What is 3Generate?
3Generate is The Methodist Church in Britain's annual children and youth assembly. It is an opportunity for groups across the country to come together in worship, and to explore the many varied ways we can experience faith and deepen our relationship with God.
This year at 3Generate we’re exploring the theme On The Way - a celebration of the lifelong, ever‑unfolding journey of faith. Building on previous years’ focus on tuning into God and travelling the “Journey of a Lifetime,” On The Way invites every child and young person, whatever their starting point, to take a meaningful next step with God. The theme encourages simple, everyday practices that help us encounter God, reflect together and grow in community. Rooted in John 14:6, the programme explores Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life—with opportunities to encounter these ideas in worship, conversation, creativity, movement and reflection. Whether participants are completely new to faith, curious, or already exploring deeply, On The Way offers space to encounter God in accessible and diverse ways on their ongoing adventure, their journey of a lifetime – the journey of faith.
Where does it happen?
3Generate takes place each October at the NEC in Birmingham, a large conference and exhibition centre similar to ExCel in London. We use 7 of the halls at the NEC, 4 for camping and 3 for our event space.
All volunteers are able to claim their travel to and from the event on expenses, we will send all volunteers a copy of the expense claim form nearer to the event. If you require a cash advance in order to book your tickets, this can be arranged very simply. Get in touch with the 3Generate team and we will guide you through this process.
Did you say camping?!
Yes! All groups, their leaders, and the Delivery Team camp on site at 3Generate! Tents are provided, and all members of the Delivery Team are provided with single camp beds. You will need to bring with you a sleeping bag/blanket and a pillow. The NEC is temperature controlled so we can ensure it won't be too cold during the event.
All tents contain two private, zipped sleeping compartments, with a central compartment in between. If you are volunteering with someone you know, you can elect to share your tent with them. If you do not nominate someone to share with, you will be randomly assigned to share the tent with someone of your same gender.
If you have any additional accommodation requirements, you can let us know this through the sign up form.
What else do I need to bring?
Bring enough clothes for 3 days, comfortable shoes for walking across the site, and any medication or medical devices you may need.
Other than that, we have you covered! All meals across the weekend are provided, and there will be plentiful snacks and drinks (hot and cold) in the Bungalow, the Delivery Team break area.
You will also be provided with a 3Generate tshirt to wear during the event (and for as long after the event as you please!)
What else happens during the weekend?
3Generate hosts many venues covering all sorts of activities. We have venues that focus on drama, sports, music and so much more! In past years we've had petting zoos, climbing walls and surfboard simulators!
We want to build an event where children and young people can not only develop their relationship to God through worship, but discover how the things they are already passionate about can help deepen their faith.
What will I actually be doing?
There are many different roles at 3Generate, split between 3 wider teams: Venues, Care and Operational. For a full list of these teams and what they do, see our Event Teams page.
When you arrive at the NEC, make your way to Hall 9 to be checked in by a member of our team at Reception. On the Friday, the event will be being set-up, so there will be a range of jobs you can help with. If you are part of a venue team, you will help set-up that specific venue, and members of other teams will be given jobs around the site, such as moving furniture or helping venues with less staff members.
What do I need to do before the event?
Prior to 3Generate, you will need to ensure you have the necessary safeguarding documents and training. We require all volunteers to have the following:
- An Enhanced DBS, from the last 5 years (dated after 2/10/2021) if from a Methodist organisation, or from 2 years (dated after 2/10/2024) if from an external organisation.
- Foundation Safeguarding Training from the last 4 years (dated after 2/10/2022). If you need to complete this, please email Christine Kennedy who will be able to help you sign up to an upcoming training session.
- If you are working on one of the following teams, you will require Advanced Safeguarding Training. Please contact your local Safeguarding Officer to arrange this:
- Youth Support
- Sensory Space and Additional Needs
- Night Stewards
- If you are working on one of the following teams, you will require Advanced Safeguarding Training. Please contact your local Safeguarding Officer to arrange this:
We also require all members of the Delivery Team to either attend or watch a recording of our Online Delivery Team Briefing Day on Saturday 5th September, from 11:00-15:00. This will include EDI and Accessibility training, more information about the event, and an opportunity to meet your team leads and fellow members.
All volunteers are also required to submit two references, with one being a Methodist Minister where possible.
You may also find it helpful to join our WhatsApp Community, where you can ask questions and chat to members of your team ahead of the event.
Photos
To get a feel of the space and what 3Generate itself looks like, visit our Photo Gallery page with some highlights from recent events.
I still have questions!
The 3Generate Team is always happy to help, and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to drop us an email, and if you'd prefer we can arrange a quick call.