After talking with quite a few people, I've realized that this generation of Christians is different from previous generations of American Christians, including our parents and grandparents. I think this is with good reason. Our world is vastly different. We have access to so much more technology than any previous generation.
I'm not saying that the below remarks are how the whole Millennial Generation (those born from 1980-2000, also known as Gen Y) feels, but these are just observations I have found after reading articles and talking with peers. Here are four things that I think characterize our generation.
1. We are searching for deep spiritual truth, and the model of church as "come and see" will no longer work.
Soon, I think the old model of church will no longer work. We are an experiential generation. We are not content to "go" to church. This generation wants to be the church. Increasingly, believers are looking for ways to live out their faith within the church, to contribute to the local Body. For this to happen, the leadership of the church is going to have to take a step back and let the congregation become more involved (like we see in Acts). From those I have talked to, I think this generation is longing for deep, biblical, spiritual truths presented in sermons, not some self-help advice loosely based on a Scripture which is taken out of context. This type of deep spiritual teaching will draw people to the church and help them to grow in their faith.
2. A Wider Focus
I really think that our generation will have a broader focus than that of previous generations. Many people I have talked to are questioning the divisions between denominations. We feel that the name on the church sign should not be as important as the God of our lives, the God who is God regardless of denomination. I feel, and hope, that when our generation becomes pastors and leaders of the church, their focus will be more to make sure people find a good church in which they can grow regardless if its their church or not. Churches will start doing more things across denomination borders. We will learn to appreciate our diversity within the Body of Christ, but also work to become more unified within the Body. Denominations are not as important to this generation, so I think denominational lines will begin to blur.
3. We Desire a Place in the Church and Deep Relationships
It's no secret that, according to research, most Christians fall away after going to college. Why? I think it's because the church provides no place for young adults. After youth group, there is a proverbial desert for young adults in the church until they start a family. I think many desire to get plugged in, but find themselves not necessarily excluded, but not exactly welcomed as having a specific role in the church. I also think that people born in the Millennial Generation are searching for deep, interpersonal relationships. Many are looking for love and acceptance and sadly do not find it in the church. However, I think that once my generation comes into leadership, they will be more welcoming of those not like them. We live in a smaller world than our parents. We have been exposed to a wider variety of people in a short amount of time through technology; because of this, I think we will be more accepting. "Black churches" and "white churches" will start to diminish; congregations will become more diverse in time.
4. We Want to Experience God
The world in which this generation lives emphasizes feeling over rationality. The mantra has become "if it feels good, do it". I think this shows our need and strong desire for a God who is highly personal (which thankfully, God is), a God who we can feel right there next to us, a God that brings us joy. Hearing a sermon and singing some hymns will no longer do. We want to feel God. I think Christianity will become more passionate, more creative. We will find different ways to experience God rather than just through listening to a sermon and worship through music. The Gospel will become interactive. We don't want the staunch, Sunday-best clothes, no laughing/ smiling in church experience. We want joy in following God. We want a faith that is intensely personal. This generation is getting sick of religion. We want deep spiritual fulfillment. If those in my generation who are already Christians do not show unbelievers that Christianity provides this, they will turn to a different kind of spirituality.
5. Increased Questions
I really think my generation will not be content with the answers given by our parents or our denominations. We aren't going to accept what a someone said is true just because a pastor said it is true. This questioning can either be good or bad. It will lead some to discover what they really believe through the Scriptures, it will also cause some to turn away or compromise the core of the faith. We are going to be more open minded then previous generations (again, for better or for worse). We truly are Generation Y. Why does God let hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and tornado happen? Why would a good God send people to an eternal hell? (I'm looking at you Rob Bell). What is right? Why is this wrong? Because of all this questioning, I think we will forge our unique idea of what Christianity should be
Most of what I have said has been positive, with some negative parts. With all that being said, I do think my generation will have great difficulties. I think we're going to have a hard time connecting and focusing on God because there is no shortage of distractions. Most everyone I know says they spend too much time on Facebook, the computer, watching TV, ect. We may be so feeling driven that in searching for the next "high", we distort Christianity into a self-serving, sensuous faith. When the hard times come, we will probably have trouble because we are so feeling-oriented.
Despite the difficulties, I have great hope for my generation. I feel like we will be the ones who will change Christianity in America for generations to come. We may not be as strong numerically, but I think we will be more deeply rooted overall (not to say previous generations weren't deeply rooted, I just feel like there won't be as many lukewarm Christians because I think Gen Yers will not choose Christianity unless they believe it is the correct spirituality). We will achieve great advances in missions work because the world has become smaller because of technology.
However, only time will tell what the impact of our generation will be on Christianity. Will the influence be good or bad overall? As my high school history teacher said, "It's too early to tell."
I would love to hear from those outside my generation and those within. What do you think the church will look like under this generation? What other things characterize us, in regards to Christianity? I've made some pretty bold predictions, so let me know if you disagree and your thoughts!
-Lindsey
