The Millennials

21st CENTURY CHRISTIANS

G. I. Generation – 1901-1924 (ages 85-108)

Silent Generation – 1925-1942 (ages 67-84)

Boomers – 1943-1960 (ages 49-66)

Generation X – 1961-1981 (ages 28-48)

Millennials – 1982-2002 (ages 7-27)

Homeland – 2003 - (Ages 6 and under)

An Over view of Generations

Silents – view Boomers as self-absorbed, share too much information, question authority

Boomers – view Silents as rigid/dictatorial, company men, accept party line

Boomers – view Gen Xers as too impatient, throw out tried and true, not “company”/fickle

Gen Xers – view Boomers as inflexible to change/ say the right thing to the right person, don’t have a life

Gen Xers – view Millennials as too spoiled/self-absorbed, too “Me”, entitled

Millennials – view Gen Xers as cynical/negative, no fun

Millennials – view Boomers as worth listening to, “buddies”, models

PERCEPTIONS

One of the top rappers is whiteThe number one golfer is blackThe tallest player in the NBA is ChineseRussia and China lobby for peaceThe President of the United States of America

is bi-racial

Millennials are Culture-Blind (Make up half the World’s Population!)

Culture Has Changed

Digital NativesCell Phones, BlackBerry, iPhoneMP3 Players/iPodsTexting/SextingWeb SurfingTwitterMySpace/Facebook (Social Networks)Finger on the pulse of the WorldRight Here/Right Now Generation

Wired/Wireless

Being an example of the Word through the secular world. Being a light to non-Christians.

Definition of Being A Christian

Experiential – No lectures, “experience the experience”

Participatory – Be part of the outcome, vote

Multi-Media – In 2007, watched 35 movies for every book they read (books made into movies)

Connected – In relations and technology, in community and online

Millennials are:

A place of worship

A place where modeling of worship is exhibited

A way to redefine their faith

A way to reinvent their faith

Worship intimacy not novelty

Millennials Look For:

Religion is a choice, not an obligation

Denominations and other religious labels are not important

In authenticity, honesty, and humility more than an authoritarian leader

Religion should address justice and equality

Millennials Believe:

Denominations and religious labels are not necessarily important

Religion is a choice, not obligation

Authenticity, honesty, and humility are more important than an authoritarian leader

Religion should address justice and equality

AsWell:

Sundays only is not enough

Being with family is important (Helicopters)

Want multiple, worthwhile activities

There should be a deeper meaning

Feel free to attend other “churches” or services and are tolerant of other cultures and religions

Church Attendance Beliefs:

When did it first occur?

What was the point of changing and what did it reap?

A change is occurring again

Segregation

Most creative in using Media1951 Hour of Decision on radio to television1957 televised a crusade1989 live link by satellite from LondonEmbraces technology with the Old Standard

Billy Graham, Inc.

A ministry group with Group Publishing

1,000,000 Millennials by 2010

R.E.A.L. program – Relational, Experiential, Applicable, Learner-Based

Cited research: 10% retain what is heard, media use raises the average to 25%, direct experience raises the average to 80-90%

Dare 2 Share

62% identify with some variant of Christianity

On a monthly basis – 68% talk about religion 64% pray before meals

55% read religious related books,

newspapers, magazines

OMG

OptimistsRule Followers (Thrive on Structure)Volunteers and ServantsAccepting of AuthorityMost Protected in HistoryBrightLoyal (brands)“Heroes”Accepting of All (Diversity)

The Millennials Are:

Denomination or Non-denomination

Music

Scripture

Message

Millennials demand – ritual value spirituality

Contemporary or Conservative?

1. UNDERSTAND YOURSELF and YOUR BELIEFS

2. ENGAGE THEM (INTENTIONALLY)3. LISTEN4. ASK QUESTIONS5. CLARIFY WHAT HAS BEEN SAID6. IMPART TOOLS OF DECISION MAKING7. PRATICE SPIRITUAL FORMATION8. AFFIRM LAVISHLY and CORRECT SPARINGLY(Adapted from McAllister’s Saving the Millennial Generation)

8 Ways to Minister to Millennials

Simple – phrases, one big idea

Unique – make the message unusual, surprising, thoughtful

Concrete – make the action tangible and real

Credible – honesty

Emotional – elicit emotions and involvement

Story – provide a picture

Satisfying – the human need(Adapted from Dr. Tim Elmore)

S-U-C-C-E-S-S

The 1st Century Christians were sent out to begin the job of witnessing

The 21st Century Christians need to be mentored and unleashed to continue the work

The Great Commission

It’s not the First Act of the play that counts, but how you leave the stage at the end of the performance.

Anonymous

Howe and StraussColleen CarrollBilly Graham OrganizationBarna Pew AssociatesDare 2 Share

References