This is an epic generation of students. Students not only love the word epic, but they live the word out. Tim Elmore’s book ‘The iY Generation” talks about how, as adults, we can learn to engage the current rising generation. His epic analogy is simple, but plays into the ministry of First Priority very well. Let’s take a look.
The E of epic is that they are experiential. “They are not looking for a sage on the stage, but a guide on the side.” (Tim Elmore via the Entreleadership Podcast) The more that we can coach and give them opportunities to experience the life that Christ has for them, the more interested they will be in our relationship. For First Priority, this means that the adults coach while the students lead. They live life at school everyday. For believers, they want to experience everything that God has in store for them day in and day out. First Priority gives them a weekly plan that empowers them on a daily basis to see their experience at school not just about learning, but as an opportunity to engage the hopeless with the hope-filled Good News they know and hold in Christ. The adults around them need to guide students to live out their call for Jesus everyday at school.
The P of epic is that they are participatory. They grew up with American Idol and similar TV shows that gave them the opportunity to decide the outcome. If they don’t get to vote, they aren’t as interested. They do not simply want to watch anymore. They grew up with a smart phone in their hand which allows them to participate in arranging their screen and in the clash of clans as they move through life. There needs to be a way in the ministry that we run to give them ownership of the outcome. For First Priority, that is the HOPE cycle. It is a clean and simple plan for them to implement weekly at school.
The I of epic is that they are image rich. Images are the language of the 21st century. Emojis and Instagram have helped shape this idea. Can we help students picture what life would be like if those in school lived a life of hope? What does that picture look like? Helping students learn how to articulate their faith story is the beginning of that picture for the school. This is the purpose of Prepare Week in the HOPE cycle. Many students cannot picture their school believing in Jesus because they aren’t clear about what God has done for them personally. Having students write and share their faith story (testimony) helps them bring clarity to that picture.
The C of epic is that they are connected. With the advancement of technology, in the smart phone specifically, they are more connected than they have every been. Yet, that perceived connection hasn’t filled the void of relational intimacy that we as humans long for. As believers even, students feel alone in our faith at school. Many students go to church with 20-30 in their youth group and go to school with 2-5 of those friends from church. With the gender and grade differences, they do not hang out daily with anyone who they talk faith with. Is there a way we can help them connect on that level at school? Again, for First Priority believes that there are more students who consider themselves Christian than any other group. Let’s connect them together with the call to connect as many in the school to Jesus as are interested.
Young people support what they help create. We can help them create a safe space in their school. They can create the opportunity for people to seek and share Christ. First Priority will be a movement that will change the lives of student leaders, lost students, the spiritual feel of the school, and eternity.
Peace,
Brad Schelling
