At the end of my sabbatical this summer I found myself asking, “Why do I still work for Young Life?” I had lost a sense of the “why” behind this work. That was about the time I came across my new friend, Kara Powell. Her spoken words and writing impacted me so much, that I sat down with her for an interview in September. She helped me rediscover the unique value we offer in Young Life and the importance of our work today.
I’d love to share with you what I found so impactful in my conversation with Kara, and how we are going to implement what we learned in our area.
Kara is the Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute and leads a team that creates research based approaches for youth ministries, churches, and parents. She has authored numerous books: “Sticky Faith,” “Growing Young,” and her new book “Three Big Questions that Change Every Teenager” to name a few.
Her research in “Three Big Questions” finds that this generation of kids under 18 is unlike any generation America has ever seen and can be summarized in three markers.
This generation is diverse. The 2021 census data shows that half of kids today are kids of color, and the country continues to trend towards higher levels of diversity. Also worth noting, is that ¼ of kids are 1st or 2nd generation immigrants.
This generation is anxious. Teenage anxiety rates have tripled and depression rates have quadrupled in the last few years. Data shows that half of kids today struggle with anxiety or depression.
This generation is adaptable. Kids have developed adaptability in recent years through hardship and are more aware and active in societal changes. Kids are engaged in “change,” and today are a significant force leaning into a variety of social changes.
Kara shares that the Church (including Young Life) is answering questions that kids aren’t asking. Her extensive surveys and research find that kids today are asking three simple yet profound questions. These are not new questions BUT the intensity and complexity that kids today are contemplating these questions at is at a level most adults cannot relate to.
The first question is, “Who am I?” (Identity). “How do I view myself?” As Kara shares in her book, we are rarely the sole influence on our identity. With the millions of words and ideas that are thrust in front of us each day, it is no wonder why kids are confused and looking for “handholds” as they search for their identity. Kara shares that a heartbreaking truth is that a majority of kids today believe they aren't enough.
The second question is, “Where do I fit?” (Belonging). “How do I connect with others?” With more “connection” available to kids through technology, kids are lonely. How do I connect with others, and where can I be myself? This question has a lot to do with safety and an empathetic space for kids to be authentic.
The third question kids are asking is “What difference can I make? (Purpose). “What is my contribution to the world?” Kids today, as I mentioned above, are engaged in change. They are outward focused and want to know how they put their passion towards work that makes an impact.
I believe that when Young Life is “working” we are experts in walking alongside kids as they navigate these questions. We can be and in many cases are world class guides in this journey.
Here are some ways we are using this book and content going forward in our area:
Centralize the “Three Big Questions” content and tools in our new leader training. These resources provide context and tools to immediately interact with kids where they are today. A major theme Kara covers is adults learning empathy, to “sit on the curb with a kids… to meet them where they are. We are built for this and can continue to get better and adapt to today’s kids.
Ensure the themes of identity and belonging are in our programmatic DNA. Are we weaving “identity” into our Club and Campaigners content?
Take an honest look at our environments like Club and Camp and ask if these create a place of belonging for kids? What can we do to create safety?
Re-up our efforts to get kids to experience “purpose” with service opportunities like Work Crew, Capernaum Buddies, and other opportunities.
I’d love to hear how you use and are inspired by Kara’s work.
Please consider buying her book and/or watching my interview with Kara. I hope you are encouraged as we pour our lives into kids and reminded of the role we play as Young Life Leaders.
Article written by: Andy Morman