Who are the role models for today’s 13-17 year olds?
That’s the question recently posed by Barna Group in his annual YouthPoll. The way youths answer this question has great import. According to the study,
Teenagers’ preferences and tastes greatly influence America’s cultural identity. The people teenagers look up to as their role models matter a great deal in determining the shape and substance of the next generation of churchgoers, consumers and citizens.
Youth were not permitted to identify their parents as role models. Yet, family members were still listed as the chief role models by 37% of respondents. Another 11% listed teachers as primary role models.
In the category of high profile leaders named as role models, President Obama and Jesus Christ tied with 3%.
Jesus once told fishermen to follow Him. Paul told his hearers to follow him as he followed Christ.
Each influences others for good or ill. The role models needed for today’s teens — be they kings or street-sweepers — are those who follow the Lord with all of their heart.
Your thoughts?
