Although there has been lots of discussion about the millennial generation, we
should also start paying attention to tweens. Those are young people between the ages of
8 and 12. My interview with iShine founder Robert Beeson alerted me to some of the
sobering facts about these pre-teens.

A study by the Barna Group found that only one percent possess a biblical
worldview. Only 18 percent believe in moral absolutes. About a third (32%) believe
Jesus was resurrected. About the same percentage (36%) believe that the Bible is totally
accurate.

On the other hand, two thirds (68%) believe that being a “good person” equals
salvation and that they can earn salvation by their good works. And 80 percent say the
Bible, the Koran, and the Book of Mormon all teach the same truths.

To put it mildly, we have our work cut out for us. This generation has been
profoundly influenced by the media and pop culture. They consume 60 hours a week of
media, yet we expect to counter this pervasive influence with an hour in church each
week. No wonder tweens have a secular view on life. In their teen years they will be
living out the natural consequences of that worldview.

Add to this the fact that major life decisions are being made earlier and earlier. In
the past, high school or college was the time in which most decisions were being made
about money, sexuality, religion, and priorities. Now many of those life decisions are
being made in middle school. They are also facing peer pressure like never before.

Robert Beeson started iShine to begin to counterprogram tweens. The television
program, radio, social media, and music events are an attempt to produce positive,
Christian media that will connect with tweens.

These sobering facts should be a wake up call to parents and youth pastors. We
need to use biblical principles and the best resources to keep tweens from being the lost
generation.