Protect & Prevent - Creating Christian Leadership for Teenagers Living in a Globally Connected World

We may be living in THE most important time in all of history. Especially if you are a pastor, or Christian leader working with youth. Why? Because in 2022 the entire world was connected by 5G high speed internet at the same time as new technologies were introduced including AI, geo location software, global money transfer and mass audience live streaming. This is the first generation of young people in all of history that can reach the entire world AND at the same time the entire world can also reach them.

Nearly 5.5 billion people are online. Some are good, some are criminals. Some are criminals that see accessing and seducing American teens will generate millions for their poor country. Our young people must understand the world they now live in. What an incredible call to leadership for the faith-based community.

It is indeed a calling. It is a time to have discussions about truth and how to recognize it. AI will make everything seem real. It is a great opportunity to teach our youth to define (write down) their values. It is important to talk about digital morality. Some teens believe that what they do online doesn’t count because it is not real. What about shooting a cop in a video game, is that ok?

This is a great opportunity to talk about grace and forgiveness and helping others who are victims of cyber bullying. Christian young people need to know about financial sextortion of teenagers, how it works, what it looks like and how to protect themselves. And teens need to know the many positive ways technology can be used to help others. For example, talk about what it might look like to be a “cyber missionary” or creating a prayer circle with friends.

This is a great call to Christian Leadership to prepare the most important generation of kids that have ever lived, to use their knowledge and expertise to educate and protect the next generation of siblings, cousins, friends that live in a globally connected world.