"Today’s kids are not yesterday’s kids. If we are going to reach today’s kids,we must understand them.”
This means we should learn as much as we can about today’s kids and their families.
As we enter their world, it will help us more effectively reach and disciple them. Now if you are reading this and you have young children, you have a head start on those who don’t. You are living in their world through your own kids.
But if you don’t have kids or if you are an empty-nester like I am, you have to be intentional about entering their world.
What kind of music do they like? Who is their favorite YouTube star? What movies are they watching? What websites do they like? What is their home life like? What pressures are they facing? What sports are they involved in? What world view are they being shaped by?
Here are 10 ways you can connect with the kids you are ministering to.
1. Ask kids directly what they like. Going directly to the source is the best place to start. A great way to do this is through a kids’ focus group.
2. Stop by their TV channels. Make it a habit to stop by channels like Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Nick Jr., Sprout and more. The programming will give you a look at today’s kid culture.
3. Go into the toy section when you are shopping. Make a detour by the toy aisle and check out the toys. This helps you see what kids like.
4. Keep up with what’s hot at the theater. What movies are bringing in the dollars at the box office? What are the top family friendly movies that are playing?
5. See what’s trending on Netflix, Amazon and Disney+. These services list what movies are currently the most popular. This will give you insight into what is trending with kids.
6. Check out which kids’ apps are the most popular. A list of what apps are the most popular with kids will give you an inside look at what they like.
7. Check out the top kids’ websites. Do a Google search and find out which kids’ websites are the most visited. Look at the websites to see what’s relevant with kids.
8. See which YouTube channels are the most popular with kids. Four of the five most popular channels are currently aimed at children, and they rack up about 1.5 billion views between them in a month.6.
9. See which songs are popular on iTunes. This will show you who and what kids are listening to.
10. Check out which books are best sellers for kids.
If you’ll stay relevant with kids, it will give you the ability to engage them in conversation, connect with them and show them that you care about their world. And when this happens, it will open their heart to receive what God wants to speak into their life through you.
Have you read my book "Lead Well in Children's ministry? It has more great truths and ideas about connecting with today's kids and parents. You can get it at this link.
