Here's How NGU Works
Q: Is Next Generation of Unity (NextGen) young adult ministry an official organization within the Unity movement? A: Yes, it is. There are consultants employed by some regions to assist you in joining or setting up a group. To find a consultant in your area, or find support for NextGen, contact the Young Adult Coordinator at Unity Worldwide Ministries. Q: Am I required to attend a Unity church to attend NextGen events or meetings? A: You are certainly encouraged to, but under no circumstances is it a requirement to attend a Unity ministry. NextGen SpiritGroups are open to newcomers at any point. Attendance at NextGen events is dependant upon the individual event's parameters. Contact the event's hosting region or organization to find out more about a specific event. Q: Do I have to be from the hosting region to go to that region's retreat? A: Most times, NextGen events are open to whomever would like to attend--the more, the merrier! However, some events might have parameters in place due to the nature of the event. Contact the event's hosting region or organization to find out more about a specific event. Q: Is NextGen only for former Youth of Unity (YOU) teen ministry members? A: No, that seems to be a common myth. We welcome any and all. We are geared toward serving the 18 to 35ish crowd. Many NGUers will fit in one or more of these categories: Previous YOUers Q: How are regions set up with NGU? A: For those who were in YOU, this may sound familiar. The regions are as follows:
To get further information as to what region your area is in, check the map or contact the Young Adult Program Coordinator with Unity Worldwide Ministries.
| Q: What if I have a spouse or significant other who is not in Unity, can they come with me to a retreat? What about kids? A: A spouse or significant other is certainly welcome to come along, as long as newcomers fit in with the parameters of the event; check with the event organizers for final confirmation. If they are not there to join in spiritually, then we kindly ask that they do not take away from those that are there for spiritual reasons. When it comes to kids, it is always wise to ask the retreat planner(s) what accommodations they have for children. Usually, if informed ahead of time, accommodations for children are happily made. Q: How do you support both 18-year-olds and 35-year-olds? Aren't they in different places in their lives? A: What do 18 and 35-year-olds have in common? It's simple ... life. Real life─whether it be voting for the first time, getting married, having your first child, higher learning, or military service. This is the age range when many of these things happen for most people. This is the beginning of our adult spiritual path. Being "freshmen" in the school of life is a big thing to have in common. Often there are questions about the age range of NextGen. Over time it has become clear that, in general, the 18-35ish range works. Some groups may have a narrower age range, based on what works for their group, but 18-35 is still the official range for Next Generation Unity as an organization. Having a variety of age ranges, as well as a variety of backgrounds, makes the group more interesting and provides the opportunity for mentorship. Additionally, with the advent of the Ambassador and SpiritGroup models for NextGen Unity, it has become possible for the wide spectrum of demographics within NextGen to coexist based on personal interests and life experiences. For example, NextGen SpiritGroups are designed to be one of a number of possible SpiritGroups offered by a Unity ministry. NextGen SpiritGroups offers a space for young people that is not required to be influenced by existing church leadership. At the same time, members of a NextGen SpiritGroup could continue to attend their NextGen group, but also branch out into other SpiritGroups the church may offer, based on their personal interests. The variety offered by the SpiritGroup model, with the additional options of travel and outreach with the NextGen Ambassadors program, allows for many different life circumstances and spiritual pursuits to find what speaks to the individual, and as all members are adults, age range becomes immaterial in those settings. Q: I do not have a "chapter" or NextGen group at my church, or even in my area. What can I do to start one? A: Contact the Young Adult Program Coordinator at Unity Worldwide Ministries to get connected with resources to start your own group, or groups that already exist!
Note: NextGen groups must be connected to, and supported by, a Unity church, a Unity regional consultant, or directly working with the Young Adult Coordinator from Unity Worldwide Ministries.
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