A new study from the Pew Research Center shows that there are real and substantial differences of opinion on social and cultural issues between the older and younger generations.

As you read this study, prepare to be shocked. Just because this generation of young adults isn't prancing around naked in the streets and burning flags doesn't mean that they are compliantly in agreement with traditional values.

Here's the link to an article about the study.

Here's a link to the study itself.


If you think you know what the young people in your life believe, think again. I encourage you to use this study as a conversation opener: "I was just reading about the differences in values between generations and thought it was interesting. I'd like to see how yours and my views compare and contrast. What do your friends think about these issues?"

What do you do if you find that young people you love are holding unbiblical beliefs?

You must build a bridge of trust before you build a bridge of truth.

In the Passing the Baton Training Course we show how to to do that. There are basically three steps:

1. Ask Permission. Think of truth as a flashlight. If someone shines a flashlight in your face, it's confrontational--even threatening. Your defenses go up. But if a person points the flashlight beam down the rocky trail you'll be treading, you feel relief and gratefulness.

Here are some simple conversation openers:
•    May I tell you about a personal experience that might make the way clearer for you?
•    Can I share something with you in a spirit of love?
•    I've had an experience that might shed some light on your current situation, and I'd be happy to share it if you're interested.
•    I know of another way that might work. Would you like to hear it?

2. Follow Up Consistently. John Stonestreet, one of the young men I've had the privilege to mentor, is Executive Director for Summit Ministries. He's also a successful mentor in his own right. John once told me, "It's pretty simple to mentor kids. I just stop them in the hall and ask a couple of questions about how things are going. A few days later I follow up to see how they're doing. It shows them that Im open to talking about what concerns them."

3. Answer a Question With a Question. One of my mentors bluntly told me, "Jeff, because you're a teacher, you assume that you have to teach in order for other people to learn. You're wrong."

I hate to admit it, but my mentor was right. I once went to hear a speaker who was addressing a complex political problem. He was so articulate that I found myself thinking, "I'm glad he's got my back on that issue. Now I don't have to think about it anymore."

Please understand: I'm not suggesting that there's no place for confrontation. But most people already know they fall short. What they need is encouragement-literally, someone to give them the courage-to do what they know is right.
My friend Gina told me that her late father did that for her by habitually asking his children, "What are your dreams, goals, and aspirations?"

"I got so tired of it," Gina said, smiling, "but I could never get away from it. I knew he cared, and that he would always encourage me and support me to live a better life."

Do you know adults who need to be mobilized to invest in the next generation before we lose them completely to non-Christian values? Check out the training resources we have available such as the Passing the Baton Training Course to learn how to do that.