3Generate 2024

More than 1,600 children and young people aged 4-18 years old, 560 leaders and 340 volunteers from across the Connexion attended 3Generate, the Methodist Children and Youth Assembly. This year’s 3Generate was held at the NEC, Birmingham from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 October.

3Generate is a vibrant weekend of fun and worship and this year saw over 2000 children and youth leaders attending. It started on Friday evening with icebreakers and a welcome session which set the tone for the weekend. Throughout the weekend speakers, artists and musicians shared their inspiring stories and encouraged those taking part to share their own.

“The event is about children and young people tuning into God, the world and each other, listening to what God is calling them to do now: taking action and making a difference in their community, the Methodist Church and the world. 3Generate offers the unique opportunity for them to explore how they can make a difference on their own, with their friends or at their church.”

The venue was made up of over 20 areas each one with its own theme – including the Tech Hub, the theatre and an inflatable chapel. The weekend was packed with activities for the guests, while some recorded their own podcast, the youngest attendees (aged 4-7) enjoyed their own Mini 3Generate area with arts and crafts, storytelling and interactive games.

Peter from Lancashire had heard about 3Generate from his older brother but did not expect the event to be this spectacular. “It’s very different from the photos and it's been a good event. I joined my youth group a few weeks ago and it was great to meet and discuss with people before 3Generate.”

The event had two new venues this year which offered young people the opportunity to look at faith in a different way: the Discovery Centre where children could focus on self-exploration and take part in Faith conversations which were facilitated by Cliff College, and Eden, a reflective space celebrating God’s creation. In The Tech Hub, alongside the games and a repair café, participants could hone their social media skills at a a TikTok creation workshop.

The Girls’ Brigade ran the Village Green venue and the Boys’ Brigade facilitated a prayer pilgrimage.

Throughout the event, attendees could participate in dance, climbing and various sports, or simply relax at the Village Green, a communal area for socialising and unwinding. There were also numerous opportunities for prayer and worship, with dedicated sessions for reflection and spiritual growth. Workshops covered topics such as mental health, social justice, and environmental stewardship, led by experts and activists in these fields.

One of the highlights was the Saturday evening “Barn Dance and Ceilidh” at the Arena, followed by a reflection from the Metal Methodist. Additionally, there were talent shows and open mic sessions where young people could showcase their skills and creativity, notably the “3Gen from Scratch” singing and theatre held in the Park.

On Sunday, the closing sessions were more reflective, with a collective prayer and a call to action, encouraging the young attendees to take what they had learned and experienced back to their communities.

Team leaders also enjoyed the event and slept on site in tents close to the young people in their care. “We like that children get to see that they are part of a much bigger Church, rather than just their church at home,” said Gordon from the Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire Methodist District.

Maria from the Northampton Methodist District said 3Generate, “shows the young people and the children that there are so many different ways to worship and that it's okay to be different and unique. Here, they can connect with other young Christians in a safe environment while exploring and developing their relationship with God and the wider church.”

Special guests throughout the weekend included youth advocates, environmental activists and mental health professionals who led various sessions and workshops. Their presence provided valuable insights and inspiration to the young attendees.

Neve from Lancashire, who was experiencing her second 3Generate, would recommend it to children and young people saying:“If they are free in October, they should book a ticket and come, because I just love it here and it's one of the best things I do!”

3Generate 2024 was a dynamic and inclusive event, offering a rich tapestry of activities that catered to the diverse interests and spiritual needs of all its participants. The event emphasized the importance of community, spiritual development and the importance of young voices in the church. It was a weekend of growth, learning, and celebration, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. Youssef said: “It's my third time here. I love coming because it shows me new ways for people to find God and how they can empower themselves and strengthen their connection to him. I felt closer to God when I found different ways to worship,”