Leadership: Today's Teens: Current Stats and Their Implications

Today's Teens: Current Stats and Their Implications

What we call them -- Generation Y, Millennials, or Echo Boomers -- matters little. That we reach them matters a lot! To those in youth ministry, this generation of teenagers, about 31 million, stands as the target of our efforts. Already, Generation Y has one million more members than did the baby boomers (1946-1964). And they’re growing! In fact, the teen population is expected to peak at 35 million by 2010.¹

Though trends and statistics shouldn’t define our message, they can help us improve our methods. With this in mind, here’s a look at some recent teen statistics², as well as the pros and cons which accompany the trends.

1. The average teen possesses about $90 week in discretionary money.

Pros: With more money and time than any generation before, today’s teens respond favorably to groups which demand a lot. Go for the jugular and set the bar high. It’s not only the leaders who are tired of low-level teams and uncommitted groups; our young people are frustrated, too, with low expectations. Of course, this current generation won’t take these high demands sitting down! They’ve got to be up and moving, out of their seat and on their feet. Demanding service projects and intense challenges draw the best from every teen, and these will be characteristic of futuristic youth ministries.

Cons: Consumerism and materialism continue to lead the list of evils brought about by affluence. Because most teens know, in the retail arena, several options exist for every purchase, this same attitude creeps into their search for a church. “What’s in it for me?” becomes the litmus test for many potential youth group members, as opposed to “where can I serve others most effectively?” The challenge of the next decade will be finding ways to counteract consumerism while staying relevant and up-to-date.

2. 48% of teens have considerable input into family decisions and purchases.

Pros: The days of the “Lone Ranger” youth pastor are gone, not only because it doesn’t work over the long haul, but also due to the fact that most students simply won’t tolerate dictatorial, one-man operations. They want ownership and input! While the philosophy behind peer leadership and student-led ministry is not new, those implementing it effectively are still in the minority. This observation crystallizes: There are still too many youth pastors/youth leaders pretending to be “pied pipers for teens, handling all the details of the ministry with their melodic image of charisma while their teens follow inactively, though willingly, in the background. Consequently, many youth groups are still spitting out spectators. If we’re really disciple-makers, then let us act on that calling and incorporate our disciples into the process, not as an audience, but as a team.

Essentially, the problem with gaining input and active leadership from students rests with the leaders, not the students. Our teens are ready and willing; few adults are. Unfortunately, many leaders are simply too afraid and insecure to allow young, emerging student leaders the opportunity to influence others. Why? Because it may mean failure, which would blow an image. How sad! Giving students the platforms and opportunities necessary to create God-honoring ministries will be a key ingredient in the future look of youth ministries.

Cons: Because people sometimes aren’t heard and often don’t get their way, boycotts, strikes, and picket lines are becoming more common. “If they don’t listen,” they reason, “we’ll quit!” In fact, just this month in my city, members of a prominent west-side high school boycotted club pictures due to an administrative decision they felt was “unjust.”³ Yes, leaders need to listen. But they must still lead the way, even at times when their decisions aren’t liked by a culture or clientele out of touch with God.

3. 37,000 teenagers die each year, of which 30% are killed in car crashes related to alcohol. Additionally, teens account for more than one million unintended pregnancies and 3 million cases of STD’s each year.

Pros: There is hardly a way to put a positive spin on these figures. Of course, if the cold, hard facts tell us anything, it’s this: Nothing takes the place of a caring, human being! Programs and events are fine, but it’s the one-on-one relationships, with God as the centerpiece, which make youth ministry fruitful. Above all else, connect your teens to people who can help connect them to God!

Cons: Addictions to destructive and dysfunctional behaviors abound, and few teens involved in these actions seem to be finding the adult-connectedness they need to carry them through the turbulent teen years. In fact, a recent YLC survey found that, of students with recurring problems involving alcohol, drugs, or pre-marital sex, 80% had no significant adult to whom they could turn. Combined with the breakdown of the family and the overall disintegration of authority in our society, you can see why youth ministries highlighting personal development through the supernatural power of God will thrive beyond the year 2000.

4. 82% of teens use the Internet, a cell phone, and/or pager in a routine week.

Pros: More than any generation before, these students will be able to use their technical skills exponentially for the good of God’s kingdom and world evangelization. Teach and train students how to fuse technology and theology.

Cons: Our entertainment age has undermined honest and transparent communication within relationships. People can talk yet never meet, fall in “cyber” love, or verbally slam another individual in complete anonymity, all from their computer. The downside of all this technology is we’re fastly becoming, not just non-relational, but anti-relational. This is unhealthy, not to mention unbiblical.

Two choices confront you: Avoid adapting to the trends and retreat into the past, or act aggressively leading your group toward the future. Let us refuse to wait in fear, but rather respond proactively to the current culture with methods reflecting both the Gospel and this generation.

¹USA Today. October 6, 1998.
²USA Today. October 5, 1998.
³Des Moines Register. October 13, 1998.

Todd
YLC

Copyright © 1998 - Youth Leader Connection, Inc. - All rights reserved.

Return to TOP
Professional Web Site Design by SunStar Media.