CCP109: On the Tool Belt Generation

In this week’s conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss a string of recent articles exploring the growing trend among Generation Z students who are deciding to forego college and instead head to vocational schools. There are a number of reasons for this to be sure - everything from the rising tuition costs of a four-year college education to feelings that the trades lead to a greater chance for job security. What is the impact that this will have on our culture?

Episode Links

Dr. White wrote a book specifically about this generation that is so helpful for having a better understanding of just what makes them tick. You can find Meet Generation Z: Understanding and Reaching the New Post-Christian World HERE. And then there were three articles that provided the fodder for today’s conversation if you’re interested in reading them:

“How Gen Z Is Becoming the Toolbelt Generation,” The Wall Street Journal, April 1, 2024.

Joshua Bay, “Survey finds many Gen Zers say school lacks a ‘sense of purpose’ and isn’t ‘motivating,’” Arkansas Advocate, April 30, 2024.

“Sense of Purpose in School and Work Drives Gen Z Happiness, New Gallup Survey Finds,” Walton Family Foundation, April 10, 2024.

One thing is clear: colleges need to change their existing models now before they find themselves without students to teach. Similarly, seminaries across the country are also facing this same challenge. Too many people are leaving seminaries with a lot of head knowledge, but very little practical knowledge when it comes to the day in, day out ministry of leading a church. Dr. White wrote a book titled, What They Didn’t Teach You in Seminary that tries to help fill in the gaps. You can find that book HERE.

Finally, the conversation led to a discussion of the Meck Institute’s Leadership Development Program - a program developed by Dr. White at Mecklenburg Community Church to help train up future leaders within the church. If you are interested in implementing a similar program at your church, you can find that program HERE.

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