The Gen Alpha Shift: 3 Things Every Kids Ministry Must Change Now

Jul 15, 2026

Gen Alpha kids (born 2010 to 2024) are reshaping what families expect from children's ministry, and most churches need some practical, achievable adjustments to keep up. In this episode, Scott and A.J. walk through three concrete changes any church can make to better reach Gen Alpha kids and their parents. Whether your church is just getting started or looking to sharpen what you already have, this conversation will give you a clear path forward.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are the co-hosts of the Church Revitalization Podcast, produced by the Malphurs Group, a church consulting organization dedicated to helping churches move from decline to health. Scott brings the perspective of a millennial parent raising Gen Alpha kids, while A.J. brings a Gen X practitioner's eye for what actually works in the local church. Together they offer frank, field-tested guidance for pastors and ministry leaders every week.

• [4:07] Communication With Parents: Why digital-first but not digital-only matters for millennial families
• [9:09] Finding the Right Communication Mix: Avoiding the constant deluge and building a consistent plan
• [11:18] Safety Systems: Why check-in and checkout protocols are non-negotiable for Gen Alpha families
• [17:18] Practical Safety Setup: Single point of access, digital check-in, and low-cost ways to make it work
• [18:36] Tech Expectations in the Classroom: Meeting Gen Alpha where they are without dumbing down the message

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