By joe maschhoff

In 2001, the Lord brought many diverse Navigator leaders into a powerful and unique unity around what we now call The Core—our Calling, Vision, and Values. Over the years, The Core has increasingly served as a kind of compass, helping us to increasingly move in the direction God has for The Navigators worldwide.

At the International Council 2024 (IC24), held in Livingstone, Zambia, in November 2024, another diverse group of leaders from across our Worldwide Partnership gathered to seek the Lord’s direction again. This time, with a specific focus: How should we engage the next generation with The Core?

As we listened to one another and to the Lord, five key principles emerged. We believe God has given us these guiding principles to serve as “road signs,” helping us to know where to go as we engage the next generation with The Core.

1. Jesus

Jesus is at the center of who we are and what we do as Navigators. It is all for Him, through Him, from Him, and to Him. Dawson Trotman knew this from our earliest days (refer to the Wheel Illustration!). It is a message that must never grow old and is relevant for all peoples in all generations in all places. We must always be Jesus-first people. Jesus truly is the Core of The Core.

2. Modeling

The Core is not only to be discussed and taught, but—most importantly—to be lived out and modeled. Younger leaders don’t need perfect examples, but they do need authentic ones. When we model servant leadership, authentic community, and live and disciple among the lost ourselves, we offer an example of what it means to be a Navigator. It is captivating and magnetic to the next generation.

3. Ownership

To engage the next generation well, we need to create space for younger Navigators to own The Core for themselves. This will take intentionality and, at times, will require some of us to make room for younger leaders. Some of us might need to shift out of “leading” roles into coaching, alongsiding, and encouraging roles. Can we trust God by allowing the next generation to help shape the future?

4. Community

Our Core calls us to labor alongside other like hearted believers. We cannot do it alone. At times we must press hard to find others who share our Vision, and it can be difficult. But it is worth it! The person most likely to know how to make a disciple is one who has been discipled him or herself. It is worth it to look for and engage them. We so need one another.

5. Scriptures

Navigators are known to be people who love the Scriptures. But we must go beyond just loving them. We must be surrendered to and led by the Holy Spirit, believing the promises of God. The next generation must know how to be carried by the Scriptures and to stand on the promises of God. The promises of God are there for us to grasp, but they are even more powerful when we are grasped by them.

These five guiding principles—Jesus, Modeling, Ownership, Community, and Scriptures—emerged from our time together in Zambia. They serve as road signs along a highway leading us toward the next generation.

Together, we can believe God for a new generation, just like those who went before us did in their time. Times change, people change, and cultures shift. But He does not change. His promises do not change.

The same God who called Dawson to pray on a dusty hillside in California – and who called many other subsequent Navigator laborers into bold faith for a new generation in their time – is alive and well and will be with us both now and forever.

“The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly.” (Isaiah 60:22)

We will see a new generation of Navigators not because of ourselves or because of these five principles, but because He is the LORD. He will do it. We only need to follow Him, just as those who went before us did.

“Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father...When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many.” (Isaiah 51:1b-2)

The IC24 was a key moment for the future of The Navigator movement. The Core describes who we are as Navigators. It is compelling, attractive, and captivating. The next generation is waiting and ready. Will we trust God for them in our day? Will we stand on His promises together?

We must.