This past weekend I was doing some research about parenting and education when an interesting article about the “Alpha Generation” got my attention. Then I thought, another label for our youth culture!

We have all heard of Gen X, Gen Y, even Gen Z – but in January 2012 we stared at the beginning of the alphabet and welcomed to the world the next title: Generation Alpha.

According to News.com.au the main highlights of this “Generation A” are:

It’s not my desire to create a debate against technology but to raise a flag among our families and friends to slow down and observe our current generation and then honestly ask ourselves; Are we ready to raise Generation Alpha?

I feel that I owe them something! There are plenty of reasons for this generation to feel a little bit anxious. This generation has been exposed to so many failures including divorce, abuse, poor schools, recession, youth poverty, teen suicide, outrageous education and living expenses, failure of religious institutions, national debt, high taxes, environmental devastation, drugs, parents that need to be parented, violence, unstable economic security and a premature lost of their childhood.

We have some issues to contend with. As a church, Christians, parents and educators we still have a huge responsibility with this generation. Think about this, our kids sitting at their desks; are learning and receiving the spiritual truth which will affect the already labeled Generation Alpha.

Pop culture usually defines and frames a generation based on their sociological patterns of behaviors and technological advancements. But I believe it’s really the Gospel that is key for our society’s transformation. The Apostle Paul lived in one of the most immoral and politically corrupt societies that the world has ever known. But here is the key: He effected change in society one heart at a time. In a short period of time, Christianity became the official religion of the empire that once threw its followers to the lions.
Additionally, if technology has the power to shape and affect the cultural behavior of an entire generation; then raising kids with a “worshiping heart and attitude” is way more powerful.

I am not talking about signing Hymns and songs. I’m talking about a life attitude of humility and surrender…A lifestyle! This attitude is well described in Romans 12:1-3

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” MSG

At VWCS we believe in the generation of impact and transformation. The main characteristic of this generation is that they are “True Worshipers,” they worship in spirit and truth. If you have an opportunity, listen to Pastor Dennis Rouse’s recent sermon “Worship Warfare”

At VWCS, we have the opportunity to give meaning and significance to a student’s life. But we can’t do it by ourselves! Teamwork and partnerships are critical!
More than ever, parents and educators must work together to provide a “safe environment.” I’m talking about a space where life’s transformation and mind renovation occur as the result of our lifestyle of worship!

We are on a mission! We are living in the most resourceful, intellectual and creative time that we have seen in the past 50 years. Generation Y, Z and Alpha could be remembered as:

• Born in Christ
• A new generation that will be called “True Worshipers”
• Will be true disciples of Christ (not just followers)
• Will begin a relationship with God earlier and stay in their faith longer
• It’s likely they’ll be the most innovative and most mature generation ever
• These ‘Worshiper’ kids will be shaped in the Word of God and they are generous or extravagant givers.