Generational Unanimity - Gen-We
The graphic above (courtesy of futuremajority.com), illustrating the striking agreement had in this election among youth, ought to tell us something very significant about what's on the horizon regarding America. As the largest Generation (larger than the boomers) America has ever seen emerges we need to take heed. We need to pause a moment and recognize the critical fulcrum point we are at in American & Church History. I want to take a moment and highlight some thoughts that ought to hit us...
Important elements or questions to consider as leaders (as the church),
- How are we doing at raising up Parents who can effectively transfer faith into the life of their family and children? *We think in an hour like this that we need to ramp up youth and young adults ministry and in part we must but the shrinking of the church is by in large more a testament against strong parenting than it is in weak youth.
- Happy or sad about the new presidency they (Obama) ran one of the greatest "campaigns" in American History, if not the greatest. Many books will be written on the power of their story and the movement and energy they have created. They (he) was, is a great story teller. They painted vivid pictures and provided substantial inspiration and hope for change in the minds of millions. They addressed certain looming and haunting realities felt by much of America and then persisted to convince the American people (especially the youth) that they (he) was the answer. They solicited and inspired faith. They called upon and challenged effectively with a language and attitude that inspired. We (christians) need to learn more about influence. It's not enough to say things we must say them right and work to gain permission to speak into people's lives. Personal influence is based on permission.
- The population numbers are insane. I have attached another graphic here (from Gen-We.com) to illustrate, but 90 some million young people in it is massive and rivals the boomers by close to 20 million. The near unanimity in this generation politically and the trend toward a filibuster government situation (that appears to be with us for some time) is striking. Your policies, or not, the chorus of agreement could be wild in American politics some day soon. We could feasibly go from discussing the negative torn nature of our nation, to a more fearful (depending on how you see it) agreement. Either way if the church does not learn to engage this generation with the right conversation it will continue to become more isolated in America culture and even become stigmatized as a social evil. If we adjust and win the "vote" of the millenials we could see a massive resurgence of Christianity and a radical "volunteerism" (spirit of Christ) hit the Church and America. This generation is about GOOD but it does not entirely see it's need for the church to accomplish it. Whatever way it goes, with these numbers and this higher level of agreement it will be a more massive and impacting shift.
- What needs to be transferred to this generation from the older that might be critical to their future. Right now is the time for any influence and platforms that older generations have to use them. We are seeing the passing of what is called "the greatest generation" and what is going with them? What can our boomer parents impart? If the older generation fails to transfer any of the wisdom it has soon it may be to late and then the millenials will be left in charge with a whole lot of hope and confidence in their ability to lead with very few historical anchors to ground them. With out a healthy bridge of values and anchor of history especially those from the Greater Generation we are not going to lead as we ought to. Of course there are some new values that did not exist or needed revived and we are seeing this with Gen-We but overall we need the voice of Father's and unfortunately many millenials only have "very nice" parents or none at all. Where are the honored voices however even among the "nice" parents?
For now I will leave you with these... Maybe a part two? The bottom line here is that someone (in the church) better start getting a different game plan if they want any part in the shaping of America in the next 50 years. Gen-We is more corporate (hyper-corporate = being connected to many and varied circles at the same time without conflict), missional (proof and works oriented regarding the less fortunate and "our planet") conversational (used to having their comments and input matter and be factored in as a part of the equation) and anti-institutional (meaning they have an aversion to anything that looks greedy or insensitive to the people which also includes pompous attitudes) then previous generations. How do these elements affect the way we do church? How does our current mode assist or hinder our connection with this MOVEMENT?
"May the Lord give us all great WISDOM to lead such a GREAT PEOPLE." Rushed this post so forgive the grammatical errors if any (I am sure there are!)
P.S. Notice the "blue" Texas. Could we see the great state of Texas turn in the next decade? Interesting times!
Comments
I agree about the importance of parenting. The homeschool youth, taught our Christian heritage by their parents, are overwhelmingly conservative. The Christian boomers were influenced by their school teachers more than their churches and now their compromising lifestyles do not ring true with their children, who are also influenced by their teachers. This reminds me of a passage in Joshua:
Judges 2:10
When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.
Are we telling our children about their American Christian heritage, and also about our own story of conversian and walk with the Lord? Are we consistant examples of what it means to follow Christ and do we share the reasoning behind our convictions if we have any.
Or do we look just like the world in our churches, trying to attract young people by being ever more worldly rather than offer an exciting change of lifestyle when we are saved? Perhaps the possibility of persecution we are seeing on the horizon will bring a more decided choice as in Joshua's day: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."