How do we deal with technology as we impact

“next” generations?

The rise of digital technology and social media has transformed how people communicate and engage with all areas of life, including their faith. Younger Christians, who are more digitally savvy, are using these tools in all kinds of ways, including to spread their message and connect with others. “Grandparents” (older generations) can sometimes struggle with technology in various ways and for multiple reasons.

As a baby boomer, I think my generation just believed what our parents believed. The next generations aren’t doing that. It is for that reason, we need to understand the use of technology. This will help us know how to understand the next generation, as well as the best way to reach them. 

To start, next generations have so much more access to information than we did. I remember one course in college that taught about different religions. Learning about these various religions motivated me to set up an appointment with my pastor to talk about them. There was very little impact on me and my beliefs. I was just curious. 

However, subsequent generations are being exposed to many diverse perspectives. Individuals are bombarded with a wide range of opinions and societal issues which influence their perspectives on social justice, ethics, morality, and yes, religion. These generations often connect social justice issues such as climate change, racial justice, and gender equality with their personal interest. Then they search for a way to align their faith with these challenges and concerns. This positioing can create generational tensions that stand against traditional teachings.

Another big challenge for us generationally, is how technology can isolate us. Our society as a whole, here in the U.S., promotes personal drive and success. Additionally, there are an array of tools and resources for those who desire to ‘do it yourself’. These resources can often lead people into developing their own views on faith and theology through ‘internet’ sources. Yet, as Christians, we are made for community. Andy Stanley often speaks about how we need to be in circles and groups rather than pews. 

So, what do we do to reach the next generations? What do we do at a minimum, to influence them? Here are a number of my thoughts.

First, grandparents need to embrace the reality that technology is here to stay. Rather than fighting it, and not using it, we need to take every advantage we can on the best use of it.

Secondly, we should straight away communicate with the next generations. While I do talk to my kids on the phone now and again, a lot of it is done via text. As my wife often points out, “you’ve been texting for minutes now. Why don’t you just pick up the phone?” But they mostly text, so I’m going to mostly text. 

Thirdly, worship. I see more of the younger generations worshiping online. All of us were driven to that during the pandemic. Many, from all generations, continued because of its convenience. After a time, our former lead pastor said, ‘ya know, you need to come back to the building and in person gatherings…’ I believe that is true, BUT… if the next generations are at least getting the right messages through online worship, we need to keep that up yet find ways to, at least from time to time, get them back in the building and in group gatherings. One way to do that is through special events. Invite them to come on baptism days. We run a summer series ‘at the movies’ that ties the movie messages to our faith. In the summer we have outdoor evening worship, allowing for a different way to gather that is attractive. Encourage them to come.

Lastly, and probably the toughest one, is about the ‘self-made’ theology from ‘internet’ sources, and just not believing how us older generations believe. What can we do about that? One way I have found to approach  it is by discussing topics in curious, flexible ways. 

I work more to influence, versus how I was taught, which was by forcing or almost bullying kids to just believe like I do. I point them very specifically to the Bible and not just ‘my opinion.’ I talk about where they feel they’ll end up after this life, and why. I talk about Jesus, and how He, too, cared about the social issues and injustices that they feel and with which they may align. 

I don’t have all the answers. But I hope this at least gets you thinking a little more about accepting technology and  how to impact and influence the next generations through the USE of it. 

Don Schin has extensive global experience in Asia with Fortune 500 companies. He now owns a franchise broker and consulting company. Don is a seasoned professional speaker and writer, authoring the book, “Can you Relate?” Don is active in his community where his time is devoted to men’s groups, local churches, and non-profit boards including recent past chair of the Bethesda Mission, the largest rescue mission in Harrisburg, PA. He also served as the chaplain for an AA baseball team through BaseballChapel.org. Don enjoys spending time with his wife, Kim, of 45 years. They have two grown children and seven grandchildren.

Image by Samuel Ijimakin from Pixabay