Revolutionizing Our Churches

Is it necessary to innovate and design new learning techniques for children in our ministries?

By Marlen Soria

Creating routines is healthy and generally effective. However, when it comes to leadership, there comes a time when doing things the same way is needed to achieve results. Human beings are constantly changing, and as technology advances, the world experiences this change as well, leading to new needs for humanity. It’s no secret that when we welcome this new generation into Sunday School classrooms or any other local ministry, we quickly notice their tendency to get bored almost immediately. Demographer Mark McCrindle revealed the name of the most recent generation in history. This group is known as Generation Alpha, and it stands out for being one of the wealthiest generations but also the most digital and sustainable in history. This generation, born in the 21st century between 2010 and 2024, with around 2 billion young people, is known for being highly consumer-driven. It’s likely to become the most numerous generation, with the largest concentration in Asia, particularly in China and India.

The characteristics of this generation revolve around the digital world, as platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Discord, Snapchat, and others are not distractions for them but essential aspects of life. Generation Alpha is also known for having a more developed awareness of sustainability, as they have grown up in a world facing a global climate emergency that requires urgent attention. This generation is increasingly aware of the importance of preserving the natural resources we still have. However, another feature of this generation is that they grew up with a broader knowledge of brands and marketing, making them more consumer-oriented. Video game platforms represent a field for development and professionalization, as success in them can open doors to a world of opportunities with different brands that can sponsor you, offering a lifestyle filled with luxury and global travel. This is why we can confidently say that the gaming industry worldwide is and will continue to be the fastest-growing and most developed sector.

Does this give you a clue as to where I’m headed? The world has already changed, leading me to ask: Is your church or children’s ministry still using the same tools, programs, and teaching techniques from 10 years ago? Is your children’s ministry prepared to welcome Generation Alpha into its classrooms or sanctuary? It’s said that Generation Alpha learns through “gamification,” a new learning technique that uses game dynamics in the educational field.

The challenge is significant for those of us who grew up in analog generations or are in the process of digitizing. This is why it’s important for pastors and leaders to occasionally question the strategies we need to change to see effectiveness in our ministries. Sometimes, it requires us to step out of our comfort zone and wonder if the changes we’re making are truly necessary or pleasing to God. If we keep doing our programs the same way we always have, we risk losing the generations already present in our churches. Continuing to develop our ministry with the tools, resources, and examples from the past may work for now, but we have entered a completely digital world. This doesn’t mean we need to change the message of the Gospel, which, though we continue to evolve, can never be altered. The message of salvation still centers on Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross as the goal, and it remains sacred. But dear leader, how you’re trying to reach the new generations may need to be revolutionized to begin seeing results. Are you ready for change?

Among the platforms I invite you to explore, which incorporate gamification and other digital strategies, are: