Unlike any generation before them, today’s youth are “equipped to gather,” said Brother David J. Wunderli in his first address as first counselor in the Young Men general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I am certain that just as they have been prepared and equipped for this time, each of us here today were prepared to be their loving parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, advisors, friends and examples,” he told those present at the Friday devotional held as part of BYU Education Week.
During the devotional, Brother Wunderli remarked that youth belonging to “Generation Z and now Generation Alpha are gifted with talents needed to navigate these times and to perform their great responsibility of gathering Israel,” as reiterated by church President Russell M. Nelson.
These gifts and talents, according to Brother Wunderli, include:
- Being “digital natives” who, having grown up with smartphones, social media and the internet, are “highly tech-savvy and comfortable with digital communication.”
- Showing a “strong awareness and concern for social issues” such as climate change, racial equality and mental health.”
- Striving for “diversity and inclusion,” as they themselves are “more ethnically diverse than previous generations” and tend to value inclusivity and representation.
- Being “educationally driven,” often prioritizing education and self-improvement.
- Possessing an “entrepreneurial spirit,” leading many to pursue entrepreneurial ventures facilitated by digital platforms.
- Being “practical and realistic,” including by having a “pragmatic outlook” on careers and finances.
- Valuing authenticity over “polished or exaggerated portrayals.”
- Being “more open” about discussing mental health issues and seeking help.
- Preferring personalized experiences, like through customized content and products.
- Retaining a “global perspective,” as formed by their exposure to “global cultures and issues.”
Brother Wunderli explained each of these talents are “useful in gathering others into the fold of the Savior’s gospel, others who likely will be coming from vastly different life experiences from all corners of the earth.”
Today’s youth, he taught, “are gifted with talents needed for gathering authentically. They are slow to judge and quick to love. They are sensitive to exclusionary rhetoric. It is natural for them to invite, include and love. These are their super powers.”
Yet, with the day’s challenges, Brother Wunderli said today’s youth need the guidance of good parents, leaders, friends and mentors to learn how to guard themselves with the “armor” of God.
He pointed to the significance of this counsel by recounting a dream he once heard a speaker share in a training. In this dream, a man found himself walking through a valley where he saw thousands lay dead as a result of a “great battle.”
As he walked through this valley, the man came upon his son who was “drawing his last breaths” and, looking up at him, said: “Dad, why didn’t you teach me how to put on my armor?”
Hearing this dream had a “profound effect” on him, Brother Wunderli said. It helped him recognize the “impact of the responsibility” he had to raise his own children and help them learn how to put on their armor.
Thus, with “urgency,” Brother Wunderli called on listeners to attend the youth with “great earnestness.”
“(Today’s youth) are arming themselves for battle,” he said, “and when they take a bullet or step on a land mine, they will need all of us to help administer aid, to put our arms around them … and point them to (Christ’s) redemptive power.”
Some ways Brother Wunderli said listeners can fulfill this invitation is by learning with the youth how to receive personal revelation, studying with them the principles taught in the “For the Strength of Youth” guide and being “additional witnesses” of Christ to them.
Today’s “little ones,” he said, are “more capable” of understanding, feeling and growing spiritually.
“They need leaders and mentors that will reinforce those gifts and talents,” he urged, adding that their armor is “thick enough” to protect them, but they may need help putting it on and keeping it on.
Brother Wunderli also clarified that the call to aid the youth extends beyond church bishops and advisors. “All in the ward can unite to help prepare for battle,” he said.
“We don’t need to receive an official call as a leader or advisor to lift and encourage our youth. We can all learn each of their names, we can learn their interests, we can say their names each Sunday as we see them and greet them. We can notice them, encourage them and help them look to Jesus for healing.”
Brother Wunderli closed by affirming his belief in the youth, charging listeners to stand with the “rising generation.”
“(Today’s youth) are answering the call to be gatherers, and we are being asked to stand with them,” he said. “May we help this rising generation along their journey, and acknowledge their capacity to cast wide nets that gather all that desire to come in.”
