Dr. Stephen Vandegriff
Liberty University
CHMN 301- B01
(Foundations of NextGen Ministry)
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PNEXTGEN ASTOR INTERVIEW ASSIGNMENT
Details of Interview Questions
The purpose of this paper is to interview someone who is a counselor, or a pastor on his beliefs
about their teaching role and responsibilities, along with any curriculum taught within the
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Brief Biography of the NextGen Pastor/Leader
According to our reading this week, there is much that can be gained from those who are
currently in NextGen ministry, or from those who have had some experience among NextGen
young people. The interview was conducted with Pastor Henry Olad, one of our counseling
pastors in my church. He’s an associate pastor of Covenant House church here in Indy with 20
years of experience. Established and empowered Young Adults and Singles Ministry (YASM) for
a lifestyle of Education, Work, Discipline, and promoting a culture of Compassion. Holds
Bachelor’s in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Christian Counseling at Redeemer
Bible College in Greenville Texas. His passion for family and children was excellent. I believed
that a younger generation needs the experience, wisdom, and resources of an older generation, he
also works as a Special Ed. Teacher in one of the middle schools in the city of Indianapolis. He’s
never tired or burned out of this teenager/youth. He shows himself with respect to be a model of
good works to these children, and he shows integrity, and dignity, that cannot be condemned in
his teaching according to Titus 2:7 NLT.
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NextGen group. The following questions were asked when interviewing the NextGen pastor (or
leader/worker in charge):
1.What ages are you responsible for, when it comes to teaching? It is an opportunity
and a great privilege to be able to serve teenagers from ages 13-19 here at RCCG
Covenant House. Some teenagers struggle with authority and don’t get along with a
teacher. But praying for my students, learning to speak to them with respect, and
looking for ways to help have really helped in my teaching experience in church and
public school. I first connect with them in other to know where to help them.
2.What type of teaching opportunities do you have (formal and informal)? Personally, I
use a formal teaching approach with my student. I prepared my bible lesson plan,
with memory verses, sing-along songs, games, group discussion, and other activities
that match my lessons and anything that can help them remember what they learn,
then commit my work daily to the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the best Teacher.
(Proverbs 16: 3NLT).
3.Are the students placed in specific age groups (i.e. middle/jr. high, sr. high)? If so,
how are they broken down? Are there any gender-specific groups for the purpose of
teaching? If so, can you describe those groups (purpose)? No, they were placed
together in the same group because of space, and no specific gender groups. And we
were doing very well with our order of service, and besides that, the Bible says, male
and female He created them. (Genesis 5: 2 NLT). So, our students’ ministry is joined
together with every service.
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4.What type of material do you use for teaching? What are the strengths of this
material? What are the weaknesses of this material? Our organization (i.e Redeemed
Christian Church Inc) has its own material written for use. It’s called “Open Heaven”
everyone has a booklet with a guidebook and the strengths of this material are good
for them as they are able to relate to it. So far since we’ve been using it, we have not
noticed any weaknesses.
5.In what subjects do students appear to demonstrate an interest (with regard to
teaching opportunities)? They demonstrated an interest in almost everything but most
importantly, “Playing games, instruments & Singing”
6.Describe the teaching context (the room, building, etc.). The room we are in can
occupy about 80-100 students, and they are usually filled up. We are building a new
facility for the youth that will accommodate more youths and young adults.
7.What improvements (if any) would you like to see in the teaching location? I will
love to see them fellowshipping together with one another like online inner circle
cohorts and group prayer meetings once a week. Organizing game night and so on to
keep them engaged.
8.What has been your best method or idea, when it comes to teaching? My best method
or idea when it comes to teaching is that I need to inspire these children and make
them love God. A teacher can turn the heart of a child around for good or turn it off if
he/she is uncaring, disinterested, or simply boring. Students’ ministry leaders need
passion and wisdom
Reference
The Holy Bible: New Living Translation. (2011). Grand Rapids, MI.: Zondervan.
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