The resource person was Mr. Mark McCrindle, a well-known Australian demographer, futurist, and social researcher. He is the founder and principal of McCrindle Research, a social research firm that provides insights and trends analysis on demographics, social change, and cultural shifts.

McCrindle is often featured in Australian media, sharing his expertise on topics such as population growth, generational changes, and social trends. He has also authored several books, including "The ABC of XYZ: Understanding the Global Generations" and "Word Up: A Lexicon and Guide to Communication in the 21st Century".

McCrindle's work helps organizations, businesses, and governments understand and navigate the complexities of demographic change and social trends, making him a respected voice in his field.

He affirmed, “In today's rapidly changing world, the church faces a critical challenge: engaging and connecting with Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2009, and Alpha, born since 2010.” This generations are often characterized by its technological savviness, diverse perspectives, and desire for authenticity, which presents both opportunities and obstacles for many churches.

In his talk, McCrindle pointed out that these generations, rather than post-religious are post-secular, and that, in fact, if invited directly by friends to attend religious services they are much more likely to do so than, for example, today's adult-seniors (baby-boomers - born between 1946 and 1964). He also added that the scepticism often shown towards religion is not specific to it, but rather the result of a general suspicion towards all socially recognised and in their own way traditional institutions, as part of a world that has developed well-being and comfort to the highest level, but has not given them reasons for meaning and perspectives.

At the same time, the Australian researcher encouraged those present to believe in the possibility of communication between the Church and Generations Zeta and Alpha, emphasising both that “the points of contact between the generations are greater than the points of division”, and that the Church, as the one, great, true intergenerational institution of the world, has within itself the faculties to successfully address them as well.

In fact, almost paraphrasing Don Bosco - for whom there is nothing better than a young person to evangelize another young person - he urged us to try to intercept the boys and girls of the Zeta and Alpha Generations by getting help in the first place from other young people in this segment, certainly the most expert in the languages to be used.

Researchers report that Gen Z and Alpha exhibit a genuine desire for spiritual growth and authenticity. Rather than seeking charismatic pastors to preach at them, they desire meaningful relationships and mentors with a heart over head, who will walk alongside them on their faith journey.

To bridge the gap and build meaningful connections with Gen Z and Alpha, forward-focused pastors and church teams must draw practical insights and provide a roadmap for revitalizing church outreach, creating an inclusive environment for young adults to foster a more relevant church community.

In conclusion, Mr. McCrindle reminded the audience of the three Rs of 21st-century education: "Real, Relevant, and Responsive," which could replace the traditional three Rs of reading, writing, and arithmetic.

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