Ministry with the Millennial Generation

Born between January 1997 and December 1997 (dates vary) Currently ages Also called the Net Generation, IGeneration, Gen Y, ME Generation

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Ministry with the Millennial Generation Today -Characteristics of this generation -Relational and leadership implications -Theological/Faith nurturing implications -Practical Steps and Ideas

Frames Developmental Tasks Postmodern Orientation Generational Characteristics

Frames True Untrue Everything exists on a continuum!!!

Frames Many generational characteristics are, in part, a reaction to the previous generation

APPOINTMENT GAME

This generation grew up with a baby on board sign in their moms minivan. How do you see that affecting the personality of the kids you work with?

This generation has unprecedented choice and opportunities for customization. How might that affect the way one sees the world?

This generation is more skeptical of the sales pitch. What are the implications of this for ministry?

Talk about one thing that is true in the lives of young people today that is dramatically different that when you were their age

This is the first truly global generation. How might this affect ministry or the way we talk about Gods kingdom?

Christians

Population under the age of 15

This generation has been exposed to many different religions. How do we approach this as Christian leaders? Do you ever draw a line in the sand?

Millennials have been programmed since they were 3. What are the challenges/benefits for you in ministry?

Technology is like the air What are the benefits of technology for ministry?

video

These were challenges for education. Make 2- 3 posters to hold up as if we were to make our own video

This has been called the laziest, most narcissistic generation. Agree/Disagree

Millennial are the smartest, most educated, most gifted generation. Pluses? Minuses?

Millennials like and respect their parents. Where are ministry opportunities in this?

Millennials are truly interested in making the world a better place. Are we too late to put this interest in a faith context?

1.The want freedom in everything they do, from freedom of choice to freedom of expression. 2.They love to customize, personalize 3. They are the new scrutinizers 4. They look for corporate integrity and openness when deciding what to buy and where to work Eight Generational Norms

5. The Net Gen wants entertainment and play in their work, education, and social life 6. They are the collaboration and relationship generation 6. They are the collaboration and relationship generation 7. The Net Gen has a need for speed and not just in video games 7. The Net Gen has a need for speed and not just in video games 8. They are the innovators 8. They are the innovators

The brains of millennials are wired differently than those who grew up in previous generationsThe brains of millennials are wired differently than those who grew up in previous generations TV-BroadcastTV-Broadcast Internet-InteractInternet-Interact

Young people are not multi-tasking, they are switching quickly and holding onto the memory of those activitiesYoung people are not multi-tasking, they are switching quickly and holding onto the memory of those activities They may be faster switchers, but can they think? The more you multitask, the les deliberative you become; the less you're able to think and reason out a problem and the more you're willing to rely on stereotypical solutions. You can't think deeply about a subject, analyze it, or develop a creative idea if you're constantly distracted by an message, a new site, or a cell phone call. -Jordan Grafman, Neurologist -Jordan Grafman, Neurologist

They are the collaborators. Online games, commenting on pictures, group projects at school.They are the collaborators. Online games, commenting on pictures, group projects at school.

Online Discloser: ALL of the experts agree that young people are disclosing way too much onlineOnline Discloser: ALL of the experts agree that young people are disclosing way too much online

Youth Risk Behavior Current Rate Rate Changed Since 1990 Used seat belt90%+16% Rode with someone who had been drinking 29%-11% Carried a weapon 19%-8% Was in a physical fight 36%-7% Used a condom63%+17% Source: U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention Grown Up Digital pg. 85

Generational Lap: when the child becomes the expert in the family on something very important, i.e. technology, the system dynamics are altered in the relationshipsGenerational Lap: when the child becomes the expert in the family on something very important, i.e. technology, the system dynamics are altered in the relationships

Dad Mother Child

Parent Grandparent

Ministry Implications Work harder than you think you need to on building trust. Be transparent, have a blog and post twice a week.

Ministry Implications Address other religions with respect and knowledge, but be passionate and firm in your own faith in Christ

Ministry Implications Use every means of social media available to you. Facebook, twitter (?), myspace, blogging, youtube.

Ministry Implications Utilize the gifts of your young people in your ministry. They want to be producers, they are confident leaders, and they want to be part of something that makes a difference in their world.

Ministry Implications Engage parents in ministry where appropriate. Kids may be more open to their parents being present that you might think.