From a Student’s Perspective: Reaching the Next Generation

Apr 8, 2025

Listen in as middle schoolers share their perspectives on faith and outreach. They dive into their favorite memories from youth camps and sports, highlighting the joy of community. Discover how student-led initiatives, like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, can spark collective prayer in schools. The hosts explore creative Bible study methods and emphasize the importance of authentic living and mentorship in spiritual growth. This fresh take reveals how to effectively engage with today’s youth and equip them to share the gospel.

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ANECDOTE

Unexpected FCA Success

Harper Pruitt started an FCA club at her middle school.
Despite initial nerves, the first meeting attracted 150 students, exceeding expectations.

ANECDOTE

SOAP Bible Study Discovery

Owen Worcester uses the SOAP method for Bible study.
He discovered the verse "He must become greater; I must become less" in John, which resonated with a local surf shop's name.

ADVICE

Consistent Christian Living

Parents should model consistent Christian living.
Harper Pruitt observes her father, Shane Pruitt, serving others both inside and outside of church.

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In Episode 6 of Season 5, hosts Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor welcome very special guests: Paul’s son, Owen, and Shane’s daughter, Harper. Instead of discussing strategies about the next-gen, we hear from Gen Alpha themselves. Discover what today’s middle schoolers wish youth leaders and pastors knew from their perspective and hear what’s impacted them most in their walk with the Lord. Learn fresh ways to reach students who need the gospel and how to equip believing students with gospel-sharing tools.

Also in this episode:

How to encourage students as they stand out from the culture because of their faith
How to strategically leverage students’ hobbies and interests for greater gospel impact
The significant and influential role volunteer small group leaders play in students’ lives
Ideas for equipping your students to reach their public-school peers with the gospel
Pastor and youth leader sermon-prep tips from the next-gen

Helpful Resources:

★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org

★ Subscribe to “The GenSend Podcast” on your favorite podcast platform.

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Shareable Quotes:

“I didn’t expect anyone to show up at our first FCA meeting, but 150 students came, and we had to move out of the classroom to a hallway.”
—Harper Pruitt

“Using the S.O.A.P. method helped me read the Bible more consistently.”
—Owen Worcester

“Personal is most powerful when it comes to discipling the next generation.”
—Paul Worcester

“There are so many ways to live on mission; a lot of that is just taking the interests and passion God’s given you and using it for His glory. It’s cool to see young people doing that.”
—Shane Pruitt

“It’s hard to be a Christian on my school team. Some girls will make bad decisions, so it’s tempting to follow them, but I keep my faith in the Lord. It’s made me a better leader.”
—Harper Pruitt

“Living on mission is intentionally engaging people with the gospel where you live, work, and play. And so, pastors and leaders, encourage your students to leverage what they’re already doing to be a light and point people to Jesus.”
—Lacey Villasenor

“There is a hunger for truth with young people. They want to know the Bible. They want to know doctrine and theology. They want to understand truth. This is not us just saying this for a generation; it’s them saying it themselves: ‘Hey, teach us the text. Teach us the word. Teach us how to live this out.’”
—Shane Pruitt