3Generate 2025

As the number of people increases so does the noise as the young people start to explore. 3Generate tries to ensure that all ages and interests are catered for. We have to keep our young people entertained for the weekend but entertained in the right way. A lot of thought goes into ensuring that we have a good mix of things that are fun, thoughtful and faith-based.

To keep 3Generate as inclusive as we can, where possible, the events and activities are designed to be enjoyed by everyone. There are special spaces for those who may find the weekend overwhelming and need a little time out and the programme is designed to ensure that people from all backgrounds can find something that speaks to them. This means a dodgeball competition in the sports centre, surfing simulators and animal encounters, sit alongside music workshops, arts, talks on social justice, the environment and almost every type of worship you can imagine. 3Generate is not a passive event, everyone is part of the journey.

Other venues tackled some of the issues that are confronting young people today. The Connexional Communications Team offered workshops to help people identify fake news, explaining how sharing posts can be unhelpful ammunition for the info wars and even dangerous.

For me, the most wonderful part of 3Generate were the worship sessions. God was at the centre and I've never seen so many young people in one place just wanting to worship and praise God together.

Chris Parker, was one of the organisers of the event, I asked him how it had gone, “This year was bigger than ever but it all went really well. There were lots of children, lots of young people, and they've all had a great time. They are all so keen to take part, they are all willing to explore, and they’re all willing to look for ways of moving their faith on.

“The youth leaders and volunteers have been brilliant as well. They are looking after all these children and young people. They are encouraging them. They are making sure they are happy and they are connected, and they have done a fantastic job.

This year we had a first with Richmond Methodist Primary School attending. The school's Headteacher, Mrs Stevenson, told me, ‘I believe 3Generate provides children with an opportunity to connect together, to develop deeper friendships and try new things. The independence that they've shown here has been phenomenal."

Fellowship is a really important aspect of 3Generate. For many young people, their experience of being part of a Methodist Church may not involve being part of a large group of their peers.

Nick Cambridge is a leader from Heston and Castle Street Methodist Church, Cambridge, “It has been fantastic, full of joy and fun. There have been so many activities for everyone. It is important for young people to realise that their Church is something much bigger than they usually get on a typical Sunday morning. There's such a diverse range of people here and it is really something to behold with activities to encourage everyone on their journey.”

Abby Godfrey is a youth leader from the Birmingham circuit who brought 37 young people. “There’s been such a God presence this year, with really coherent experiences for the kids, particularly our 12 year old boys, they had a really good time with the worship which was accessible and inspirational. We've just seen really good engagement from our kids. It's been great.”

When I spoke to Jemima, aged 9, and Rachel, 11, they had loved the shared gaming activities, especially the rope ladders. Jemima says: "I like that. You can go up and down, backwards and forwards on it. It is competitive and fun to play.” “3Generate is amazing," added Rachel.

Tabby from Leeds said, “It's really good. You know, I made new friends and we had a lot of fun, the fellowship and worship were brilliant.”

One long-term impact of 3Generate is on our young people who get encouraged by so many other young disciples, it shows them that they're not alone and hopefully they will stick with Church and grow in their faith, follow in their journey of a lifetime, take that next step and grow into amazing adults.