RELEVANT CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

Do you have behavioral issues in your room?

Do you have a hard time getting the kids to sit still and listen to the lesson?

Is your classroom noisy and hectic?

Do you find yourself getting frustrated because the kids aren't listening to the lesson?

Good news.  I've got something you can do to change that. 

It's a simple, but highly effective way to see your behavioral issues go away.

Here's what it is.

Stop looking at your class time as 60 minutes.

Here's why.

Today's kids have an attention span of 5 minutes max (the case could be made that it is even shorter than that).

Instead, do this.  Look at your 60 minute class time as twelve 5 minute sections.  Every 5 minutes change and do something different.  By doing this, you are honoring the kids' attention spans and you are resetting their internal clock every five minutes.

Let's take your teaching time as an example.  Instead of teaching for 15 minutes straight, teach 5 minutes and then stop and have the kids do something related to the lesson.  It might be a game that ties into the lesson theme, a song, an activity, etc.

After the kids have finished up the five minute activity, game, etc., you can jump back into the lesson.

Trust me, if you will do this, most, if not all, of your behavioral issues will go away.

A few weeks ago, I was consulting with a church.  While I was observing the children's ministry area on Sunday morning, the volunteers had a skit they were doing for the kids.  I watched the kids immediately engage with the skit.  However, at the three minute mark, the kids started to get restless.  At the four minute mark, they begin to look around and whisper among themselv es.  At the five minute mark, they were completely disengaged.

Here's how you can tell when kids disengage and you lose their attention.  When they start looking around, whispering, wiggling in their seat or on the floor if they are sitting, then you know it's time to move to the next part of  your lesson.

The majority of the behavioral problems you are experiencing is due to not honoring the kids' attention spans.

Kids are wired to move, talk and interact with those around them.  Even when you are presenting the lesson.  The behavioral problems are not a reflection on how good a teacher you are, rather it's a reflection on your teaching and classroom strategy.

In Connect 12 curriculum, we have broken down the lessons for you into 5 minute segments.  These lessons have been used to teach thousands of kids the 12 key Biblical truths they need to know before they graduate out of your ministry.  You can see lesson examples at this link and series are available for purchase.

If you're about to start pulling your hair out because the kids won't listen, this can be a game-changer for you.  Try it and you'll see your behavioral problems fade away.  You can get more info. about the curriculum at this link.  Below are some examples of some of the series.  All of these honor kids' attention spans and will have kids loving your lessons.

SALVATION SERIES

IDENTITY IN CHRIST SERIES

WORSHIP

WORSHIP

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

OBEDIENCE

APOLOGETICS

PURPOSE

Yesterday, I shared this quote through my social media connections.  I've been thinking about this quote a lot lately and wanted to share some of those thoughts with you. 

The church that doesn't make children's ministry a priority does so at the peril of their future.  

Passing on our faith to the next generation is a big deal in Scripture.  Verse after verse addresses the importance of sharing our faith, by words and actions, with the next generation.  

Here are three examples. 

"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord."  Psalm 78:4 

“Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”   Deuteronomy 4:9

"For generations to come, we are called to lovingly and courageously do whatever we can to pass along the 'praises of Him who called [us] out of darkness into His wonderful light'.”  1 Peter 2:9

Why must we be so intentional about passing on our faith?  Because when we do not pass on our faith, here is what happens.

"After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things He had done for Israel."  Judges 2:10

What a sad commentary.  Fathers did not lead their families spiritually.  Mothers did not pray with their children at bedtime.  Grandparents didn't tell their grandchildren about the miraculous events they had experienced from the hand of God.

A few months ago, I walked into a church that had no children.  No babies.  No preschoolers.  No elementary kids.  No middle schoolers.  No high school children.  As I sat through the service, my thoughts kept going back to that church's future.

If things don't turn around, the church will die a slow death as the elderly members pass away. The simple fact is without children, the church is terminal and will have to eventually close its doors.

Churches that have a future always have a deep investment in the next generation.  They care more about reaching the next generation than they do about their personal tastes, worship styles and current status.

If a church is serious about their future, they will make children's ministry a PRIORITY.

If a church wants to reach the next generation, they will PRAY for God to help them reach out and share the Gospel with young families.

If a church wants to still be functioning in 40 years, they will POUR into their children and grandchildren.

If a church wants to thrive, they will heavily PROMOTE next gen ministry.  The children won't be placed in the basement.  The church's best facilities will be for kids.  The church will be known as "the place for kids." 

No matter how far gone your church may be, there is still hope.  Shift your focus to effectively reaching young parents and their children.  The future of your church rests upon it.

As a children's ministry leader, you need to know the generations and their character traits.  This will enable you to minister to them more effectively.

It's a given that you should be familiar with today's kids who fall into the categories of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

But you must remember, as a children's ministry leader, you interact with all of these generations.  Great grandparents and grandparents that serve.  Parents that you seek to influence so they will raise their kids to follow Jesus for a lifetime.  Young adults and students that are serving in the ministry.

Below is an infograph I created to help churches more effectively interact with all of these generations.  If you'd like a larger print version, it is available at this link.

We see the numbers of kids who are walking away from the church when they get out on their own.

We read the data about more and more kids adapting a secular worldview.

We hear reports that 13% of Gen Z kids say they are atheists. 

What used to be called sin, is being accepted and approved by the next generation. 

We often blame the culture for leading children away from the faith and Hollywood is considered an evil influence that wrecks kids' faith. 

We blame schools and colleges for teaching the opposite of what Christianity is about. 

We even blame parents because of their lack of commitment to pass along the faith to their children.

While some of these things can and do contribute to the demise of a child's faith, the church must also look in the mirror and see that we are a big part of the problem.  We are failing kids in many areas and it becomes glaringly apparent as they grow older.

The church is failing to teach kids doctrine.   We're teaching them to be good.  We are teaching them to do good.  We're teaching them character traits.  But we're not teaching them doctrine.  We're not teaching them about the Trinity.  We're not teaching them what baptism is.  We're not teaching them that the Bible is the Word of God. We're not teaching them what the Gospel is.  It's hard to defend and share what you don't know or understand.

The church is failing kids by not giving them opportunities to serve.  We've forgotten that "faith without works is dead."  We are taking kids who are anxious and ready to serve and telling them that their time will come...that they have to wait until they are grown to start serving.  The problem with this is that when they grow up, since we didn't give them opportunities to serve as children, they want no part of it when they are older.

The church is failing kids by not teaching them how to walk with God. We are not placing the tools in their hands and showing them how to use them.  They are ready to move past the spiritual baby food we've been giving them. 

The church is failing kids by not teaching them why we believe what we believe.  We are failing to take kids on a "deeper dive."  Their shallow faith has nothing of substance underneath the fluff.  When they get to college and their faith is tested, it becomes glaringly obvious they can't back up what they believe.

The church is failing to disciple kids through relationships.  We are shoving them in rooms with dozens of other kids where they will not have the opportunity to develop a relationship with a caring leader and other kids.

The church is failing to teach kids that the Bible is God's Word.  They can't back up the claims that the Bible is inspired and infallible.

The church is failing to help kids enter a relationship with Jesus.  We know that the vast majority of people who come to Christ do so before they are 18.  We don't have a strategic plan like Starting Point to reach them.

The church is failing to show kids how to share their faith.  We haven't given them the tools and infused them with the confidence that God is with them when they share the Gospel with others.

The church is failing to help kids see that it's not about them...it's about bringing honor and glory to God.  We've unknowingly taught kids that God is a divine therapist that exists for our pleasure. 

The church is failing kids by not equipping their parents to lead them spiritually.  We know parents are the number one influencer in kids' lives.  They want to lead their children spiritually...they just don't know how.  We've failed to give them simple, easy to use tools for this.

The church is failing to help kids develop a Biblical worldview.  Because of this, the next generation has bought into the postmodern worldview that holds up the mantra for tolerance, pantheism, abortion, same sex relationships, don't judge anyone and more.

The church is failing to help parents see how important it is to have their children in church consistently.  Church attendance has become just another item on a to-do-list.  If nothing else is going on, they will show up for church.  But if there's something that's more appealing, they will skip church.  As a result, kids have shallow Biblical knowledge and are only loosely connected at church.

I don't want this article to be discouraging for those reading it.  I simply want to wake up churches that are failing their kids.  We can't keep doing the same old same old and expect kids to follow Jesus for a lifetime. 

I would encourage you to take each of the failings I listed and sit down as a team.  Talk through these points and see how your church can improve in these areas.  It may mean some radical changes.  It may mean a new ministry philosophy.  It may mean changing your strategy.  It may mean asking some hard questions and pursuing the answers you find. 

I am reminded of what happened in the Old Testament. 

After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the LORD or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel.   -Judges 2:10

The next generation didn't remember or know God.  Why?  Because those who should have been teaching them neglected to do so.  

Those walking in our footprints are counting on us.  Let's not let them down. 

Recently, I was at Disney World and took along the book "If Disney Ran Your Children's Ministry."

This book was written by Bruce Barry, Justyn Smith and myself. 

Thousands of churches have read the book and are implementing many of the insights shared in its pages.

The chapters include...

• Cast Vision Like Disney

• Construct Teams Like Disney

• Change Like Disney

• Culture Like Disney

• Cool Environments Like Disney

• Capture Kids' Attention Like Disney

• Creativity  Like Disney

• Connect with Families Like Disney 

• Commitment to Excellence Like Disney

• Customer Service Like Disney

This year over 73 million people will walk into a Disney Park.  The vast majority will be kids and their parents.  Disney knows how to connect with families.

And now you can discover the inside secrets that Disney uses to attract so many families.

Here's one example from the book.

For a large group time, most people put the youngest kids up front and the older kids in the back.  But is that the most effective way?  Look what Walt said about this.

“It was the first entertainment that Walt Disney had ever designed expressly for children.  ‘But we’re not going to talk down to the kids,’ he told his staff.  ‘Let’s aim for the twelve-year-old.  The younger ones will watch, because they’ll want to see what their older brothers and sisters are looking at.  And if the show is good enough, the teenagers will be interested, and adults, too’.”
Walt Disney

“I don’t believe in talking down to children...I like to kind of talk in a general way to the audience.  Children are always reaching.”
Walt Disney

From this we learn that we should put the oldest kids up front and the younger kids behind them.  Why?  Because the younger kids want to be like the "big kids."  As they see the older kids engaging with the lesson in front of them, they will follow and engage as well.  But if the older kids are in the back, they will look in front of them and see the little kids and think "This is babyish.  I'm too cool to join in with these little kids."  You see, cool runs downhill.

This is just one example of the game changing ideas you will glean from this book. 

We just received our 6th printing of the book and we'd like you to have a copy.

So here's what we are doing.  For the next 10 days, we will be offering the book at a 10% discount.  This means for a limited time, the book is only $13.50.  At checkout, simply enter the coupon code DB19.  The book is available at this link.

And if you'd like to order several copies to read through with your team, we can offer an even deeper discount.  You can contact me at this email if you are interested in multiple copies.

There are hundreds of ideas, insights and examples waiting for you in this book.  Grab your copy today and start attracting families to your church.   You can get the book in paperback or as an ebook.  The discount applies to the ebook as well.  The ebook is only $8 during this promo. Enter code DB at check out.

Have you already read the book?  We'd love to hear any insights, ideas or take-a-ways you gained from reading it.  You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

As our country continues its moral downward slide, more and more children are being affected and even exploited.  Such is the case of 11-year-old Desmond Napoles.  His stage name is "Desmond is Amazing."  He is a "drag queen kid."

Desmond says his parents introduced him to drag when he was only two-years-old.  At this age, his parents began having him watch "RuPaul's Drag Race."  He claims he "came out of the closet" at age three.  

Now, as an eleven-year-old, Desmond wears ladies' clothing, high heels, lip stick and eye shadow.  His parents have even allowed him to dance on stage at a gay bar called 3 Dollar Bill.  Sources say when Desmond took off his jacket, men in the audience began cheering and handing him $1 bills. 

His parents were investigated for this by the NYPD and other government agencies.  No illegal activity was found.  His mother says the investigation was because they allow Desmond to be himself and do what he loves.  He has been called the hope for the future to come.  He is an outspoken gay youth, runway model, public speaker, performer and fashion designer.  He made his professional drag debut in RuPaul's Drag Race season 5 winner Jinkx Monsoon's video for the "Bacon Shake" when he was just 7 years old.

During an interview last year, Desmond said he's happy to be able to help "the LGBTQ" community fight for their rights.  He went on to say that he enjoys being in the spotlight and likes the fame.  He has several projects in the works, including a clothing line for "drag kids."  It is interesting that Desmond's parents are the key influencers in his lifestyle.  Perhaps they see an opportunity to make money from their child's lifestyle by selling merchandise, TV shows, cosmetic lines, print projects and more.

I personally believe that this is a form of child abuse.  Exploitation of children.  Simply put - down right disgusting.   

As we continue to see more and more people, and yes, even kids and their parents, being deceived by the father of all lies, we must speak the truth, in love.  There is an all out war going on for the next generation by the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy.

As Christian leaders, we must equip parents to talk with their children about issues such as this.  We must also equip parents and their children to be able to live their lives with God's Word as their foundation.

I am also reminded again that fathers, uncles and other male leaders in children's lives must step up and be the godly, strong, male examples that boys need in their elementary and middle school years.  

We must equip parents to teach their kids that God created man and woman.  Not a man and another man pretending to be a woman.  Not a man who dresses up like a girl and visa versa.  Not a man who is in love with another man.  It's very clear.  God created a man and a woman.  Period.  That was His plan then and that's his plan now.

I am also reminded of the quote by George Barna.

Today, we're going to start a 3 part series that will give you an in-depth look at Gen Z (today's kids).

Just as a missionary studies the language, customs and traditions of a people group they are trying to reach, so we need to learn all we can about Gen Z.

Gen Z is comprised of people who were born after the Millennials (from 1995 to present).  They are currently age 19 & under. They currently make 25.9% of the population

1. They have grown up in a post 911 world and felt some of the pressure their parents felt during the recession.  The recession personally affected over 70% of Americans and the impact of it was felt all the way down to Gen Z as they watched their parents struggle through it.

Idea: Gen Z kids feel financial pressure.  As the church, we must come alongside them and teach them Biblical and practical ways to manage their money.  I recommend Financial Peace University with Dave Ramsey.  If they can grasp and put into practice, the principles Dave shares, it can relieve much of the pressure they feel.  For the younger members of Gen Z, I recommend the teaching series called "Money Talks."  It is a great resource to teach the younger members of Gen Z while you are teaching the older members of Gen Z about money.  The Money Talks series is available at this link. 

2. Many of them live in multi-generational households.  This is caused by retired grandparents moving in with their kids and Millennials coming back home to live with their parents as well. 

Idea: Look for ways to include the entire family.  Make parents and grandparents a strategic part of your ministry.  What events can you do to bring these families together at church?  What parenting curriculum and resources can you provide to help Boomers, Gen X and Millennial parents and grandparents be the spiritual leaders of the home?

3.  Pushing back against the helicopter parenting many grew up with, Gen Z is self-directed.  They seek answers first and foremost from Google.

Idea:  Rather than dictating answers, give Gen Z room to discover and grapple with the truths of God's Word.  Point them in the right direction, help guide when needed and give them ownership of their spiritual growth.

This also moves into determining the best way to help Gen Z learn about God and His Word.  Rather than putting a talking head in front of them for long periods of time (by long I mean more than 5 minutes), give Gen Z directions to the truth and let them discover it through hands-on, interactive learning experiences and discussions.  Yes you will be there to guide them along the way, but with a coaching strategy rather than a commander posture.

4.  They are diverse.  Many come from multi-racial households.  This year, caucasian children will decrease by 1.5% while hispanic children will grow by 7.6% in the next 5 years.

Idea: Take a look at your congregation this weekend.  Is there diversity?  Our church should be a reflection of all the ethnic groups in our city.  Do you present diversity?  Is diversity reflected in your church's print pieces?  Your congregation?  Your worship team?  Your staff?  If not, identify the barriers that are preventing diversity and remove them.

 Churches that are diverse will grow in a Gen Z world.

5.  What worries Gen Z the most as they move into adulthood?

• cost of living
• the economy
• wars around the world
• terrorism
• parents' job security
• crime in their town
• government leadership
• cyber crime

Idea: Look at the list above.  The fear factors you see should be topics you address with them and teach about.  Help them identify and overcome the underlying factors causing the fear.  And in a practical way, make sure they are safe when at your church.  Safety and security is a must if you want to reach Gen Z kids and their Millennial parents.  If they don't feel safe while at your church, they won't be back. 

6.  Gen Z kids are drawn toward self-employment.  Entrepreneurship is part of their DNA.  They are growing up in a DIY culture.  61% want to be an entrepreneur and 72% want to start their own business.

Idea: Self-employed mindset.  Become a facilitator more than a communicator.  Kids learn best not by being "sermonized" for 15 minutes, but rather through hands-on, interactive, experiential learning.  Give them opportunities to serve as well.  Empower them and release them to do the work of the ministry.  Balance telling them what to do with telling them how to do it.  Give them space to guide their own learning experience.

Tomorrow we will talk about how Gen Z wants to change the world and how they multi-task across a variety of screens.  See you there!

*many of the facts and research for this article come from S & H research.

I am writing this article not with a "the sky is falling" attitude, but rather from a honest look at where we are now and where we may be headed in the next 5 years based on current trends.

As the title says, I'm extremely concerned about the spiritual fate of the next generation.  Here's why...

We don't currently have enough strong churches to meet the needs of kids and families.

Each year, over 3,700 churches close their doors.  The good news is each year over 4,000 new churches are planted.  Even with that, this is not enough churches to reach the growing American population.  By 2050, the U.S. population will top 400 million. 

More families are disengaging from the local church.  By 2050, the number of believers who do not attend church, will double, going from 17% to 30%.

North America is the only continent in the world where the church is not growing.  The North American church is in decline.  While there are pockets of growth, most denominations and even contemporary churches are shrinking.

Waves of young people are walking away from the faith.  If current trends continue, an estimated 35 million kids who were raised in a Christian home, will walk away from the faith. 

Another concern is the lack of passion for Christ among parents and even church leaders. The faith that is passed to the next generation must be one that is concentrated on Christ and is on fire for the world to know Him.

I'm also concerned that we are raising "good kids" instead of "Gospel kids."  We are using the limited time we have kids at church to teach them "character traits."  This may result in lots of "good kids," but not kids who are grounded in the faith.  Kids who don't know why they believe what they believe.  Kids who won't be prepared to face the tough questions they will be confronted with in high school and college.  Our teaching must go deeper - deep enough that kids know the doctrines of the faith and how to defend it.

If a child cannot defend their faith, there's a strong probability that they will walk away from their faith.

Lack of evangelism.  While many Millennial adults say they know how to share their faith, they also think it is wrong to share their personal faith journey with someone of another faith.  47% of Millennials say it is wrong to share your personal belief's with someone of a different faith.  This line of thinking is grounded in Post Modernism and lessens people's passion to share their faith.

Increased activities on Sunday.  Today's families have more choices on Sunday.  There are lots of activities that have taken over.  Working on Sunday.  Sports activities including traveling teams on Sunday. Games that used to be played on Saturday now happen on Sunday.  Outdoor activities like boating, camping, etc.  Sunday is no longer a day that is set aside for worship.

Misplaced priorities of parents.  When parents skip church, it conveys that church is just another activity you can choose from a list of activities.  Look at this convicting statement from Carl Trueman.  Carl is one of America's foremost Christian voices and an accomplished church historian.

“The church is losing its young people because the parents never taught their children that it was important.  I think that applies across the board.  It applies to family worship, and it also applies to whether you are in church every Sunday and what priority you demonstrate to your children church has on a Sunday.  If the sun shines out and their friends are going to the beach, do you decide to skip church and go to the beach?  In which case, you send signals to your children that it is not important.” 
(Carl Trueman)

How we must respond...

• Get back to making the Gospel the focus point of our ministry. It's the power of the Gospel that changes our hearts.

• Equip children to be able to share the Gospel. 

• Be willing to change.  The past may have been wonderful, but we are not living in the past.

• Get back to the Bible as the center of our teaching.  The Word of God should be the start and ending part of our lessons. 

• Build relationships with the next generation so you can influence them.  In most cases, kids who stick with their faith,  have a close relationship with a caring adult at church.

• Have a contagious faith.  Students who own their faith, have watched Christian leaders who were passionate about living for Christ.  They have rubbed shoulders with Christians who bring Jesus into every area of their life.  If we want the next generation to have a passionate faith, then we must first demonstrate it in our lives.  Maybe the reason kids are walking away from the faith is because we didn't show any love or passion for Christ.

• We must get our priorities in order.  The next generation must see in us a passionate commitment to Christ.  We must remove the idols we have put above Jesus with and get back to putting Him first.  When we go to church when it's convenient or nothing else is going on, it is saying to the next generation that church doesn't have to be a top priority. 

• And think about this with me.  The average family now attends church once or twice a month.  That is considered "faithful."  This means kids are missing 50-75% of the lessons.  If this continues, kids are going to be walking out of our ministries with little to no understanding of God's Word and His plan for our lives.

But there is much hope.  With people disengaging or having never been engaged, we have a tremendous opportunity to reach kids and families with the Gospel.  If we will step up and minister in the power of the Gospel, we can see the next generation reached for Christ.

Will you join us in this cause?

Have you noticed all the movie remakes lately?  Here are a few...

Beauty and the Beast

The Mummy

Smurfs

Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Spiderman

Planet of the Apes

Jumanji

The Lion King

Jungle Book

Cinderella

Pete's Dragon

King Kong

Mary Poppins

Dumbo

That's just a few of the remakes that have been or will be on the big screen soon.  Yes, the originals were awesome.  But the remakes introduce the stories to a new generation.  Which is important.  The remakes have amazing, cutting-edge graphics, animation, casts, etc. The remakes have updated music and the cast is made up of actors that are fresh, younger (depending on the role) and can connect with a new generation.

There are several lessons in this for children's ministry.

Leave the story line alone.  The Bible's story of the redemption of mankind hasn't changed, nor should it.  The Bible is very clear that Jesus is the one and only way to heaven.  That is a truth that we should never drift from.  It is the foundation and basis of our faith.

Update the presentation of the story line.  While the story of Jesus doesn't change, the way we present it to people must be kept up-to-date, fresh and exciting.

The movie remakes normally stay pretty close to the original script.  While at the same time incorporating up-to-date, cutting-edge graphics, music and the latest in equipment. 

While our story never changes, we must be willing to change the way we present the story so we can reach today's kids and families.

Take the stories of the Bible and look for ways you can bring updated elements into your presentations, lessons, talks, etc.

Here's an example:  You are teaching the kids about prayer.  Rather than using an old phone that you have to dial or is corded, use a newer iPhone or Galaxy.  Same lesson - we can talk to Jesus any time we'd like.  Different illustrations with the newer phone.

Be thankful for the past, but don't let the past dictate the future.  The old movies were great back in the day.  They worked for the audiences that came to watch them.  The technology we have today was not available back in the day to produce incredible scenes with CGI and other programs.

The remakes are enhanced because of the new and better ways that are available to make movies today.

The sad fact is many churches refuse to use the new tools and strategies that are available to the church today.  They are simply not willing to move out of their comfort zone.  The complacency of the past is just too comfortable to try something new.  And with that mindset, they eventually end up with a for sale sign on the front lawn.

Here are some questions to consider and talk about with your team.

• Is there anything we need to remake?

• Is our music up-to-date?  Does it sound like what today's kids hear on the radio?  (I am referring to the style of the music - not the words) 

• When was the last time we tried something outside of our comfort zone?

• What are some obstacles that are holding us back from remaking our ministry?  How can we overcome them?

It's exciting when a remake comes out, isn't it?  We rush to the theater to see it on opening day.  We talk with our friends about it.  We post about it on social media.

My prayer is we will get so excited about what God wants to do through a remake that we will go for it.  That we will step out of our comfort zone and into a new level of updated ministry.    

Thank God for the past.  But He is not done yet.  The best is yet to come for you and your ministry.

As the calendar turns the page to another year, it is vital that we know how the next generation thinks, what they value and what they resonate with.

There are over 74 million Gen Z kids in the U.S. and  world-wide there are 2 billion.

They are bringing change to the world and will significantly influence society as a whole.

It is crucial that we stay focused on Gen Z.  Reach them and the world will be changed.  Influence them and you influence the future.

Recently Pew Research released a new in-depth look at Gen Z.  Let's see what implications it has for us as children's ministry leaders.

Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in the history of the U.S.  Churches that want to reach Gen Z will recognize this and be intentional about creating a place where all races are welcomed with open arms.  Among 6 to 21-year-olds, only a bare majority are white (52%).  25% are Hispanic.  14% are black.  6% are Asian.  4% are others.  Today’s 6-to-21-year-olds are projected to become majority non-white in 2026 (when they will be ages 14 to 29), according to Census Bureau projections.

The churches that are effective will look like heaven.  People from every race and tribe worshiping God the Father in unity.

But not only must churches welcome all races to the table, they must also invest in them and encourage them to move into key leadership roles.  

Gen Z is committed to education.  The older members of Gen Z are enrolling in college at a higher rate than their Millennial parents did at a comparable age.  They are smarter.  They are more educated.

A recent report from George Barna revealed that 13% of Gen Z kids are atheists.  That is twice as many as their parents.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to teach Gen Z why we believe what we believe.  They can quickly see through shallow teaching, inadequate answers to tough questions and how the Bible and science can be compatible.  It is crucial that we help them develop a solid, Biblical worldview that will last.

Studies show that over 50% of the people who have left the faith, say the reason they left was because they simply didn't believe anymore.  Smart, educated Gen Z kids need to see the evidence that verifies the Bible is the Word of God....that Jesus was a real person who was crucified and rose from the dead and that they were created by a loving God.

This is one big reason why I created curriculum series that focuses on equipping children and families to defend and share their faith.  You can see 12 months of the series at this link.  There are also stand alone lessons that equip kids and families to defend their faith.  You can see those at this link.

We must create environments where kids can face the hard questions and be encouraged to dialogue about them.  If we want them to get the right answers, then we must be intentional about addressing the hard questions now.  Look at these revealing stats.

24% of Gen Z say science refutes the Bible.

49% of Gen Z say church rejects science.

19% of Gen Z say the Bible is full of fairy tales.

Cute lessons about being good or cooperating with others, will not prepare Gen Z to follow Jesus in a post-church world.

Gen Z has various living arrangements.

65% live with two married parents.  Of those children and teens who are living with two married parents, most live in dual-earner households.

30% live with cohabiting parents.

31% live with a single parent

To Gen Z, family no longer means just two married parents, where one goes to work and the other parent stays home to clean the house, prepare dinner, etc.  When you ask them the definition of family, they consider not just two married parents, but also single parents, same-sex couples, grandparents, step parents, etc. 

We must teach Gen Z that God's golden plan for marriage is a married man and woman, who stay together for a lifetime.  While holding this up, we must also leave room for grace and belonging as we walk with people on their journey to Jesus no matter where they are on the journey.

If you want to reach Gen Z, then you must go to where they are...urban areas and the Western states.  

Only 13% of Gen Z live in rural areas, compared with 18% of Millennials, 23% of Gen Xers and 36% of early Boomers. 

I am thankful for every church in small town U.S.A.  That's what I grew up in.  But if we are going to reach Gen Zer's, we must start and build churches in urban areas.  Remember when Jesus looked out and said the fields were ripe for harvest?  When we look at the urban areas of America, that statement should resonate with us and propel us to focus on the urban, large, metropolitan areas of our country.  

Gen Z kids are growing up in more affluent circumstances than previous generations.  The median household income they are growing up in is $63,700.  This is compared to only $52,000 for Gen Xer's and $42,000 for Boomers.  Affluence sometimes can get in the way of people following Jesus.  This is the case now and it was the case in Jesus' days here on earth.  The rich young ruler wasn't willing to give up his affluence to follow Christ.  The affluent said no in the parable that represented coming to Jesus.  

It's not about money.  It's about need vs. want.  When a generation is doing very well financially, it can pull their heart away from Christ, if they are not careful.  We see this illustrated in several of Jesus' teachings.  Wealth can cause a generation to slip away from trusting God and begin to trust themselves and their possessions.  

Bottom line is this.  It is not wrong for Gen Z to have money.  But it is wrong when the money has them to the point where they put it before Christ.  

Here's a quick recap...

If we are going to reach Gen Z, we must embrace and champion racial diversity.  We must not only embrace it, but lead the way in promoting unity and love for all...no matter who they are or what zip code they live in.  

Gen Z is well educated and very smart.  We must teach them apologetics and help them work through the hard questions that need to be addressed.  They want to see proof before committing to Jesus.

"Family" is no longer just what you call a married father and mother with two kids.  Today's families come in all shapes and sizes.  We must be prepared to meet them where they are, show them love and grace and give them room to belong before they believe. 

If we want to reach Gen Z, we must focus the majority of our outreach and evangelistic efforts in the large, urban, metropolitan parts of the country.

We must help Gen Z see that material possessions are not wrong, but it is wrong when you put it before Christ.  Have money.  Make as much as you can.  Use your money to bring honor and glory to God and to help build His kingdom.  

I am deeply burdened for Gen Z.   They are facing things that previous generations never had to deal with or be entangled by.  More than ever, they need us to help guide and lead them.  It's a cause worth giving our lives and ministries to. 

America's spiritual slide has been happening for decades.  Each succeeding generation has seen more and more people who identify themselves as "nones."  "Nones" are people who say they have no religious affiliation.

The latest findings from Barna reveal that Gen Z is continuing this downward spiral.  (Gen Z is today's kids - born between 1999 and 2015).

Gen Z is the first truly "Post-Christian"  generation.  More than any previous generation, Gen Z does not associate with any religious identity.

The percentage of Gen Z that identifies as atheist is double that of the adult population.  The percentage of Gen Z kids who say they are atheist is 13%.  This is compared to 6% of all adults.

What is causing the next generation to turn to atheism?  Surveys among Gen Z reveals the big reasons.

• 29% - I have a hard time believing that a good God would allow so much evil and suffering in the world.

• 23% - Christians are hypocrites.

• 20% - I believe science refutes the Bible.

• 19% - I don't believe in fairy tales.

• 15% - There are too many injustices in the history of Christianity.

• 12% - I used to go to church, but it's just not that important anymore.

• 6% - I had a bad experience at church or with a Christian. 

 Here are some more eye-opening findings about Gen Z...

• 37% believe it is not possible to know for sure if God is real.

• 58% believe many religions can lead to eternal life.

• 46% say they need factual evidence to support their beliefs. 

• 49% says the church seems to reject much of what science tells us about the world.

• 27% say the church is not a safe place to express doubts.

• 24% say the teaching they are exposed to is shallow. 

Did you see the last few stats I listed?  We are failing the next generation.

While Gen Z kids are growing up in a post-Christian culture, we are giving them lessons that are shallow and lack the substance that will sustain their faith.

While Gen Z kids desperately need to know why the Bible is true, we are teaching them character traits.

While Gen Z kids are internally asking the hard questions about Christianity, we are not creating safe places where they can openly grapple to find the answers.

While Gen Z kids want to know why they should trust a God whose world is ravaged by war, violence, injustice, natural disasters, pain and suffering, we are giving them cute, Christianese responses that aren't sufficient.

While Gen Z kids need a discipleship pathway that will guide them to a solid faith foundation, we are taking them on fun trips to the local water park.

Our cute lessons won't enable kids' faith to survive the science class in their freshman year of college.

Our cute lessons won't empower kids to be a difference maker in their workplace one day.

Our cute lessons won't give kids the answers they need to the hard questions they are pondering.

Our cute lessons won't help them live for God in a world that says He doesn't exist.

If we are going to see Gen Z grow up to love Jesus, then we've got to...

Help kids discover the true nature and character of God.  When kids understand the heart of God and know Him personally, they will trust Him.

Be strategic in what we teach.  More than ever, we have to have a strategic plan that will take help kids develop a solid faith foundation.

Equip kids to be able to defend their faith.  If they are going to escape the doubts that will be pushed their way, they must be able to defend why they believe what they believe.

Walk kids through the hard questions now.  We must be proactive and help them find the right answers before they hear the wrong answers.  A great place to start is with the Pranksters series, where kids face the hard questions about the Bible and find out why we believe it is true.

Move beyond just having kids memorize verses to helping them understanding what the verses really mean.  It would be better to have kids memorize and understand 1 verse than to have them rapidly memorize 10 verses that they do not understand.

Not be afraid of letting science and the Bible intersect.  We must show kids how the Bible is backed up by science.  And if there appears to be a variance, how the Bible is true and reliable.

Behind the stats, are kids in your community and mine, in your church and mine, in your family and mine, who are in the process of deciding what they believe.

Kids who want to know if the Bible can be trusted.  Kids who are questioning if science and faith can be compatible.  Kids who are trying to figure out who Jesus is and why they should follow Him.  Kids who are looking for answers to the hard faith questions.

Are our cute lessons turning kids into atheists?  May this be a wake-up call for all of us.