Oct 2TiP: Systematic Disciple-Making for Next-Gen

Our ministers came together to learn about Systematic Discipleship.

It was truly wonderful to have our first-ever collaboration between AG Next Gen and AG 2TiP. This was the very first time we came together for an event on Systematic Discipleship, and I cannot help but feel grateful for how meaningful and timely this partnership turned out to be. There was a genuine sense of unity and shared purpose right from the start.

At AG Next Gen Commission (NGC), we have always valued building relationships across churches. Ministry can sometimes feel isolating, especially when leading the next generation, but it does not have to be lonely at the top. This gathering reminded us of that truth in the most encouraging way. We began our time together with intentional intergenerational bonding over lunch. Senior pastors, emerging leaders, and young ministers sat side by side, sharing their hearts, ministry journeys, and even personal struggles. It was a beautiful picture of the family of God — different generations honouring one another and choosing to grow together.

We are especially thankful to Rev Joey Asher Tan, Head of Nexus (the Next Gen ministry of Grace AG), and his team for generously sharing their Next Gen Systematic Discipleship Curriculum. Covering children, youth, and young adults — from approximately ages 3 to 30 — this curriculum took five years to develop. Listening to the process behind it, I was deeply inspired by the level of intentionality and prayer that went into every component.

One aspect that stood out to me was how the 16 discipleship themes are introduced early and then revisited at every life stage, developing in depth and complexity as young people mature. This gives everyone in the church a shared theological foundation, a common language, and a unified understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. It creates alignment across ministries, making collaboration and long-term spiritual development so much clearer and stronger.

I also appreciated how Grace AG champions parents as the primary disciplers of their children. True discipleship does not take place only in classrooms or on Sunday mornings. While the church has just a couple of hours each week to invest in a child’s spiritual life, parents journey with them daily through the highs, lows, and ordinary moments of life. This curriculum intentionally equips parents with practical handles — from setting aside offering money together at home, to offering lifts to non-believing friends, to having thoughtful and age-appropriate conversations about faith as their children mature. Rev Joey also shared how many families even plan their holiday schedules around both church camps and family time, showing that discipleship is more than a program. It is a lifestyle that is modeled, embraced, and lived out together as a family.

As I reflect on this collaboration, I am reminded that when generations and churches come together with one heart, we become stronger in building the next generation of disciples. I left the event hopeful, encouraged, and excited for more partnerships ahead — because the future of the church is truly worth investing in, together.

“The session with Ps Joey was exceptionally insightful. With my home church presently working on the development of our discipleship roadmap, the insights gained have provided clear direction and practical guidelines for shaping our approach.” — Bryan Lee, Emmanuel Assembly of God

“The NextGen session with Ps Joey was both affirming and encouraging. It was edifying to see the fruit of their labor, especially knowing the challenging, confronting journey of intentionally developing a discipleship roadmap and a development plan for their church. In my home church, our staff are also working towards a more intentional process and structure for discipleship, and it has not been easy. Change is uncomfortable, confrontational, and often met with resistance, which can feel discouraging. Seeing how their intentional efforts have borne fruit reminded me that the cost is worth it and that persevering in this work will benefit both the staff and the people.” — Ephraim Tong, Centre of New Life

“The gathering opened my eyes to a more intentional and structured way of discipling the next generation. I left inspired, equipped, and reminded of the importance of this ministry and how I can tailor it to my church’s context.” — Reetha Vanimogan, Hosanna Assembly of God