Is your student ministry ready for Generation Alpha? Most youth ministry leaders have just begun to grasp the distinct nuances and traits of Gen Z. As Kendal Conner wrote last week, “It’s taken us years to learn their vernacular, understand the lens of their worldview, and grapple with their ever-changing technological needs.” And yet Gen Z has now begun their departure into adulthood. 

Elder Gen Zers are now in their mid-20s, and Gen Alpha, the leading edge of which was born in 2010–2012, is knocking on the door of middle school. Next fall, the first of a new generation will roam the halls of church youth ministries as sixth graders. This means student ministry leaders are entering the unique and beautiful space between generations that only comes every 15 to 20 years.

Conner’s article looks at three cultural stories shared by both Gen Z and Gen Alpha youth. She explores how both generations are increasingly post-Christian, digitally native, and bad at waiting. And she encourages us to boldly enter the waters of culture with students because “the tides of culture will ebb and flow, but the gospel never will.”

With joy and hope for the next generation,