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The Next Generation
A lot of people believe the next generation will be very difficult to reach with the Gospel. I disagree. From my perspective, the coming generation is positioned to be reached and shaped for Kingdom greatness. Let’s build a foundation for our discussion on reaching the next generation.
Here are a few of my observations of the coming generation:
- Their world is smaller and their perspective is broader. Because of technology, most have been raised with a global mindset. My best friend lived across the street. Their best friend might live across the ocean.
- They have a wider definition of “friends”. To me a friend was someone you spent time with and confided in. Today a friend can be someone you may not have ever met before they clicked on your Facebook page and asked to be your friend.
- They’re more experiential. Most in my generation were into accumulating possessions. Many of the younger generation are into accumulating experiences. I read about other countries in school. Many in this generation have visited the countries I read about.
- Most have been under-challenged. Many in this generation have been given much yet they’ve been challenged little. They have more potential than most realize.
- Their world is gray. I was raised believing in absolute truth. Many in the up- coming generation believe truth is relative. “What is true for me may not be true for you.”
- They’re searching for a cause. This generation is looking for something (anything) worthwhile to live for. When they find a cause, they’ll go to extreme measures to make a difference.
When you put all these differences together, I see a generation ready to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.
What are your thoughts? What differences do you see in genearations? (If it is helpful, you might mention your age.)
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The next generation is a generation that will definitely be easier to reach in my opinion. As you outlined, definitions for younger people are much different than for boomers/busters & older.
However, the one caveat I would add is that more people in the younger generation are going to have a resistance to accepting Christ as Lord because of relative truth. This is why I believe that missional communities are a great way to see Christ exemplified in ways that cause the younger generation to want to follow him.
Good post Craig! My response is found in a song that keeps rattling through my head right now: “I see a generation rising up to take their place/With selfless faith with selfless faith/I see a near revival stirring as we pray and seek/We’re on our knees we’re on our knees.” (Brooke Fraser-Hillsong). I see a generation that will be tired from all the junk they have been fed and hungry for something to fill the empty space. I see a new army of leaders rising up (they already are) who will reach this next generation with the power of the Good News of Jesus. I see a wave of pastors/teachers/leaders who will stand on God’s Word without compromise and “bring it” to this new generation and transformed lives will be the result. That is what I “see.”
I grew up watching people put on a show to impress and wanted to be just like them. This generation wants to be real, to be able to express themselves - who they are, not who others think they should be. And they want to be led by “real” leaders - by people who aren’t “perfect”.
I would agree to a point…
This generation is looking for authenticity, and can read right through the perverbial bull.
They can be reached.
The challenge in my experience is willingness from the previous generation to pass on the flame.
While this generation seems to be searching for something to hold on to, many from the previous generation have little to offer.
A brief look at history shows this pattern as well.
I think the key to reaching this generation is finding something of value to offer them, because they aren’t going to accept anything less.
As you say… it is ripe for the harvest, but the workers are few….
I challenge our generation to be willing to change the pattern of history…
Great comments!
I believe that some of the greatest God’s servants are still away from Him, in this next generation. Although, I would agree with Avery: the problem is our generation.
I’m 31 and my wife is 30 and even we are in the advertising and graphic design industry from 8 to 5 (and this suppose a technology and edge mindset), sometimes is hard to keep on the young people.
But I still believe that the secret is “be willing to reach them”.
I have seen their extreme commitment with gangs, drugs, alcohol and sex. So I think that, if they just could get something valuable from us, if we could show them the real Jesus, they would apply that extreme commitment to Him, as they do now with other stuff.
Peace!
PS. Craig, could I get your email to tell you something that happened this weekend?
Craig,
I’m a 24 year old guy and see a huge difference in the generations. We are sold out to authenticity. I have often heard in conversation many protestant church services referred to as “if-your-happy-and-you-know-it” services, where fake happiness is praised. We are looking for a place to be real. A place to share our fears, doubts, questions in a safe environment. As a church planter,that is the attitude and environment I am trying to build. Anyway, great thoughts, and we appreciate all you do!
Billy
I’m 22, a youth pastor at the northwest campus of LC. I really like what you’ve outlined here. I’ve never thought about it quite like that before, it gives me hope when I think about my students in this context.
I do know this: it is very difficult to be a Christ-following teenager in our world today. But you’re right about one thing: when they find that cause they will go to extreme measures to make a difference, because they are extreme. I’ve never seen more passion, more desire, more un-bridled zeal. They just need a place to channel it. What’s a better channel Jesus?
I have to say a hearty “AMEN!” to Chejoo. We (the older genration; I’m 50) have offered them a lot of things - programs, games, glamour, glitz, loud music, etc, etc - but rarely do we offer “the real Jesus” - carefully, thoughtfully, prayerfully, and consistently Jesus - nothing more and nothing less. When we HAVE made that offer, “extreme commitment to Him” has ALWAYS been the result!
God bless you all! Where there is Love, there is always hope. God’s greatest work is ahead of us!
I’m 56 , so my perspective is a little broader time wise maybe? From personal experience I look back and can’t imagine how I, growing up in the 60’s was ever reached by my parents generation and somehow my God found a way to get through to me. My parents generation didn’t think there was any hope for someone like me and spent little time thinking about how to reach me. Then my generation evolved into this totally obessed with obtaining material stuff generation and spent little time thinking about how to reach the next generation. In fact, most of the time my generation had more of a I hope they make it somehow kind of mindset. It was more of a wishing they will somehow find their way mindset. Then the generation that is now coming up, has totally amazed me in some ways. I have heard some of the best written, truly theologically beautiful songs written by teenagers and young adults, I think that rivals many of the long standing Hymns that have been around for centuries. Not that they were written for such comparison, I hope you understand, but they will be the songs we sing for generations, I believe. Plus, I have had some of the deepest conversations on a spiritual level with the young, than I have had with some in my own age bracket. What does all that mean? After all this time, all I can say is, I have no idea, accept Amazing Grace How Sweet the sound! It’s good for us to think and plan and work our way into the lives of these generations, but in the end, we put ourselves out there and let God use us, and rest on His unchanging grace. My parents generation did little to reach me, it was through unlikely sources that God reached into my life and touched me and hasn’t let go since. I pray He keeps reaching and at the same time we keep asking to be used.
I think that every new generation seems difficult to reach to the previous generation. They have values that aren’t necessarily my values, and act in ways that I wouldn’t probably act. So they can seem strange and different, and it would be easy to say “they just won’t be able to be reached for Christ.”
Maybe the truer statement might be “They won’t be reached the same way I was brought to Christ.”
Chris, I think you are absolutely right when you say they won’t be reached the same way you were.
I am very thankful for all your thoughts. They are very helpful. Please keep them coming. I know we can learn a lot from each other.
This is encouraging. I’m 25 and a student ministry pastor. I think the other thing I’d add is that this generation is more broken than most before it. More in this generation have been abandoned (physically or emotionally) by parents, on drugs, raped, etc.
Which means they’re a generation with thick skin, but behind the defenses they’re a generation desperately in need of unconditional love.
I couldn’t agree more. I am forty and a former youth pastor and senior pastor. So much has changed. We have to be willing to adapt, and sometimes abandon, our thinking of yesterday to reach the morally relative generation of today and tomorrow.
Dusty Takle - 34, Wife, Mom, Other Stuff. Reaching this generation is far easier than spreading the gospel used to be. No one is risking heresy nailing a few theses on a door, so that’s good. We don’t have to travel by horseback or wagon (and die along the journey) to reach lost people. Each year presents new ways to reach this generation and future generations. And, one thing this generation wants is something real. Something genuine. No smoke. Just authenticity. And, they can determine immediately if something is real or not.
In other news, you kind of hurt my feelings yesterday with all twitter, facebooking, blogging talk. No, I’m just funnin’. Ahem, were you talking to me?
Wow, you are right on! (I’m 19)
This generation has so much that they get bored very easily. I asked my mom an dad what they would do for fun as kids - they made up their own games
The interesting thing is that nowadays the younger generation has a ton of things and yet gets so easily bored.
We need to return this generation to seeking things for themselves - get them to think: not only make their own games, but to question and start thinking about everything in their lives.
For example, Craig, my brother and I were more engaged and excited when you were speaking philosophically in True(ish) and getting us to think deeply about something important. I don’t think we’re challenged enough in our daily lives…
What I think is important to remember is that the more we have, the more easily we get bored.
I’m gonna like this week! May God bless it!
I think your spot on. I am 32 and have known the Lord as long as I can remember. When I look at the generation I’m living in an those coming up underneath me, I see just what you’ve listed. I spoked with a friend the other day about the tv shows and movies that are very popular today. Hero’s, Lost, 24, these are all shows about people doing remarkable things for the sake of others. This generation wants to be those people. Yet I see an older (more about mindset than age by the way) who don’t care so much for that mindset because its not what they are use to. Just my thoughts :).
prior to becoming a leader at switch, i thought this upcoming generation wouldn’t be that far removed from my own - after all, i’m only five or six years older than most of the students! boy, was i in for a surprise. for all of our differences, though, i wholeheartedly agree with you - they are poised and ready to receive the Living Water, largely because of these very differences. it’s so exciting!!
This is an excellent and thought provoking post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I would like to propose adding two others:
1. They lack relational skills of previous generations. Because they primarily connect via technology, they are not as good at connecting intimately or effectively in person.
2. They not only collect experiences, they collect knowledge. Today’s generation receives knowledge at an unprecedented rate. Not only are they educated, but they read more than any previous generation. Just look at the amount of text a person can surf through by reading a single blog, over the course of a year. Just have a look at this post that compares blogs to classic books:
http://www.donteatthefruit.com/post/blogs-vs-classics-experience-of-language.aspx
Good insight Craig, After serving kids in youth Ministry, I see that even though the are hiding and engaged in technology, social networking and so much more, that they still love someone reaching out to them to take personal interest in them. It is probably the hardest way we will have to reach the next generation but a loving relationship like Christ will never fail. I see so many kids hurting, and no one (tangible) for them to turn to. Your points are so true, and is awesome that you are aware of reaching the next generation.
I think you are right..I pastor a church in a Washington DC suburb and each week the place is filled with unchurched young people who hunger and thirst for spritual fulfillment. I do believe that they care less about denominational lines and will usher us into a great revival for the Kingdom of God…
Great post Craig, as a young person I ablsolutely agree.
I believe we should use all available technology to reach the next generation. It is easier to contact more people all over the world with social networking services, etc…but is it really “reaching” them? Do we use Facebook & Twitter, etc to promote real, genuine, relationships? or superficial, time consuming, trivia? By now you’ve probably guessed I’m in my 40’s, but do we really need to know what other people are doing, thinking, & eating, 24-7?
I’m just as guilty as anyone…but like anything else, technology can be used for good or bad. It’s up to us to use it for God>
Seems like unchurched people (and there are more of them in next generation) are more likely to really give themselves up to Christ when they meet Him. Harder with my generation which was more churched, but not more Christian.
Really good post. I am 23 and I totally agree that we have a bigger opportunity then ever before and the only thing that will be different to reach the generation are the methods.
I’m 39 and served with students as a volunteer most of my adult life. The generation that just graduated high school and the ones still in high school are, in my opinion, the ones with the most potential - mostly because of what you have outlined Craig. One thing I would add - their worldview, faith and actions are tightly integrated. If they believe something, they aren’t content to just talk about it - they must do something about it. I love that - they are all in.
I’m 28 and a former youth pastor here in Australia. I have spent the last 10 years looking into how to best reach the next generation and I beleive that authenticity is the key. Unless there are real people living real lives and sharing those with others no program/style/show in the world will make a difference. No fake “I’m all good” faces at chruch is going to cut it. Life is hard we must acknowledge that, share that and share how we get through it with Jesus.
Craig your observations are fantastic and so are all the comments. It has been so encouraging to see that there are so many people out there who are passionate about leaving their comfort zones in order to reach those ‘younger’ than themselves. In my experience, sadly, there has been much resistance from the ‘established church’ in adapting its culture to reach the next generation. When will we realise that as mature Christians WE are the ones who are called to sacrifice our comfort in order to reach the lost (whether old or young)
Great post, cant wait to read more!
I have to second what Chris said… the younger generation WON’T be reached the same way we were. I’m 29 and we can’t even reach today’s students the same way I was reached. I don’t know the exact statistics (someone may be able to help out here), but the cultural gaps between generations today are much greater than the cultural gaps of generations past. It is important that if churches today wish to remain in existence we do not become tied or stuck in a generation.
Jared… what you wrote is so true… what an insight…that’s fresh and really helpful to hear for guys like me…who frankly are tired of the endless programs and metrics, and ready to reach people on a closer level…
I need to hear from younger guys like you what you really are thinking…
I’m 35 and kind of in the middle of two hardcore generations…and two hardcore opinions of how things ought to go… and having difficulty remedying the two…
Statistics show that the majority of people don’t respond to Christ after the age of 23, and I think it has to do with the “duldrums” of responsibilities that overtake the middle agers (like me)… in less p.c. terms… we stop thinking for fun after 25 I think…
I am not ready to stop thinking yet, and accept the program method… so question is…
How can we challenge younger guys to “think critically” in your opinion? Feel free to shoot me an e-mail…I’m all ears…
Set Godin just happens to address authenticity in a post today:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/02/authenticity.html
58 HERE LOL….We will most effectively reach the next generation without so much the need of bigger buildings but the need to enlarge what we veiw as the church…I am thinking that we are going to see more and more internet-online- churches…I personally have great spiritual experience and growth through internet church…for the record I am a faithful part of my local church…but this is where I see the church going…
Craig,
I work on a university campus in Florida and deal with college students 24/7. I am so glad to hear you write these things. College students are some of the HARDEST people to reach, mainly because of the gray areas you mentioned. However, the people who see them as the world’s next leaders see this generation as people seeking action not just talk. They get talk all the time from profs and parents but no action. They become sold out to something they are passionate about. Thanks for this post.
[...] Craig Groeschel posted a new blog post today on the Swerve blog. (wow that was a redundant sentence!) It talks about how this generation that many seem to think [...]
Craig,
Wonderful–and highly accurate–observations on my generation!
I add to the list our growing distrust in “man-made” role models, and our hunger for authentic guidance.
Jesus offers all of us real, real life on a “reality” fabricated planet.
Keep pushing to reach us!
Thanks,
Nick (age 27)
I’m 21 and a youth pastor. I completely agree with your observation. The key though is for people to not be intimidated by my generation. Many churches (like the ones I grew up in) are either freaked out by my generation or try to force them to become something they’re not. I think allowing them to be themselves–loving them as they are–and giving them the Gospel in that context will make a huge impact. People will have to stop forcing transformation and allowing the Holy Spirit to do the work.
[...] And This Generation I’ve been reading Craig Groeschel’s blog lately and he has been talking about this upcoming generation. Obviously as a youth pastor [...]
[...] LifeChurch.tv has posted a couple times on reaching the next generation that is read-worthy. Go head on over and check it [...]
[...] Craig Groeschel: Next generation not as difficult to reach as some think LifeChurch.tv - Swerve [...]
[...] some emails and read some blogs. I came across one blog about the importance of praying for our generations, it really hit home and got to [...]
Another thing I see in this generation is authenticity. They don’t Fake it to Make it. And if your Fake they know it.
One of the things I believe this Generation is not looking for is a church-model, but a group of people who are authentic in what they believe..
My friend from work sent me to a site for Perry Noble and I saw he linked to this page and found the post interesting. I am going to have to disagree with you. I am 21, in grad school, and an agnostic/borderline atheist, as are the great majority of the people in the circles I travel. I see my generation moving beyond the confines of religion especially one I believe is as easily discredited as Christianity. My friend who sent me to Mr Noble’s sight was raised and trained in church therefore he still shares an emotional attachment to his faith that I believe will likely fade and possibly disappear in time. He seems caught up in the newness of an updated form of the faith he had begun to lose interest in but I am sure the newness will eventually wear off. I am not opposed to your efforts and your goals I just think that you are fighting a losing battle.
Ad lucem,
Doug
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Hey. I ran over your blog great thing you have going…and a great post full of truth and wisdom.
I am a part of that next generation and what frustrates me and a lot of my friends is your generation. That is great that you see all that stuff and that stuff is true. I think it is now your job to help this generation. Turn the music up at your church. Appeal to the generation.
So basically I am here holding y’all accountable to appeal to the next generation and aid them in the hard times!
See you around!
Doug, Glad you dropped by. Thanks for your honest thoughts. I wish you the best in grad school and beyond.
Loved this post. You hit the nail on the head about this generation. Living in NYC I see it. They are hungry for a cause that is worth living for. And they are searching for it.
Can I share a good resource? Dan Reiland wrote for the Pastor’s Coach last month on “Keeping Your Church Young” and it was excellent.
I believe the Institutional “church” will never be completely in God’s will and purpose because it bears little to no resemblance to Being the CHURCH that we see a Picture of in Scripture……..Although God can use and bless anyone who has a willing heart…..btw Craig there is no such thing as a “Senior Pastor” in Scripture or the early CHURCH……… And While it labors under the banner of “cultural relevancy” the modern “seeker church” bears too striking a resemblance to the shallow business/political/military structures of this age. It is for this reason they don’t have any profound or lasting impact on the culture.
The modern “techniques” used by the “seeker church” are as worldly as the system they’re supposed to deliver people from. The Gospel has become trivialized, commercialized and emptied of it’s power. It’s been diluted as just another “product” in our consumer obsessed culture.
In short, the modern “seeker church” of modern pop-christian culture bears very little similarity to the simple, Spirit-dependent, Christ-centered, spiritually dynamic, mutually participatory communities of the 1st century CHURCH…The very CHURCHES that turned the world upside-down…Acts 17:6
EROPPER,
How many people were lead to Christ last year by members of your church?
For this generation, the gospel must be presented relationally, not confrontationally. You cannot escape our need for salvation in presenting the Truth, but the attention must be focused on a God who desires for us to experience Him, who wants us to know Him, and be known by Him.
BTW, EROPPER…
Christ said that HE will build Hi church and that even the gates of Hell shall not defeat it. Different time, different culture. If it had existed, Peter would have podcast his message from the day of pentecost.
Christ came to “seek and to save.” How’s that for “seeker” friendly? He left 99 sheep to find the 1 lost sheep. Maybe the “church” is not focused ENOUGH on reaching generations…
[...] ¿Cuales son sus pensamientos? ¿Que diferencias ves tu en las generaciones? (si es de ayuda, podrías mencionar tu edad). Articulo original de Swerve - Lifechurch.tv (en inglés) [...]
No offense Tom, but that’s not a fair question…and you shouldn’t throw someone under the bus like that…
Everyone can reach someone, and God uses all types…
If you are blessed that Christ used you to bring more to Him than someone else, praise God… but that’s no credit to you… it all goes back to the One.. and He is glad when anyone is reached…
It isn’t about numbers to Jesus… but about people…and Jesus wouldn’t like to see one of his thrown under the bus…
[...] has posted several really good items this week. This, this, and this on reaching the younger generation & then this post on being [...]
with all the technology and “global-ness” this idea of being connected to everyone all the time seems to be partly adding to that greyness.
I’m 25 and the tech guy, amongst other things, at our Network church and One thing i’ve noticed among young people is a generation that is “supposedly” more connected than any generation before them, but in reality is really more “disconnected” than any generation before them. Maybe partly due to the mesmerizing effect of new tech and cool gadgets, and maybe due in part to this constant drive to have more relationships with more people either way this generation is searching for a real relationship and connection which I believe is part of the “experience.” we long for too!
(I’m 26) Great post Craig! Personally, I believe that there are a lot things that are making it harder to reach the next generation, but I do agree with you. To reach the next generation we are going to have to be intentional in our approach. As time goes on, parents become less and less involved in their children’s lives; therefore, nurture in the home is becoming almost non existent. As those children mature, they develop poor social, emotional, and mental skills. Sure, Im not putting all kids in this category, but I have seen a lot of this. I work with a lot of at risk children in my area, and the things I have seen in their homes have blew my mind! BUT! I have seen a hunger in these kids, that I haven’t seen in others. They are looking for that truth that you spoke about, and if we continually live that out in front of them, they will find the absolute truth. The power of Christ should be compelling everyone of us, and when that happens-God does His part. I once heard someone say, “People want the power of the cross, without bearing the cross themselves, and that is impossible!” That statement challenged me in a new way. I realized that if I want to reach these kids, I am going to suffer. But it is well worth the time and effort to see their lives changed for eternity.
Tom…..many thousands were pointed to Jesus Christ by the CHURCH I am a member of……The Greater Universal Church of Jesus Christ……However, we CANNOT “save” anyone…….Although God amazingly chooses to use us sometimes in spite of our brokenness…….
[...] Introducing the Next Generation, how the church can reach them and Greg Stier describes how the first week of college can destroy a [...]
[...] The Next Generation at Swerve. [...]
Hi Craig,
I don’t understand how -
Their world is gray. I was raised believing in absolute truth. Many in the up- coming generation believe truth is relative. “What is true for me may not be true for you.”
Can be a good thing. With the expansion of relativism, does that not put doubt on the absolute truth of the Bible. I have heard many younger people say about the Bible or Jesus or God, Heaven, Hell or Satan. “Well that is true for you, but it is not true for me.” Therefore what is ultimately true is determined by the individual (creature), rather than by the omnipotent creator God.
[...] Articulo original de Swerve - Lifechurch.tv (en inglés) [...]
[...] Read how Craig expands these points. [...]
“The new millennium was ushered in by a dramatic technological revolution. We now live in an increasingly diverse, globalized, and complex, media-driven society. According to Dr. Douglas Kellner at UCLA this technological revolution will have a greater impact on society than the transition from an oral to a print culture.” From 21st Century Schools website
If Dr. Kellner is correct in respect to education – (and I believe he is), then I believe this is and will continue to impact the 21sst century church.
For Pastors and Church Leaders –
http://www.cosmicconnection.tv/pastor.html
“Let me begin by telling you how much I enjoyed your book. I think this book has great potential to be both intellectually stimulating and spiritually convicting.”
– Katie Knapp, Editor – Tate Publishing Company
Continue to have a blessed ministry — Wellington
Pastor Groeschel, I agree with what you have said and am ready to act on it. I am a young pastor looking for a ministry. I also have a vision for a virtual church. Please check out my site to learn about me and give me a call. I would love to chat about your virtual church.
There arose a nation who did not know God! Since God before time went ahead of time and fixed the middle and the ending at the beginning, then we can conclude that God predestined not only the past generations but this generation as well. He declared that there is nothing new under the sun and that EVERY KNEE WILL BOW AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. When we try and measure generations by man’s standards and man’s mindset, we will always come up short. Every generation has a part to play in the generation coming after them and so it is with this generation. There arose a generation who did not know God and as a result, we have Sodom and Gomorrha. When we try and define God through our flesh nature, we will not find God, so then we must be born again, not of water but of the Spirit of God which is in all of us. Saul was a persecutor of the church and had to be knocked from his horse before he even realized that God existed and so it was then, and so it will be in this generation. God Bless You