Based on his extensive research, Dr. Tim Elmore, founder and president of Growing Leaders and an expert on the culture of emerging generations, wrote the following about ‘Generation iY’, the generation born after 1990:

• They are 40% less empathetic than earlier students.
• They are twice as likely to not finish high school.
• They are less altruistic and more self-absorbed.
• They are postponing adulthood. 26 is the new 18.

This makes the task of discipling young people in the ways of God much more difficult. The environment is hostile towards educators who desire to pass on timeless principles of scripture (sacrifice, humility, obedience, discipline). But all is not lost. This generation is also highly relational, very spiritual, desires authenticity, craves mentors and is extremely pragmatic. When a trusting relationship is established, this generation will dive headfirst into learning.

What works today, and is more necessary than ever is similar to what worked in biblical times. We need:

• Educators who listen and not just talk
• Students who humbly submit themselves to their teachers
• Educators who embody what they are teaching
• Students who embrace transformation not just information

The greatest example is the relationship Jesus had with his disciples. Always in the moment, ready to use metaphors and stories, asking powerful questions and caring enough to patiently listen to the real need being expressed; Jesus provides a beautiful template for the teacher. In my experience as a discipler of young people, I have found that simply being available, listening well, being transparent and following Jesus’ example, you will be given a great opportunity to speak into the lives of young people which will in turn challenge and inspire you!

Did you know that students in grades K-12 will spend, on average, 1080 hours per year within a school setting? In a child’s most impressionable years, that is an enormous amount of foundation laying; of worldview shaping. Parents have the God-given responsibility to train up their children, but as an extension of that authority, schools exist to support parents in the training process. When a child is old, they will not generally depart from that early foundation, be it oriented toward God or away from Him. Thus, children rely on their authorities, primarily parents and teachers, to teach them about what is right, true, and real. Therefore, the task of educating the next generation in the ways of God remains paramount in an increasingly hostile world.

While some would suggest that education today is values neutral, we know that someone’s values are being taught to our children every day. Education is not merely informational in nature, but transformational, in that it shapes the mind and heart of a child as it relates to how they view themselves and the world around them. In other words, the teaching process is a discipleship process, and the destinies of young people are always at stake. Is it any wonder that a consistent attack on the Judeo-Christian values taught to children has been underway in order to cut off future generations from the things of God?

So imagine what would happen if we could capture the hearts of young people for Christ now. The Church’s task of discipleship must be as focused upon children as it is upon adults. We must move beyond Sunday school to Monday through Friday schooling as well.

Knowing how seriously Jesus treated children, we must quicken our efforts to raise the next generation of spiritual champions.