The Next Next Generation
Born after 1980, the optimistic and community-oriented Millennials are your up-and-coming church leaders.
By Jim Schmotzer
July 1, 2004
Ten years ago, I switched from multi-generational ministry in a local congregation to a ministry with college students. I found myself, a mid-life baby boomer, ministering with a staff of Generation X-ers. As I adjusted to this change, a new shift happened. The college students were suddenly part of a new generation, the Millennials.
Born after 1980, they were school age when the new millennium began.
I became a boomer leading X-ers to serve Millennials. Now that Millennials are joining our staff team, some of the changes they bring are refreshing.
Young adults are frequently the front line for many ministries. They are often the ones providing direct oversight of children and youth, leading activities, greeting guests, and much more. Who is this new generation, and how can we best work with them?
A generation of winners
The Millennials experienced most of their formative growth in the 1990s. Children of economic prosperity, busy two-income or single-parent households, they spent much of their time in structured, adult-led settings. David Brooks named this group the "organization kids" (Atlantic Monthly, April 2001), from daycare to arranged play dates to select teams, these aren't latchkey kids; this group has been guided and kept "safe." Some dominant traits of Millennials:
High self-esteem. This generation has been bombarded with positive messages. They have been told they can do or be anything they want. They are optimistic, self-reliant, braced for change. When younger they may have been on a soccer team, gone 0-10, but still they had a banquet and everyone got a trophy.
This can create the problem of overconfidence; they believe they can tackle any opportunity, but may lack the maturity needed for critical decision making ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,006 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
