One Generation was born in 2018 on the campus of Eastern University through a vision God entrusted to two students, Isaiah Martin and Tiffany Faulkner.
Without knowing the other had received the same calling, God gave each of them the vision independently: to create a place where students could genuinely encounter His presence. Though the vision came to them separately, they soon realized God had entrusted them with one shared assignment.
At the time, many students longed for worship that reflected the beauty and diversity of the Body of Christ. For many students of color, the campus worship experience felt disconnected from the traditions that had nurtured their faith. When requests were made for more culturally diverse music, they were met with the response that the worship ministry tried not to "get political."
Many students were also far from their home churches. Although they were living and learning on a Christian campus, they still longed for a church-like atmosphere where they could worship freely, experience genuine fellowship, and encounter God in ways that felt spiritually and culturally familiar.
Isaiah and Tiffany responded faithfully to the vision God had given them.
Because they were not permitted to use other public spaces on campus, One Generation's first worship service was held in the basement of Kea-Guffin Hall. Approximately twenty students gathered for that first service, with worship led by Tiffany Faulkner, El-Faith Chase, and Davier Daniels.
The setting was humble, but the vision was clear: to bring the Spirit of God to the campus so that all students - especially the unchurched, spiritually curious, and disconnected - could experience Him through powerful worship and authentic community.
What began with approximately twenty students continued to grow. Service after service, more students gathered until One Generation reached a peak of more than two hundred students worshipping together outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Those gatherings became more than worship services. Students worshipped, ate together, formed relationships, prayed for one another, and experienced a sense of belonging during a season marked by isolation and uncertainty.
As the movement grew, so did its ministry. One Generation established prayer gatherings and Bible studies to help students deepen their relationship with Christ beyond the worship experience. A worship team was developed, creating opportunities for students to use their gifts while cultivating an atmosphere in which others could encounter God.
The ministry also moved beyond the campus. One Generation conducted mission work throughout Philadelphia, including feeding people experiencing homelessness and demonstrating that worship must extend beyond music into compassion, justice, generosity, and service.
Throughout its campus ministry, One Generation welcomed ministers who strengthened and encouraged the movement through the preaching and teaching of God's Word. These included Minister Tiffany White, Rev. Sean Tripline, Rev. Isaiah Martin, Elder Nyfisa Rabb, and Minister Jabre Harris of Virginia.
One Generation eventually expanded beyond Eastern University and hosted its first worship service in Philadelphia on February 5, 2021. The gathering featured worship leaders Darren Lewis, Daven Ross, Marissa Mack, and J'Shianna Lewis, and supported the ministry's commitment to scholarships and missions.
That service represented more than a change in location. It demonstrated that the vision God had given One Generation was never intended to remain confined to one campus.
Following that gathering, One Generation entered a season of pause. The public services stopped, but the vision did not disappear. The time away created space for prayer, reflection, growth, and a clearer understanding of what One Generation had always been called to become.
Today, One Generation stands at the beginning of its next chapter. Built upon a foundation of worship, discipleship, justice, service, and authentic community, the movement is preparing to equip believers, strengthen churches, serve communities, and proclaim the Gospel wherever God opens the door.