Rick Mattson's Blog, page 3
May 9, 2023
Apologetics for Kids, Part 2 of 3: What of Those Who’ve Never Heard the Gospel?
Part 1 is here. How do we communicate the gospel to kids? I’m no expert. But I am an experimenter. Here’s the latest: I’m working with two of my grandsons, age 11 and 9. I love them both! They’re growing up in a strong Christian home. My main thesis is that they (and many kids) […]
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Apologetics for Kids, Part 2
Part 1 is here. How do we communicate the gospel to kids? I’m no expert. But I am an experimenter. Here’s the latest: Zay is 11, Josh 9. I love them both! They’re two of my grandkids and are growing up in a strong Christian home. My main thesis is that they (and many kids) […]
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April 7, 2023
A Gen Z Additive, Part 3 of 3: Making A (Caring) Case
In the prior post, I suggested an overall conversational approach for relating to Gen Z. It involves asking good questions, listening carefully, sharing from our own lives, and using “I” statements rather than definitive “truth” statements. This approach helps build trust if done sincerely and prayerfully. At some point the Lord may open a door […]
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March 20, 2023
A Gen Z Additive, Part 2 of 3: Building Trust
In my prior post I offered some general notes about Gen Z gleaned from online and InterVarsity sources. My own “additive” consists of four suggestions for relating to Gen Z. They arise from my many experiences in dorm lounges, classrooms, student unions . . . and too many zoom calls to count. The four suggestions […]
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A Gen Z Additive, Part 2
In my prior post I offered some general notes about Gen Z gleaned from online and InterVarsity sources. I’d like to add a personal touch to those notes. It can be summarized in two words. The first is . . . Contextualize. At first, with bigger groups of students, it’s fine to walk into a […]
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A Gen Z Additive, Part 1 of 3: Who is Gen Z?
Having trouble understanding Gen Z these days? In education, Gen Z refers to middle schoolers all the way up through graduate students in their mid-20s. A few Gen Z characteristics include low religious affiliation, mental health struggles, left-leaning political views, and acceptance of non-traditional understandings of gender and sexuality. Gen Zers are justice-minded, racially diverse, […]
The post A Gen Z Additive, Part 1 of 3: Who is Gen Z? appeared first on Rick Mattson Outreach Ministry.
A Gen Z Additive
Having trouble understanding Gen Z these days? In education, Gen Z refers to middle schoolers all the way up through graduate students in their mid-20s. A few Gen Z characteristics include low religious affiliation, mental health struggles, left-leaning political views, and acceptance of non-traditional understandings of gender and sexuality. Gen Zers are justice-minded, racially diverse, […]
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January 31, 2023
Muslim Dialogue
I just finished my fourth public conversation with a Muslim leader. In this case, Rihabi Mohamed, PH.D. I found him to be polite, articulate, and caring. A model dialogue partner. * Three things (of many) that I’m learning, through these events: 1. Know thyself Muslims educated in the Quran tend to press Christians on several […]
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December 10, 2022
Apologetics for Kids, Part 1 of 2
My daughter Kelli and husband Greg have a vision for educating their five boys in the ways of the Lord. This includes giving them plenty of “why’s” to believe in Jesus. So Kelli recruited me to give the first lesson, which I delivered recently to the two oldest — aged 11 and 9. Both are […]
The post Apologetics for Kids, Part 1 of 2 appeared first on Rick Mattson Outreach Ministry.
Apologetics for Kids
My daughter Kelli and husband Greg have a vision for educating their five boys in the ways of the Lord. This includes giving them plenty of “why’s” to believe in Jesus. So Kelli recruited me to give the first lesson, which I delivered recently to the two oldest — Isaiah (11) and Joshua (9). Both […]
The post Apologetics for Kids appeared first on Rick Mattson Outreach Ministry.


