One of Mark Twain's most famous quotes came following a false report about his death. While some historians differ on a few of the minor details, it appears this pseudo-obituary surfaced upon the death of a distant cousin whom reporters had mistaken for Twain. Now, over 100 years later, his purported answer, "The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated," has undoubtedly become one his most widely quoted sayings.

Twain's was a case where the facts about his death were misunderstood, and, thus, a false report was given. Something similar may very well be occurring in the church today regarding the spiritual vitality of today's youth. In this case, however, the facts are probably not misunderstood. They are very real. Take a recent Barna survey as an example.

The survey revealed that two out of every three adults claim to have a "personal relationship with Jesus that is active and influences their life." Conducted on a random sample of 1,002 adults, it also revealed a distinct difference between four age groups. Seventy-two percent of adults 65 or older (Builders), 70% of Boomers (ages 46-64) and 65 % of  Busters (ages 27-45) claimed to have such a relationship. Comparatively, only 52% of Mosaics (ages 18-26) said the same.

In his book, Battle Cry for My Generation, Ron Luce also refers to comparative trends among the four generations. Luce's statistics are quoted from a publication by Dr. Thom Rainer. Sixty-five percent of the Builders claim to be Bible-based believers, while only 35% of the Boomers, 16% of the Busters and a mere 4% of the Bridgers (a.k.a. Mosaics) make this claim.

I have great respect for The Barna Group and regularly refer to its reports. Barna's reputation is well regarded, both in Christian and secular circles. Likewise, Dr. Rainer is of strong repute and currently serves as president of LifeWay Christian Resources.

Their statistics serve us well in warning us about current trends. To place our head in the sand, ignore the warnings, and say they don't apply in our circles would be delusional, to say the least. At the same time, if we are not careful, these statistics can also lead to a pessimistic outlook and cause us to write our own premature obituary of this generation.

Instead, such reports should renew our ardor for Christian education and enthrall us with an invigorated zeal to minister to the students in our care. Studies like these can be used as a clarion call to our students in awakening them to the task set before them and to the call of God upon their lives.

Christian education may not be the only answer to turning the tide on the current trends, but it is by far one of the most influential and powerful means of doing so. While the percentage of students in Christian schools pales in comparison to those in public schools, their potential should never be underestimated. Scripture seems to lend itself to the thought that God seems to delight in using a faithful few to withstand the onslaught of a majority. Daniel and his three companions and Gideon and his army are examples of this.

I sincerely believe the hope for the future of our nation lies in the hearts of those sitting in the desks in our schools. From Pre-K all the way to 12th grade, our students must realize that God has a unique call upon their lives to make a difference in their world. We must paint the vision for them and enable them to rise above the negativity they face every day. We must express our confidence in their ability to fulfill the Great Commission and be light and salt in their world. Like Mark Twain, they will then be able to say, "The report of the spiritual death of our generation was greatly exaggerated!"

"Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it" 1st Thessalonians 5:24.

May God abundantly bless your efforts as you continue to disciple the students in your care.

Roy Faletti
Vice President of Educational Services.