All kinds of tangible measures are suggested as to the state of the Gospel.

Often people talk about measures like finances or attendance. I am not against any those, but the enthusiasm of our young people is among the most important factor for the future of the Gospel.

This is why I have been involved in the kcc NextGen conference (formerly KYLC) for over 10 years. It is true that the conference has grown enormously over this time, and has also been planted in many countries around the world. In a few weeks I have the privilege of returning with a team of 15 people to run the second NextGen Uganda.

But the conference is not strategic because of the number of people who come. In fact, NextGen is the smallest kcc conference.

Next Gen and other similar conferences such as AFES’ National Training Event (NTE) and Youthwork’s Leaders in Training (LiT) are strategic because of the nature of the next generation. Today’s ministers are told in 2 Timothy 2:2 to entrust the Gospel 'to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.'

For over 10 years I have seen the value of hundreds of young people gathering, meeting new keen and like-minded Christian friends, sharing together, dreaming together, praying together, and being fired up by the Word of God.

It is not uncommon to meet people who testify to the impact of this kind of conference in their decision to pursue full time paid ministry. But the impact is often even more immediate at their local church, as these same young people begin the year with enthusiasm to serve our Lord Jesus.

This year there are both a record number of leaders and, even at this early stage, a record number of delegates already registered for NextGen (others may be able to comment on other similar conferences). Could this be the sign of the health of the Gospel as we look into the future?

Last year I asked a young person how the week was for them. They replied: “I came for the wrong reasons. But I am now here for the right reasons, and its great.”

One of the best things you can do for young people is to help them (Gen Y does need some help sometimes) use their long summer holidays wisely and get along to NextGen, NTE, LiT, or a similar conference, or indeed CRU camps or beach missions, etc. Almost everyone I have seen go has come back a more mature Christian, with renewed or first time vigour to serve.

What other long term measures for the future health of the Gospel can we look to?