What Young People Are Longing For (with Newt Crenshaw)
Sep 16, 2024
auto_awesome
Newt Crenshaw, the president and CEO of Young Life, shares invaluable insights on building authentic relationships with young people. He discusses a study revealing Gen Z and Gen Alpha's yearning for connection and stability, especially with adults. Newt highlights the struggles adolescents face with social media and underscores the urgency of fostering resilience. He encourages parents to actively engage with their children, emphasizing the significance of 'open window moments' for deepening relationships and guiding faith journeys.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha long for authentic relationships and stable connections with adults amidst the challenges posed by social media.
Young Life's relational ministry emphasizes the importance of proactive parental involvement and meaningful engagement to foster resilience in adolescents.
Deep dives
Upcoming Dad Tired Events
Several upcoming events for dads are scheduled, including the annual Dad Tired retreat and one-day conferences across various locations. The annual retreat will take place shortly, with signups available until the last day. Future events are planned in locations like Knoxville, Tennessee, and Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington, specifically for military personnel. Additionally, proposals for hosting a Dad Tired conference at local churches are encouraged, welcoming not only fathers but all men interested in the gathering.
Young Life's Relational Ministry Approach
The ministry described represents an extensive outreach effort aimed at adolescents through relational connections. Young Life employs a method termed the 'four C's': contact work, club gatherings, campaigners for deeper engagement, and camp experiences, to foster authentic relationships with youth. Contact work involves being present where young people spend time, followed by club events that blend fun with biblical teachings. Camps, often described as 'resorts for teenagers,' provide memorable experiences that further establish bonds between leaders and young individuals.
Insights from Recent Research on Young People
Research conducted with over 7,200 Gen Z participants identified key factors influencing their well-being and relationships. Contrary to popular belief that Gen Z is disconnected due to technology, findings suggest they seek real-life interactions and desire stable adult relationships. Additionally, many express feelings of unworthiness, with about 40% not feeling deserving of love, highlighting the need for supportive adult figures in their lives. For young individuals to thrive, substantial relationships, a sense of belonging, and self-worth are essential, and faith is linked as a contributing factor to these elements.
Encouragement for Dads and Engagement in Young Life
Dads are encouraged to maintain a proactive presence in their children's lives, as investments in relationships yield positive outcomes during teenage years. While younger generations may appear to drift toward peers, the importance of a caring adult cannot be underestimated. Young Life welcomes adults of various ages and backgrounds to participate in their ministries, extending opportunities for meaningful engagement with youth. Those interested can explore local clubs, volunteer as leaders, or even host gatherings, creating an environment that fosters genuine connections and mentoring.
Newt Crenshaw, the president and CEO of Young Life, a global ministry that reaches out to adolescents, discusses the relational ministry and the impact it has on young people. Young Life focuses on building relationships with young people through contact work, club meetings, campaigners (small group Bible studies), and camps. The study conducted by Young Life revealed that Gen Z and Gen Alpha desire authentic relationships, a sense of belonging, and stable relationships with adults. The study also highlighted the challenges young people face with social media and the importance of building resilience. Newt encourages parents to invest in their children's lives and be present for open window moments.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode