LEADERSHIP TEAM
Ron Tant
Founder, President and CEO
Reaching kids with the hope of Jesus has been woven through most of my life, starting the summer I was a junior in high school. I formed a Backyard Bible Club, mostly to give the annoying kids in our neighborhood something to do. That summer was awesome! From learning to teach wiggly kids God's Word to slip 'n slides and banana splits, God lit a fire in me that continues to this day.
​
For more than four decades, God has given me the privilege of serving children, families, churches, and ministry leaders in just about every way imaginable, from pastoring and leading children's ministries to training leaders, writing curriculum, building ministry teams, and helping people discover creative ways to reach kids who may never walk through the doors of a church.
​
In 2020, during COVID, God stirred a new dream: what if we could equip ordinary believers everywhere to reach and disciple the next generation beyond church walls? After all, most churches were closed. That dream became Next Generation IMPACT. Today, the resources and training our team has developed are being used across all 50 states and in dozens of countries, and we're just getting started.
​
My wife, Carol, and I have been doing life and ministry together for many years. We have two grown sons, and more stories than could fill a book. Through every season, one conviction has remained: every child matters to God and deserves to know Him. And we want to keep going until every child hears.
Barry Williams
Founder
I've spent my life in church ministry, where most of our energy has gone into reaching teenagers and adults, hoping to reach them before they drifted away. Somewhere along the way, I realized the real work needed to start much younger.
Kids are listening earlier than we give them credit for. Give them the truth young, challenge them to take it seriously, and answer their hard questions honestly, and they grow up with a faith that's truly their own.
I believe this generation of kids can change the world. That's why I've given my life to reaching them, and the parents, teachers, and leaders who guide them.
​
Richard Summerford
Founder
One of my favorite memories from ministry is a six year old boy who showed up to Bible class every single day at a daycare where I was teaching. On the fourth day, he came forward on his own. I was surprised, nothing about him during class made me think he was even listening. But when I asked him some questions, he answered every one. Then I asked what he wanted to do about it. "I want Jesus," he said, proud as anything. He prayed one of the most honest prayers I've ever heard from a kid that age. When I asked him, "Who are you today?" he didn't miss a beat. "I am a child of God."
That's why Next Generation IMPACT exists, to help local churches reach kids and give them the hope only Jesus can give. Nothing brings me more joy than watching a child realize they need a Savior. I hope we never lose that same love for reaching them.
