"Serving Our Generation” Series

Last time, we thought about serving God’s purpose. Today, let’s think about serving our generation. The Bible has a lot to say about one generation investing in the next.

“One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts.” - Psalm 145:4 (CSB)

“Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the LORD.” - Psalm 102:18 (NLT)

The older generation of believers must pass along the faith to the next generation. Sociologists often categorize American generations as:

1. The Greatest Generation (born 1901-24). They experienced the Great Depression and World War 2 in their adulthood.

2. The Builder Generation (born 1924-45). Credited with building a prosperous the country. 65% identify as Christians.

3. The Boomer Generation (Born 1946-64). So called because they were the largest in U.S. history up until that time. Known as cynical and selfish. Growing up in a prosperous country, they also became known as the “me” generation. 35% identify as Christians.

4. Generation X (Born 1965-79). They were into labels and brand name products, because they were raised by the “me generation.” The “consumer” generation, always looking for what was bigger and better, and asking “what’s in it for me?” 24% identify as Christians.

5. Millennial Generation (Born 1980-2000). They are between the ages of 18 and 38. This is who we need to get familiar with if our church is to grow and if we older believers are going to pass along the faith to the next generation. Why? Because they are the largest generation in the history of the U.S.; because only 15% identify as Christians; and because the average age of our community is 35.

Lifeway Research says there are 14 ways to connect with Millennials. Some we’re doing OK. Others we need to work on.

1) Make smaller venues available.

2) Demonstrate how your church works with others.

3) Show them how they can influence culture.

4) Demonstrate your church’s love for the community.

5) Be honest about the condition of your church.

6) Get them involved.

7) Be patient with their slow commitment.

8) Provide training on their schedule - apps, online.

9) Connect with their peers - Starbucks generation.

10) Get them in a group.

11) Let them question.

12) Go deep.

A new, 2018 Pew Research Report polled a growing group in America: “religious nones.” The vast majority are ex-Christians, and most are under the age of 35. Pew asked why they now reject any religious affiliation and most (51%) said they left because they “question a lot of religious teaching.” - Why Young Christians Are Leaving the Church - J. Warner Wallace

13) Mentor them. Millennials want to learn from older people.

The Millennial pastors told our visiting couples, “We wish we had more people your age in our church.” It was a viable strategy to have a separate service or even start separate churches to reach Baby Boomers or GenXers, but Millennials are different. They want to be involved with and they want to be mentored by older believers.

14) Get past the “worship wars.” Steve Hamrick - Illinois BC

Worship wars have raged since 700 A.D. The Gregorian Chant - a single unaccompanied melody sung by men. Later young boys with unchanged voices added. Many objected. Then harmony added many against it. Luther wrote hymns in 1517 and there was revolt. In 1540 Calvin - only Psalms in a metric rhythm to be sung. Split Calvin’s followers and Luther’s. Near 1750, the Wesleys’ hymns taught doctrine & caused division. The 1880’s Sunday School Era songs were testimony and not directed toward God. Controversy. In the jazz era, the Pope forbid the piano, because it was worldly. Then in the 60’s & 70’s came the Jesus movement with drums, bass, guitars, praise and worship songs, casual approach.

Along with new songs and instruments, came lifting hands, casual dress, drinks in the worship center, etc. This “worship war” has lasted for almost 5 or 6 decades. That’s entirely long enough.

With each war, there’s an invading force and resisting force. In worship wars, there’s invasion of new ideas and approaches, and resistance of the old order. Over time, as the church looks to God’s Word, we can separate what’s “flash in a pan” from what should be enduring practice. Songs, for example, are God exalting, biblically sound, easily singable, and personally inspirational.

Millennials are not going to be drawn to a church where they are still fighting the “worship wars.”

“Millennial Christians, and a good number of seekers among their generation, are gravitating to churches where the teaching and preaching is a high priority. And you will hear Millennials speak less and less about worship style. Their focus is on theologically rich music, authenticity, and quality that reflects adequate preparation in time and prayer. They will walk away from congregations still fighting about style of music, hymnals or projectors, choirs or praise teams. Those are not essential issues to Millennials, and they don’t desire to waste their time hearing Christians fight about such matters.” - Thom Rainer