For young people in 2026, voices shout at them from every angle – parents and teachers are demanding they focus on school, while social media captures their attention with the latest trends and influencers tell them what they should wear, eat, and even think.
With all these voices and opinions fighting for their attention, it’s easy for the next generation to struggle to think about what’s happening beyond their own worlds.
In a world where approximately 40-42% of the population has never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ, we long to see the next generation encounter Jesus, respond to his call, and become effective members of his church and witnesses for him.
Recent research indicates a significant spiritual awakening among young people (Generation Z and Alpha), who are increasingly looking for something ‘bigger than themselves’ in an unstable world. That’s why we’ve created Beyond My World – to help churches inspire and equip the next generation for God’s glory.
Through worship, real-life stories, creative Bible teaching, and hands-on activities, the hour-long interactive session will help to challenge and inspire young people to look beyond their own lives and step into God’s bigger story.
At SIM UK, we’re convinced that no-one should live or die without hearing God’s good news. The reality of mission might feel overwhelming, but Beyond My World helps young people realise that it’s not too early to consider how God can work through their lives.
From walking alongside young families in Greece, to teaching Third Culture Kids in Liberia, supporting disabled children in Bolivia, and discipling young people in South Asia — many of our mission workers are using their God-given gifts to demonstrate Christ’s love to the next generation.
In Nigeria, Lisa uses her teaching, discipleship and trauma-healing skills to empower children living in a poverty-stricken area with a heavy influence of drugs and alcohol.
“We want to share with them the love and hope that Christ offers by providing the children with a safe place to go, a chance to hear his Word, loving teachers to care for them, and life skills such as reading and trades to help with their future,” says Lisa.
In Senegal, Helen works with the youth at her local church, and she longs to see the fruit of building up the next generation. Much of the Sunday school teaching is done by mission workers instead of local believers.
A colleague helped her to realise why: many of the adults in the church are first-generation Christians who never experienced Sunday school for themselves. Although they see the importance of teaching the next generation, it can be hard for them to see value in contributing themselves.
“We thank God that two of the pastor’s daughters, who did grow up in Sunday school, are now teaching. We pray that our current crop of teenagers will also become disciples who make disciples,” shares Helen.
This is our prayer for young people all over the world. Beyond My World will help this become a reality here in the UK as our Ireland Mobiliser, Beth Jennings, takes on an exciting new role as our Short-Term Programmes & Next Generation Coordinator.
At the heart of Beth’s new role will be to inspire youth leaders and their young people to think beyond their own corner of the world and consider those who’ve yet to hear the name of Jesus.
As we visit different churches to run the sessions, it’s a great opportunity for young people to open their eyes to what God’s doing in the local and global church, which not only inspires their faith, but also raises awareness to the gospel need that exists right now.
“There’s no right age to start thinking about God’s global mission, and I hope that we can help young people begin to understand this and ask God what he’d have them do with their lives to leverage it for the gospel.
“I’d love to see the next generation of prayers, senders, givers and those who will go on to the mission field be inspired and equipped through Beyond My World.
“We can believe that they’ll see greater than we have seen, that they’ll take the gospel further than it has been, all for the glory of God. However, they need our help — they need to be discipled and equipped well,” says Beth.
One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.
They speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty—and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds.
Psalm 145:4-6
The next generation stands on the shoulders of the generations that have gone before. What a privilege that we get to share in this responsibility of helping them get closer to the reality that no one has to live or die without hearing God’s good news.
Want to bring Beyond My World to your church or youth group? We’d love to partner with you. Register your interest or get in touch: [email protected].