In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the newest generational cohort that sociologists and marketers are playing close attention to - Generation Alpha. Ranging in age from those born in 2010 through 2025, Gen Alpha will be the first generation raised fully in a world of technological integration. So what does the church, as well as the wider world, need to understand about this generation? What makes them unique?
Dr. White has authored two books centered around the profiles of particular chunks of our society: The Rise of the Nones - those who refuse to identify themselves with any particular religion, and Meet Generation Z - an inside look at the inner world of Gen Zers, their cultural context, and their relationship with faith and God.
We're just seeing the beginnings of books and articles focusing on Gen Alpha and trying to learn more about them. Here are some that we'd suggest for you:
Harriet Walker, “We're Generation Alpha (14 and under with millions of followers),” The Times UK.
April Rubin, “‘A landmark generation': Introducing Gen Alpha,” Axios.
Mark McCrindle, Ashley Fell and Sam Buckerfield, Generation Alpha: Understanding Our Children and Helping Them Thrive (Hatchette: Australia, 2021).
Marcia Lawrence, “Welcome ‘Generation Alpha'— the Youngest Pre-Consumers,” The Emporia Gazette.
Adrianne Pasquarelli and E.J. Schultz, “Move Over Gen Z, Generation Alpha Is the One to Watch,” Advertising Age.
“Generation Alpha,” Hotwire.
Finally, never will parental involvement be more important than for Gen Alpha, who have so much access to information but so little access to wisdom. Dr. White has delivered a number of series at Mecklenburg Community Church on topics related to the family and parenting. You can find those messages HERE. And parents need to have the courage to have honest conversations with their children about faith. We'd suggest you read an article by Kara Powell and Steven Argue from Christianity Today titled “The Biggest Hindrance to Your Kids' Faith Isn't Doubt. It's Silence.”
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