When You See Fireflies: Equipping Leaders and Parents to Minister Effectively to Generation Alpha

When You See Fireflies: Equipping Leaders and Parents to Minister Effectively to Generation Alpha

Do you know Generation Alpha? Do you understand them? Generation Alpha are the children who were born between 2010-2024. If you are a parent or leader of these children, you need to understand the unique culture they have been born into. For the earlier generations, technology has been introduced gradually, but Generation Alpha is the first generation to be born into technology . They are a unique group that needs unique answers. This book is full of research, information, and helpful suggestions. If you have children under the age of 13, you need to read this book! BONUS: When you purchase the book, you get the audiobook for FREE! "I get asked to review a lot of books. I'm so glad I got to read this one. Janine offers a fresh approach to reaching today's kids. We won't reach this present generation of kids with yesterday's strategy. Here's a current strategy to reach today's kids. I highly recommend this book." JIM WIDEMAN Family Minister Pioneer. "When You See Fireflies is filled with relevant and timely information about Generation Alpha, the children we are ministering to right now. It will equip you to understand who they are, why so many are leaving the church, and how to help this generation develop lifelong faith in Jesus. This book is a treasure trove for those in children's ministry as well as parents, educators, and even grandparents." DR. JOSH MULVIHILL Author and Executive Director, Renewanation. "When you read Janine's book, you are convinced of four things: (1) She understands and models grace even in the way she encourages others, (2) She knows children and the challenges in teaching them, having had years of experience, (3) She knows how times have changed and is forward thinking in her approach, (4) She recognizes the need for a clear presentation of the gospel. Anyone, particularly those working with children, would be helped by what God, wisdom, and experience have taught her." DR. R. LARRY MOYER Founder & CEO, EvanTell. "I am so impressed with this book! Janine has looked and seen the fireflies. She knows it's time for us to take action, and she wants to call the church to see and respond as well. Get a highlighter ready—there are so many nuggets of helpful truth in this book; it's one of those books you can go back to again and again and still find more to chew on. Not only is it full of fantastic research and insight, it provides practical and considerate steps for implementing change. Wow! This book is now on my 'highly recommend' list!" SEAN SWEET Preteen Pastor Community Director, FourFiveSix "When You See Fireflies is a book that can help you reach today's kids and families. You'll get an eye-opening look at how today's children and parents are wired and how you can best connect with them. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to take your children and family ministry to the next level and impact people for Christ." DALE HUDSON Founder, Building Children's Ministry. If you parent or lead children who belong to Generation Alpha, you NEED to read this book. Don't assume that this group is the same as previous children. Born into a world like no other, they have unique needs. We need to understand them if we are to reach them! Are you wondering why your old methods aren't as effective with this new generation? Are you seeing families become sporadic with their attendance at church? If you are looking for answers, this is the book for you! It is full of short informative chapters combined with practical suggestions! "When You See Fireflies" is available in paperback and eBook format. The audiobook is FREE with purchase! FOREWARD Many of us feel strong emotions when reflecting on our childhood. It may have been idyllic, with laughter and smiling family memories. Perhaps it was mediocre at best, with turn-key parents and the occasional forgotten permission slip. Worse still, it might be painful, a place that we try to revisit as infrequently as possible. For me, one of the first things that comes to mind is the innocence of the world I grew up in, compared to the darker world into which I'm preparing to welcome my twin boys. My brother and I often spent the spring and summer nights in Southern New Jersey playing in our backyard, loving the coolness of the evening, and chasing fireflies. We were enamored with catching and releasing as many as possible and tracking them by their distinct glow. We'd often ask my mother when we needed to be back inside to prepare for bed, and her response would be, "When You See Fireflies." It's a phrase that represents the innocence of my childhood in such a big way. There was no cell phone to quickly 'check the time' or the technology stifling every waking moment. In many ways, I've grown up in a time where I feel as though I watched the world change, arguably for the worse, all due to the pressures and changes that technology and social media have brought into our lives. I'm not doubting the benefits, but I think we forget that the b