The Power of OneÖrnek

If you were to walk into any crowded public space today, what would you see?

Years ago, before the release of the first iPhone in 2007, you may have seen total strangers chatting among themselves, a variety of conversations taking place. Today, the picture is quite different. Now, you’ll find people silently staring down at their devices instead of engaging with one another. This may even be true at your dinner table—if you still have one!

This shift underscores the rise of individualism—an ideology that asserts the interests of the individual are, or ought to be, ethically paramount to any other interest. This growing tendency toward self-absorption is at an all-time high. Just look around at the myriad of customized products, subscription boxes, workout and meal plans, curated music playlists, and shopping experiences—you name it—which are growing in popularity.

The rise of individualism may seem like terrible news if we are going to reach everyone. However, while we have reasons to be concerned, I believe we have much hope: Behind the headphones, devices, and recent trends is a generation that can completely change the world.

The generation born roughly between the years 1995-2015 is known as “Generation Z,” and is the largest generation on Earth today. This generation is key to the conversation about reaching every person on Earth with the message of Jesus. Yet, this dynamic group of young people is the most individualistic in history. With their unique worldviews, introverted tendencies, and desire to be seen, we must reach them personally, not categorically. In their quest for individuality, Generation Z is crying out to be noticed, and if we are going to reach this generation, we must focus on them as individuals.

At the same time, this tech-savvy, creative, entrepreneurial, racially diverse, and globally connected generation wants to change the world. They are not afraid to stand up against injustices and make their lives count. I contend that the greatest injustice in the world is that we have the means, the money, the mechanisms, the technology, and the power to share the good news of Jesus with every person on Earth, yet many still have never heard about Him and are on their way to an eternity separated from God. Can you imagine the potential of a passionate generation using technology and creativity to share Jesus with individuals all over the world? The impact will be massive!

I believe God is calling today’s church to re-personalize the Great Commission and once again focus on individual people. God’s heart is for everyone, and he invites each into a relationship with Him through His son: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” (Eph. 2:1).

By focusing on one we can reach everyONE!