Developing Hearts on Fire Ministry to Ignite Next Generation Leaders

Abstract

This portfolio examines how Hearts on Fire eV ministry developed. It assesses the ministry context of Hearts on Fire (HoF), its purpose and ministry values as a newly formed network that glorifies God and serves people. HoF is an interdenominational ministry based in the region of Franconia, Germany, focusing on the renewal of the heart and renewal of faith in Jesus Christ. The name, Hearts on Fire, is also the essence of our programme: to motivate Christians to restore their passion for Jesus, to equip them to serve, and to encourage them in their faith as Jesus did with the disciples. HoF partners with other Christian. denominations to initiate new prayer groups and worship events, hoping to inspire the renewal of people's hearts and faith. The research project developed a seven-step framework to guide next generation leaders to implement change. This framework describes how we at HoF, bridge a ministry generation gap and how we can take the next generation on a journey toward a passionate Christian lifestyle by providing a platform for them to be involved in passionate prayer, dynamic worship, and sharing the Gospel through outreach. Gathering participant narratives was part of the research process of how to develop a heart on fire. Narratives were the tools used to engage the next generation in a conversation about what God was doing in their lives. The first research project outcome was this seven-step framework that can be used as a template to bring change and develop further ministry. The second outcome was the development of a next generation leadership day. This day became the platform to identify next generation leaders, to help them grow and learn how to pass on their experiences with God. They learned how to expose others to the experience of prayer, worship, service and testimony, and came to understand how mentors could play a significant role in their development as leaders who are “on fire” for Jesus (Lk. 24:32).