Solomon said, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). While universal values exist in every culture, too many church leaders use that statement as a way to dodge intentional investment in the next generation.

The late cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “I anticipate that a time is coming in history where technology changes so fast that culture, for the first time in human history, will be pre-figurative, where children will have to figure out for themselves what their values will be.”

The generation she predicted is currently filling our kids’ and youth ministries. We must understand three things if we are to reach these young people for Christ.

1. The next generation wants a timeless Word, not a trendy word. Trends come and go, but this generation is looking for something to which they can anchor their hearts.

Making the Word appealing shouldn’t be our objective. Rather, we should seek authentic ways to show students how the Word applies to their lives.

2. The next generation wants access. Hollywood spends millions creating movie trailers, billboards, Web materials, books and toys for movie premieres. Marketers know that one access point isn’t enough; they need to saturate the market.

The Church should be just as passionate about exposing students to the gospel. Yet many churches offer only one or two access points to programmed services. We should continually seek creative ways to connect this generation to the timeless truths of Scripture.

3. The next generation wants community. The only thing that speaks louder than cultural pressure is community. In fact, young people will gather in a place of community to escape cultural pressures they find uncomfortable.

Bringing the members of this generation into Christian fellowship even before we bring them through the doors of our churches is the key to reaching them. Community inspires loyalty and helps create a sense of belonging. If you invite them into your community, a decision to follow Christ will be more likely to stick.

Terry Parkman is the lead student ministries pastor at River Valley Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This article originally appeared in the June/July issue of Influence. For more print content, subscribe here.