3Generate 2026 Success

3Generate continues to grow from strength to strength. Last weekend (3–4 October), 1,800 young people, alongside 500 group leaders and 350 volunteers, gathered at the NEC Birmingham for the annual Methodist Children and Youth Assembly. Young people aged 8–18 from across the Connexion came together for a jam-packed weekend of worship, learning and fun.

This year's 3Generate explored the theme On The Way, a celebration of the lifelong and ever-unfolding journey of faith. On The Way invited every child and young person, whatever their starting point, to take a meaningful next step with God. Each attendee received an On The Way Adventure Book, providing a year's worth of activities and reflections.

The delivery team transformed the NEC's vast exhibition halls into a centre of fun and faith, creating more than 20 venues and welcoming over 2,600 people.

The wide range of venues ensured that every child and young person could find a space that reflected their interests. There were opportunities to explore faith and Methodism in ways that suited different stages of the young people’s spiritual journeys. Worship took many forms, from quiet reflection and prayer to vibrant gatherings where hundreds of young people danced and sang along with live bands. Elsewhere, activities ranged from rock climbing, art and basketball to discussions on anxiety and insights into daily life in the West Bank.

Gracie Silk, Youth President, had a vital role at 3Generate welcoming and hosting the young people. “I love when people gather together to praise God. I also enjoyed getting the opportunity to lead parts of that. Just being able to look out and see loads of different people from different parts of the Connexion was amazing.

“Sometimes it can feel quite isolating for a young person in the Methodist Church, especially when they come from like a smaller youth group or a rural area. To be in this space and to find out that there are other young Methodists that they can be around and they can be in fellowship with is so important. There were so many good-news stories from this weekend of children and young people finding God or feeling God for either the first time or once again.”

Daoud Nassar, whose family are winners of the World Methodist Peace Award and run the Tent of Nations, an educational and ecological family farm located south-west of Bethlehem that promotes peace, shared what life is like for those in Palestine. “It was important for me to tell the story, what we are facing as a family there, as Christians, as Palestinians, in this very difficult reality. I wanted to deliver a message of hope to the young generation that, wherever you are, you can make a difference.

“It would be wonderful if we could have an event such as 3Generate in Palestine, in Bethlehem, but there is no freedom of movement there and they do not have that many opportunities.”

In the Foundry venue, young people shared their lived experiences covering issues such as being a carer, coming from rural communities, ethnicity, neurodiversity and LGBT. Sam Roberts from the Yorkshire District was helping in the venue. “The young people just wanted to have conversations. Some felt like they were the only person in that situation in their church, but then to come across so many other people was a freeing experience.”

Deacon Sarah McDowell, from the Southend and Leigh Methodist Circuit, who has attended 3Generate for the past six years, said: "It's expanded and grown enormously. The range of activities 3Generate now offers young people is incredible. Our young people in the Methodist Church are invested in, not only financially, but through time, care and resources. The Bible and journal they have received this year are fantastic."

Youth President Gracie was also keen to recognise the people who helped make 3Generate possible. "I want to thank all the volunteers and youth leaders. From those bringing groups from their local churches, to those setting up venues and serving on the delivery team, every single volunteer has played a part in making this event possible."