For this blog I have a little bit of a reading requirement... I know, I know..but don't worry, their won't be a test or even a worksheet, and honestly, I think its one of the best articles I've read from umc.org. Don't worry, even if you're not an United Methodist, it still applies to you:
http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5259669&ct=7983193
I just want to say, this article, has us generation y'ers down to a "T" (hmm, generation y'ers...kinda sounds like generation wires (ironic, no?)).
I definitely think that the church that has been the last couple of decades is not compatible with the main ideals of generation y. I was born in 1990, smack dab right in the middle of the age range we are talking about. I love going to church, after all, I do want to be a pastor. However, I must say that sometimes I get VERY frustrated with all the talk and none of the do.
My age group gets thrown information and pictures and words 24/7 because of the internet, text messaging, satellite tv etc... We hear enough talk, what we want to see is action.
There is also something else I see with youth today. While I cannot speak for everyone, there is something that I see in A LOT of people in my age group. We want to change the world.
Youth are looking towards the future with hope. I attended an event earlier this school year called Exploration. While their, I might with hundreds of my peers my age that were looking into ministry as a career. While I cannot speak for everyone, there was one thing I saw with everyone I talked to; we have a drive to make the church more relevant again. We want, we NEED to help the world, and we see the church as the institution to do it. We see the church as a place that can change lives, heal broken people, and serve all mankind, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
So basically the bare bones of what I'm trying to say is this: lets start getting our hands dirty. I will admit, over the last couple of years we have made great strides in doing this. However, we MUST keep it up. As a church, we need to find new ways and new opportunities to help the world. If that be environmentally friendly initiatives, 3rd world relief, social justice, or just serving the community. If the church decides that they are going to, not just open the doors, but leave the building with the example that Jesus set for us that we learn inside the building, I think we will see real change in the world.
If we do that, I think we will find a legion of millineals standing with us, ready to get to work as well.
(if you agree...like my status on facebook that is connected with this post...or, if you disagree, I'd love to hear why, don't worry, I love constructive criticism :) )
