.  www.thehills.org/servechurch See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources .    Reach out to us at nextgennow@theh...

Hollee Ford (KLR) and Bailey Plake share how to build genuine relationships with the next generation by creating welcoming spaces and bridging the gap between isolation and community. How can you create a community family in your student group or kids' classroom? Where can you keep notes or information on students or kids? What roles could kids or students have inside your group or family? How can...

Jackson Sanford, WFW Student Minister, shares his breakout session from Leader Equip on Students Who Lead. Equip 6th-12th grade students to serve with Christlike humility, honoring peers as God's image bearers. Learn to lead others by reflecting Jesus' love, valuing everyone, and positively influencing friends and classmates.  See link to Leader Equip '24 Resources .    Reach out to us at nextgenn...

We had a full house for this one. Kids Leader Developers Jennifer Young (WFW) and Rachel Herman (KLR) and the Cave Family (WFW) join us to share their breakout session from Leader Equip on Teaching Kids to Pray. Equip kids to connect with God through prayer. Discover why prayer matters, how to teach the next generation to hear God's voice and gain tools to nurture a lifelong relationship with Him....

Capture the big picture of Scripture and learn the PROBE tool to enrich your Bible reading and the Word of God effectively with kids and students. Hear from Twila Higginbottom. Previous Next Gen Now episode with Twila, Season 4 Episode 64: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-gen-now/id1637468749?i=1000641682106 https://sites.libsyn.com/427094/episode-64-teaching-with-the-master-teacher Link...

Get to know Hollee Ford and hear some of her story and her heart for the next generation.  Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org .