The Story of Generation Distinct
78% of young adults who are ex-Christians were never taught to view their passions as a part of God’s calling.
80% of youth do not have a clear sense of what they want to do with their lives.
58% of young adults reported that they lacked “meaning or purpose” in their lives and half of young adults reported that their mental health was negatively influenced by “not knowing what to do with my life.”
74% of young adults who have a resilient and lasting faith had a faith community that helped them better understand their purpose in life.
Given that "A Faith Community that helps young adults understand their purpose in life" is a key factor in fostering a genuine and enduring faith, how can we ensure that every young adult asking the question, "What is my purpose?" can find that answer in a faith community?
We believe the best way to invest in the spiritual, mental and emotional health of a young adult...is to help them discover and live out their God-given purpose.
That is why, we exist to help young adults to discover the wrong they were born to make right with a strategy to set it in motion.
This is ultimately in support of our legacy vision, “To See a generation radically committed to christ and his mission.”
Generation Distinct began with a dream: to see every young adult discover their God-given purpose.
"I want to change the world... but I don't know where to start." Generation Distinct was born from this very question. Our founder, Hannah Gronowski Barnett, recognized that while many young adults were full of big dreams, ideas, and aspirations for making a positive impact—even a Kingdom impact—very few were translating those dreams into action. There was a clear gap between passion and execution. Hannah began asking, "What is missing?"
With a team of leaders around her, she discovered the answer: strategy. The gap between passion and action is bridged by a clear plan to move forward.
This revelation sparked a deep passion in Hannah to ensure that every young adult with a desire to make an impact would have the strategy, resources, and mentorship needed to take real steps toward change. Together, they built a process to guide young adults in discovering their purpose, creating a plan to live it out, and finding the support they need along the way. From there, we connect their purpose to the greatest cause of all time: the mission of Jesus in the world.
In 2017, Generation Distinct became a non-profit, and a small team began developing a strategy to help young adults discover the wrong they were born to make right, along with a plan to set it in motion. After years of collaboration with senior leaders from around the world, conducting beta tests, and building the infrastructure behind the scenes, we officially launched our Cohorts to the public in the Fall of 2020.
Today, nearly 250 young adults from around the world have discovered the wrong they were born to make right and are equipped with a strategy to set it in motion through our Path of Purpose.
Not only that, but we also offer the support of a global community and leadership training to help young leaders sustain their purpose. Our vision is to reach thousands of young adults worldwide and equip them to create lasting change.
Through our comprehensive strategy, we are building a generation of young adults who know their purpose and live it out for the advancement of the Gospel.
The Generation Distinct Cohorts:
Young adults join a four-month virtual Cohort to discover the wrong they were born to make right and develop a strategy to bring it to life. Through weekly coursework, monthly coaching calls, and community networking, these emerging leaders craft their "I Exist Statement" to clarify their purpose. From there, they build a three-year strategy to walk out that purpose with confidence.
The Generation Distinct Coalition:
After completing the Cohort, young adults are invited to join our global online community, where they receive resources and ongoing support as they begin stepping into their calling. Discovering your purpose is just the beginning. The Coalition provides the encouragement, mentorship, and training needed to sustain and grow in your purpose.
The Generation Distinct untitled_ Conference:
Once a year, Generation Distinct hosts a three-day experience exclusively for Coalition Members, designed to equip them to be seen, mentored, and unleashed in their calling. This conference is a one-of-a-kind event where young adults gain access to mentors, receive vital training, and find the resources they need to make their calling a reality.
The Leadership Development Program:
As young adults begin to live out their calling, they’ll need the leadership skills to sustain it. Coalition members can apply for our six-week Leadership Development Program, which hones their leadership abilities and certifies them to launch an in-person Cohort in their city.
Our Cohorts Are Multiplying:
After completing the Purpose Path, young adults are empowered to lead their own Generation Distinct Cohort, guiding 15 new leaders on their journey through the Purpose Path. This process amplifies our impact, allowing us to reach even more young adults by multiplying leaders who inspire others to step into their purpose.