We were working on a memory verse during kids’ church recently when several children approached a leader with an idea: What if someone filmed them reciting the verse for a TikTok video?

“We could do hand motions and everything,” they pleaded. “When people watch it, they will learn about Jesus!”

While I appreciated their creativity and interest in evangelism, I couldn’t help but wonder when 9-year-olds became so obsessed with social media.

During small group discussion time, these same kids seemed distracted and uninterested in joining the real-life conversations happening in front of them.

This is Generation Alpha. Author and researcher Mark McCrindle coined the term to describe children born from 2010–25, currently aged 13 and under. These kids are digital natives. They have never known a world without smartphones and social media. Some have had electronic devices in their hands since they were toddlers.

Understandably, many teachers are rethinking how they engage this generation. That doesn’t mean every lesson needs to involve technology, however. In fact, some educators are intentionally reverting to analog methods to help kids hone old-fashioned skills, such as participating in face-to-face group discussions, interacting with physical objects, and listening to presentations that don’t involve screens.

Although technology can enhance children’s ministries, it does not negate the need for fundamentals. By focusing on discipleship essentials, we can prepare Generation Alpha for a lifetime of following Jesus and reaching others for Him.

Authentic Community

In a world of virtual experiences, artificial intelligence, and airbrushed social media accounts, determining what’s real and what’s fake is increasingly difficult. It’s easy to understand why many people today, including kids, are craving authenticity.

Churches have an excellent opportunity to show the next generation what genuine community looks like. Kids need a place where they can be themselves and experience the genuine love of God’s family.

Encourage children to welcome visitors by greeting them and offering sincere affirmations, such as, “I’m glad you’re here!”

Designate a few kids to serve as connectors. They can show newcomers around, introducing them to others and sitting with them during services.

Occasionally set up an art station, where kids can design postcards to send visitors or children who may be sick or needing encouragement. Many kids love painting, drawing, stamping and applying stickers. Some might even enjoy writing notes. Not only does this build connections, but it also helps children develop a ministry mindset.

As kids practice interacting and volunteering within community, they will gain valuable life skills and learn to take ownership of the calling to share Jesus with the world.

Yes, children like cool spaces, flashing lights, and lively music. But what will keep them eagerly coming back is an authentic connection to your church community.

Bible Engagement

Kids are growing up in a world where both information and misinformation are just a click away. So many voices are competing for their attention. We must provide a foundation of truth by teaching them to read, understand, and live God’s Word.

An emphasis on Bible engagement is vital for children’s ministries. Kids need to know the Bible is more than just a list of rules or collection of stories. Children’s leaders have the privilege of teaching boys and girls how Scripture is relevant to their everyday lives.

Children like cool spaces, flashing lights, and lively music. But what will keep them eagerly coming back is an authentic connection to your church community.

Technology conditions kids to expect fast, easy answers. Growing in God’s Word, however, requires time and effort. Children may not recognize the value of it at first, but they can start developing Bible study habits. Childhood is the ideal time to spark a passion for Scripture.

While there is nothing wrong with digital Bibles, many kids are already spending hours daily on screens. Providing opportunities for them to interact with a physical Bible is imperative. Have copies of the Bible available for children to utilize during services.

Instead of just summarizing a Bible story or showing a video, help kids connect the message to the Scripture in their hands. With the help and encouragement of leaders, older children can practice looking up verses in small groups. Don’t pressure anyone to do so, but a child might volunteer to read a verse aloud.

Have kids locate easy-to-find passages first. For example, they can practice looking up chapters in Genesis or Psalms before trying to find a verse in Habakkuk. This exercise will help them gain confidence and competence navigating Scripture.

For early readers and non-readers, have kids follow along in their Bibles or hold them while you read aloud.

After reading, give the group a minute to pause and reflect on what God is saying. Then invite kids to share what a portion of Scripture means to them.

This practice is beneficial for everyone. Kids need to connect with Scripture actively and learn to discuss it with their peers, rather than just passively hearing an adult explain what it means.

Teaching kids to interact with Scripture will help prepare them for a lifetime of Bible engagement.

Faith Conversations

We don’t know what life will look like in 20 years, but we can be sure people will need Jesus. Therefore, we must equip Gen Alpha to evangelize and disciple others.

Since the advent of social media, it seems as though everyone is seeking a platform, while real conversations are harder to find. In such an environment, equipping kids to talk one-on-one with others about their faith can be revolutionary.

Making space for conversations is a vital part of every ministry. However, just because two people are talking does not mean an actual discussion is taking place.

There is value in learning to listen to others and speak confidently. Small groups are an excellent training ground for such lessons.

Consider using a talking stick, a physical symbol that one person has permission to address the group. After a child speaks, he or she returns the talking stick. No one gets it a second time until everyone has had a chance to share.

Offer kids phrases for keeping discussions going, such as, “Tell me more about that.” Talk about key words children can use during faith conversations, including “Jesus,” “forgiveness,” and “friend.”

For those who are reluctant to speak, provide sentence starters, such as, “I love Jesus because … .”

These simple exercises can help kids gain confidence and feel more empowered to talk with others about Jesus.

Throughout history, God has raised up leaders amid cultural change. Each time, He used teachers who saw the signs of the times and prepared the next generation to stand firm in the faith and proclaim the truth of the Kingdom.

Even in this digital age, kids need to learn in analog ways. These foundational approaches will help the members of Generation Alpha become all God created them to be.

This article appears in the Fall 2023 issue of Influence magazine.