Research suggests that young people today, known as Generation Alpha (those born between 2010-2024), are likely to be one of the most globally aware generations yet. Growing up with social media, online videos and frequent digital access means they are exposed to global news and world events like never before.
So how do we use this opportunity to engage young people? How do we start conversations around justice, equality and fairness? How can we use this as an opportunity to help them understand what the Bible says about what they are seeing and hearing on their phones every day?
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In Micah 6:8, we read one of the clearest summaries of biblical justice: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8).
Here we read that justice isn’t optional, it’s something that God requires of us in how we live our day to day lives.
We see this theme running throughout the Old Testament and New Testament. In the laws given to Moses, God made provision for those who were vulnerable and experiencing hardship, reminding his people to not neglect others and to take care of their needs. Later, in Matthew 23:23, Jesus criticised the religious leaders for forgetting about these things. They followed minor religious duties, such as measuring tiny herbs from their garden to give a tenth to God, but neglected major moral duties outlined in the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. (“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices - mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law - justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.)
So, if young people are already asking questions like... why do some people have so little while others have so much? What should I do when I see someone treated unfairly? What does the bible teach about acting justly? Does my faith have anything to do with the challenges I see in the world?
Where do we start
This is a great opportunity to show young people that their faith matters and that the questions they are asking are relevant and important too. We can help them see that the Bible has answers to the questions they are asking. As we discuss and give them space to share, we can open up Scripture with them and point to passages that speak directly about justice, how we are to treat others, inequality, suffering, violence, and oppression.
We can also help them see that each of us has a part to play and that each of us can make a difference. Whether that’s through advocating for those whose voices aren’t being heard, using their gifts and skills to raise awareness, supporting a local charity, or simply showing compassion to a stranger.
By helping young people connect their faith to action, we can encourage them to live out God's call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.
And as we launch our new Faith Hub this month, we'd like to highlight one of our latest youth resources that can help begin the conversation.
The Trading Game
The Trading Game is a fun, interactive activity that brings issues of poverty and justice to life. It's designed specifically for young people (age 11-18), and it has proven to be a fantastic way of engaging young people with some of the world's biggest challenges.
Over the years, we've used it in schools, youth groups and shared it at national youth events. It's also connected with Year 10 Geography study of trade (in N.I schools).
Through the game, participants experience first-hand how trade can influence a country's prosperity, both positively and negatively. As they play, young people begin to understand the inequalities built into current global trading systems and explore how economic disparities between countries can be maintained over time.
The activity encourages discussion, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of biblical justice, global citizenship and our responsibility towards our global neighbours.
Whether you're a youth worker, teacher, church leader or volunteer, The Trading Game is an excellent resource for helping young people connect their faith with issues of global justice in an engaging and memorable way.
To find out more about The Trading Game, or to book a session led by one of our team for your school, church or youth group, please click here to email Amy from our Church team.
