In this episode, Janine McNally speaks about the newest emerging group of kids and youth, Generation Alpha, and some of the unique data being compiled to assist in reaching them inside and outside of our ministry settings. Janine also shares about her book titled When You See Fireflies which dives into some of these same principles geared toward reaching Gen Alpha.
Janine McNally
Connect with Janine through her Website
Clearstream
Clearstream works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. Find out more at Clearstream.io.
The Volunteer Playbook
My first book is out! Buy the book by visiting volunteerplaybook.com or by visiting Amazon.
Episode Notes
Why focus on Generation Alpha?
Prepping for teaching courses and came across research on Gen AlphaMark McCrindle's book – Generation AlphaDecided to focus on the children of the most recent generation2010-2024 on track to be the largest generation in history (almost 2 billion)Behind “When You See Fireflies”
Her daughter came up with the titleFor a brief time, fireflies come out and you can direct kids to “come inside” where it's safeThe world is getting darker and darker and we need to call them in to where it's safeThe first generation to be born into a world full of technologyThe “glass” generationBalance between “addicts” vs. “experts” of technologyHow should the church respond?
Competing with the world to WOW kids probably won't happen; so teach them how to use technology the right wayKids are engaged on social media more than ever before and are lonely, so when using technology we must think about the relationships being builtWhere can churches do better with relationships?Teaching on a screen is OK; this can be helpful, but not the only engagementEngagement with the material is necessary though so they can express their thoughts and questionsFamilies are busy, so build relationships through the activities they are already doing rather than create MORE things for them to do at the churchGet personal by going where families are (leaders taking gifts to homes)The complex world has led to non-nuclear families, absent parents, and redefined norms such as marriage, gender, and moral absolutes; the church can respond by:Address those issues through Scripture and stories by asking and answering hard questionsBecome relevant by focusing on the hard questions (aggressively)Start tackling topics when questions startProactively address appropriate issues, at age-appropriate times and in age-appropriate waysMUST HAVE strong relationships for thisLet kids do the thinking and problem-solving rather than just teaching the same way it has been done for 50 yearsAction Items
Get the bookRead with a teamCome up with 3 adjustments to your ministryMinistry Boost Coaching is back!
Click here to check out the amazing benefits of coaching groups with Ministry Boost.
Get An Email When Each New Episode Comes Out
Use the form below to subscribe to my email list where you’ll get an email each Tuesday when a new podcast comes out.
Subscribe | Share | Rate | Comment
To make sure you never miss a post, hit the subscribe button in iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Tune In radio. Keep your friends and co-workers up-to-date as well by sharing it with them via email or social media.
Special Sponsor: Clearstream
This episode is sponsored by Clearstream. Clearstream.io works with thousands of churches worldwide and integrates with tools your church already uses such as MailChimp, Church Community Builder, Rock RMS, Planning Center, and more. You can get started on a free-trial, and if you're with a new church plant under 1 year old can use Clearstream free for 12 months.