The Millennial Generation

The millennial generation will change the church. This generation was born between 1980 and 2000. It numbers more than 78 million people in the United States, making it larger than the Baby Boomers Generation of the 1946-1964 post WWII era. The shear number of the millennials tells us that this is a generation to be reckoned with, and a quick internet search will reveal many studies by a wide range of groups to see how this generation will affect everything from the U.S. military to the church. This generation is the most studied and the most educated generation in our nation.

Millennials were shaped by the 1992 Los Angeles riots and the terrorist attack on our nation on September 11, 2001. They understand that life is unpredictable and can end at any age. They place value in family, have great respect for older adults, and want their lives to make a difference in the world. This generation demands the church be missional, caring for others with a hands on approach. This generation will not be content to give money for someone else to go. They are looking for churches that are actively involved in the lives and needs of both their communities and the world.

This generation can spot a fake. They want the church to be real, which is frightening to many older Christians. Whereas my parent’s generation fought through racism in this country and my generation pushed for equality and diversity and are very conscious of it, the millennials do not see race at all. Twenty percent of millennial marriages are inter-racial. Simply put, millennials do not see skin color, and they are looking for churches that “do not see” skin color, tattoos, body piercing, etc. They are looking for churches that genuinely love all people as Jesus loves.

This millennial generation wants to make the world better, to have a positive influence, to make the world a better place for others. They are well educated and technologically savvy. They are never without their mobile phones, as mobile devices place the world at their fingertips. Even with a phone in their hand, this generation prefers texting more than talking. This generation wants quality technology in the church to aid in worship and Bible Study. Do not tell this generation to turn off their phones or refrain from texting in worship. That is like shouting to them, “Get out! You are not welcome here!”

This generation is largely unchurched. They see the church as divisive, conflict-ridden, and irrelevant. Of those who are evangelical Christians, you will often find a tremendous passion for Christ, but a hatred of the traditional church. If asked, millennials will talk of the hypocrisy in the church, the fake friendliness and the phony righteousness. They want people to be real, and remember that I have already said they can quickly and easily spot “fake” Christians.

This generation will change the world and are already doing so. They are leaving traditional places of worship in droves leading to a rapid decline and death of many traditional churches, some 8,000 – 10,000 this year. The millennials that remain in church usually migrate to rapid growing churches that understand them and that often stretch the Baby Boomer’s understanding of contemporary. They gather in places of worship commonly painted black, smokers and swirling lights electrify the crowds as praise bands and worship teams lead in songs of praise. Pastors of these churches often do not even own a suit, and preaching attire consists of blue jeans and a tee shirt. This is not the Baby Boomers contemporary worship service.

You really need to understand this generation. They are going to change the world. The Millennials: Connecting to America’s Largest Generation written by Thom S. Rainer and Jesse Rainer is the best book I know on the subject. It was written to aid and assist churches in understanding what motivates this generation in order that the church might win America’s largest generation to Jesus Christ. I pray you will help reach the millennial generation and help them understand how to have abundant life through Jesus Christ!