I’ve been a tech nerd for as long as I can remember. When my family moved to the U.S. from Korea, I saw my first computer—a Commodore 64—and it was like stepping into a whole new world of possibilities. That little machine ignited something in me. From that moment on, I was hooked. By middle school, I was devouring William Gibson novels, dreaming about the digital frontier. Later, I became a computer programmer, always eager to adopt the latest tech, always fascinated by where it could take us next.
But along the way, I learned something just as important: for all the power and potential of technology, nothing replaces real human connection. As much as I love the digital world, I’m a people person at heart. Ministry, like life, isn’t just about being high-tech—it has to be high-touch too. And that’s never been more relevant than it is today.
Our job is to help students navigate a digital world
without losing sight of the relationships that matter most.
Our students are growing up in a world where screens dominate their attention, and digital connectivity often comes at the expense of personal connection. They’re more connected than ever, but many of them feel more isolated, anxious, and unsure of their place in the real world.
So how do we, as youth leaders, navigate this digital landscape while keeping relationships at the center of our ministry? That’s why I’m so excited for YLO138: “Technology: Ministering In A World Of Anxious Digital Natives.”
In addition to all the great new music, I got to sit down with youth ministry leaders and a Christian Rap Artist and have a wide-ranging discussion about students, technology, and personal discipleship. The Technology Roundtable is pretty cool, and I’m excited to get it to you!
Youth Leaders Only, in its 40th year, helps youthworkers in thousands of churches be aware of the music their students are listening to, use all forms of music in their ministries, and equip their students to make wise choices about the music & media they have in their earbuds 9 hours every day. A membership costs less than the price of a pizza each month! The theme of the current YLO is “Technology: Ministering In A World Of Anxious Digital Natives.” Click here to get it!
Technology isn’t going anywhere, and neither is the need for real, personal ministry. The challenge for us isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s finding the balance. Our job is to help students navigate a digital world without losing sight of the relationships that matter most.
So, let’s embrace the tools at our disposal while never losing sight of the heart of ministry: real people, real relationships, and real discipleship. Because in a world of anxious digital natives, what they need most isn’t just more connection—it’s true connection.
On mission with you,
Rob Brower
interlinc Editor
[email protected]
