For The Next Generation
Roy Faletti
TOPICS
This list is not exhaustive but gives an overview of some topics I've covered in recent years. The core content for each session can easily be expanded into multiple sessions. I also customize content based on recommendations specific to your ministry. All sessions are highly interactive with time alloted for group activity. If a topic of your choice is not listed, please note this in the contact form.
To Gen Alpha and Beyond
Defining generations is a modern idea. Even before the ink was dry on books about Gen Alpha, a name for the next generation was already coined—Gen Beta. This session examines new challenges today's students face that are truly unique to their generation. We’ll consider ways in which we may need to change our approach to effectively present time-tested truths in a relevant manner.
Reclaiming Biblical Identity—Image Bearer vs Self Creator
Carl Trueman describes culture as being “marked by plastic people who make and re-make themselves at will.” This “expressive individualism” is inward focused and elevates feelings as the authoritative factor for determining identity and discovering truth. We see it most prominently in gender identity but it also permeates other areas of culture. We’ll consider how we got here and ways to guide students to confront this both personally and culturally.
The Wonder of the Word—Reclaiming the Sanctity of Human Speech
The gift of speech is often overlooked as a vital component of a sound Christian worldview. Humans possess an innate ability to communicate, far above all other creatures. Today’s devaluing of speech ultimately devalues God’s creation of humans as His Image Bearers. We’ll discuss ways to help students view words as “creations and not just decorations” and enable them to place higher value on this unique gift.
Raising Resilient Students with Big Hearts and Strong Backbones
Daniel and his peers were exiled to Babylon. Our students are not physically exiled but living in what David Kinnaman calls “Digital Babylon,” the “…pagan but spiritual…crossroads that is home to every person with Wi-Fi and a data plan.” In her book "Resilient" Valerie Bell (Awana) says today’s students “… will need to be disciples as few generations before them. They will need to have spine and heart.” What must remain the same in our approach and what must we change to effectively cultivate a resilient faith in our students?
Christians and Culture—What is our Role?
What is culture? What is good about culture? What is bad about culture? What role has Christianity historically played in culture? How should we guide students to properly engage their culture?
Are We Waiting Too Late?
Topics once reserved for discussion only in the home and for older children are now openly presented without restraint. Satan is fighting hard for the minds of children at a much earlier age than ever before. We can no longer wait until middle school to address some of these sensitive topics. We'll discuss a basic framework in which these topics can be tactfully addressed in early elementary years.