Generation Alpha

Dear Pastors

Generation Alpha

Snooze for a few moments and before you know it another generational cohort is ‘nipping at our heels’………..every 15 years in fact.

Over the years I have found this an important and fascinating genre of literature. It has helped me understand my parents and their generation (the Builders). It has helped me to ‘understand me’ and my own age group (the Baby Boomers), not to say anything about my kids (the Millennials) and now my grandkids (Generation Alpha). it has also been a huge help to get a handle on the often ‘unspoken tensions’ between people of different ages and stages in my church. And I do mean a huge help. I hold a view if you ignore these insights as the pastor of your church you do so at your own peril.

The first crop of Gen Alpha kids turn 11 this year (tween’s). They are (and yet to be) born between 2010 and 2024. Very soon they are going to populate our high schools and youth groups.
There’s a lot to say about them but here are a few headlines to whet your appetite.

• By the time this generation is complete, in December 2024, Generation Alpha births will total two billion, and they will be the largest generation in the history of the world.
• Technology, customisation and now personalisation have shaped their childhood. You can buy a can of coke with your name on it……for crying out loud. Wow I am so excited about that……but I jest.
• We should in no way under-estimate the impact of Covid-19 on this generation. It will without a doubt impact on how they approach technology, education, work, face to face interactions and mental health for the rest of their lives. It could be likened to an event like WW2 was for the Builders. It has forever changed the way they think about life and the future. Actually, when I think about it, it probably has for all of us.
• There is already evidence emerging of ‘up-ageing’. That is to say growing up faster and being older younger.
• This generation have access to more information and external influences during their formative years than any generation before them and at a younger age than generations before them. This point alone is worth pondering on.
• Have you heard of the KIPPERS? It stands for Kids In Parents Pockets Eroding Retirement Savings. Gen Alpha are likely to continue this trend. Strap in your seat belts parents and plan on staying in paid employment for a very long time.
• It would be fair to say that Gen Alpha are living on the edge of an extraordinary age. An age replete with innovation and opportunity.
• McCrindle and Fell have identified five defining characteristics of Generation Alpha: Digital, Social, Global, Mobile, Visual.
• And perhaps the thing that worries me the most is how sanctity of life issues, human sexuality issues and climate change are impacting on this generation big time.

I often say that the world I grew up in compared the world my grandchildren (all of them Gen Alpha) is like another planet. My goodness, it really is a brave new world.

I have sourced many of the above points from a new book called “Generation Alpha – Understanding our Children and Helping Them Thrive” by Mark McCrindle and Ashley Fell. It is a wonderful book packed with insights for parenting, teaching, ministry, technology, screens and the future of work. Chapter 9 is all about Generation Alpha’s lifestyle.

Blessings
Alan

Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.