Axis Conversations Dr. Kara Powell on How Gen Alpha Does Faith Differently
Mar 17, 2026
Dr. Kara Powell, Executive Director at the Fuller Youth Institute and leader in youth faith research. She explains who Gen Alpha are and how their post-pandemic, tech-saturated lives shape identity and belonging. Family plays a bigger role in their faith. Conversations should start with listening, then gentle nudges toward purpose and trusted adult relationships.
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Post Pandemic Tech Shapes Gen Alpha Identity
- Gen Alpha faces the same developmental quests as prior generations but with distinct contexts like being the first post-pandemic cohort and heavier technology use.
- Kara Powell notes they're navigating identity, belonging, purpose while streaming and multi-user tech reshapes family rhythms.
Gen Alpha Names Family As Primary Faith Influence
- Gen Alpha explicitly identifies family as the primary influence on identity, belonging, purpose, and faith, more than peers.
- Kara Powell reports survey responses naming parents, caregivers, grandparents and siblings as top formative influences.
Factor Parenting Style Into Faith Formation
- Consider how pandemic isolation and millennial parenting styles may explain Gen Alpha's stronger awareness of parental influence.
- Kara Powell suggests millennial parents' emotional attunement and focus on feelings likely create safer home spaces kids recognize.