Younger Generation Church Celebrates 15 Years of Ministry
Younger Generation Church (YG) will commemorate its 15th birthday on Saturday, August 3, 2019, beginning at 9:00 AM, at Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4409 Pleasantview Drive, Arlington, TX 76017-1427. The day will celebrate GOD’s blessing in the past, present, and future of this vibrant young adult ministry.
“It’s a thrill to be part of what Christ Jesus is doing through YG,” lauds teaching pastor, A Allan Martin. “We’re honored to celebrate, with our YG family, how He continues to bless.”
On August 3, YG will host all three worship services on Saturday morning at the Arlington Adventist Church campus. Legacy Service begins at 9:00 AM, Younger Generation Church begins at 10:15 AM, and Mosaic Service begins at 11:30 AM.
Speaking at YG will be Greg Batla, the original assistant pastor who helped found the ministry. YG Worship musicians from the past 15 years will join together and lead worship throughout the Sabbath morning services.
“YG has meant so much to so many people through its 15 years of its existence. This weekend is about honoring our past, basking in God’s blessings and looking toward the future of YG,” says Kisha Norris, former YG Worship leader and co-coordinator for the 15th birthday celebration.
“This is a day you will not want to miss,” shared Karla Dechavez, YG Worship leader and co-coordinator for the 15th birthday celebration. “We are fully expecting the presence of God to bless us as we remember all He has done for us over the last 15 years!”
Arlington Adventist Church, via its live services and online broadcasts [live.ArlingtonAdventist.com], welcomes thousands of members and guests from around the globe. The hope is many YG friends, fans, and family members—past and present—will join in the day’s festivities. For more information visit events.ygchurch.com.
You’re Invited!
To culminate the day, all are invited to the “Cheers to 15 Years” birthday party, Saturday evening. Hosted at the River Ranch Stockyards in Fort Worth, the event begins at 7:00 PM and will feature great food, special messages from former YGers and a grand salute to YG. For tickets to the “Cheers to 15 Years” birthday party, visit cheers.ygchurch.com
Our featured guest for Younger Generation Church's 15th Birthday is Greg Batla.
After an invitation from then Senior Pastor Mike Tucker, Greg joined the pastoral staff at Arlington in July of 2004 as the Assistant Pastor for Young Adult and Media Ministries. His specific task; to “do something with” the middle service slot in the sanctuary, focused on young adults. Greg got to work, and on August 7, 2004, “Younger Generation Church” was born.
The service began to flourish as it developed its own style and identity, led by Greg, a growing team of key young adult leaders, and Pastor Ritchie Pruehs as the lead teaching pastor and mentor. YG quickly developed into more than just a worship service, as social events, small groups, weekly lunches, and other young adult-centered ministries were built.
In summer of 2008, Greg transitioned to youth ministry and founded “UNDERGROUND.” In fall of 2009, Greg moved to California to start a media production business, which led to his serving as the Creator, Executive Producer, and Host of the award-winning series “Missions Today” by Quiet Hour Ministries which took him to 30 countries over 3 seasons.
In 2016, Greg transitioned to his now current role at Loma Linda University Health as Executive Director of Marketing for Christian Universities, and just graduated with his MBA.
Though he misses Texas (and in particular Joe T. Garcia’s), California life has been good for Greg as he found his soul mate and wife in Kristin Batla, a Physician Assistant. Greg and Kristin have three beautiful children, all under 2 years old: twin girls Emma June & Katelyn Gayle, and son Jack Edward.
Younger Generation Church is the vibrant young adult ministry of the Arlington Adventist Church. Focused on deepening devotion to Jesus Christ, the church seeks to foster an environment where its members may:
· Pursue Intimacy with God
· Experience Community with one another
· Inspire those around them with the hope of grace
Younger Generation was established in 2004 and celebrates its 15th anniversary August 2019. Also known as “YG”, the young adult ministry sponsors numerous LIFEgroups who meet across the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex on a weekly and bi-weekly basis. More information is available at ygchurch.com or by emailing info@ygchurch.com.