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Has anyone had thoughts about the needs of and approaches to Generation Y people and culture?

(Generation Y is those born after 1980 and are often children of baby-boomers.)

_________________
John

My soul looks back in wonder at how I got over

We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

Do mean "Generation X" or those known as "Genxers"? I have never heard of a Generation Y but the kids born to baby boomers have been known as Generation X or Genxers.
In the Lansing State Journal, 11/21/10, section C, they have an interesting layout of generations (years show an overlap): GI's 1905-1925; Silent 1920-1935; Boomers 1940-1965; X (Gen. X), 1960-1985; Millennials 1980-2005; and ???2000-2010. As a "late" baby boomer, I was born 1961, I can speak from what I have observed in my kids and students that I have taught over the years.
Definition from the Lansing paper cited above: "Generation X: Came of age as economy stagnated, inflation and oil prices soared. First generation with the "pill" readily available. Widespread divorce, computer electronics." What the generation X remembers (1960-1985) the Beatles, Bonanza, the Walkman, G.I. Joe, Star Trek, and Star Wars.
"According to GenXers and millennials, "Baby Boomers" are not doing as much mentoring as they could or should." Lansing State Journal article cited above. According to this article some of the behavior of the Generation Xer is contrary to or a reaction against the "Baby Boomer".
In the Lansing State Journal, Dec. 24th, 2010, front page section A, the article says, "Embracing Ancient Rites," and it is about those who are in their 20's enjoying traditional forms of worship.
However, 22% of 18-29 year olds claim no religion. "There has been a corresponding drop in church involvement. According to Rainer Research, approximately 70 percent of American youth drop out of church between the age of 18 and 22." from Christianity Today, Nov. 2010 issue, article "The Leavers" by Drew Dyck, pages 40-44.
Some other facts: Generation X, The GenXers, Baby Busters: 44 million born between 1965-1976; the Next Generation, the N Geners, The Nexters, The Millennial Generation 81 million born between 1977-1997. Seminal events for Generation X and N Generation Millennials: 1970 women's lib, 1973 Watergate, 1980 Reagan elected as president, 1992 Rodney King beating and LA riots, 1999 Y2K concerns. Heroes: Michael Jordan, Princess Diana, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Tiger Woods, Christopher Reeves.
I hope this helps.

Thanks Gary,

There is a Generation Y. The Australian Bureau of Statistics differentiation is:
DESCRIPTION BORN AGE POPULATION % OF POPULATION
Boomers 1946-1954 42-60 5.3 million 17%
Generation X 1965-1981 27-41 4.4 million 21.5%
Generation Y 1982-2000 12-26 4.2 million 20.5%
Australian Bureau of Statistics Pyramid 2006 and McCrindle Research Study 2006

This comes from a Governance & Management article. It describes some differences in culture between them.

_________________
John

My soul looks back in wonder at how I got over

We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes

Yeah...this is something I've thought about and done a bit about in my ministry.

For one thing I find that something as simple as Keynote (or Powerpoint for PC's) along with differing media make for really powerful sermons for the Y generation. I often use pictures, movie clips and other audio/visual stuff. It's strange. Those 30+ could care less if I put something on the screen....those 30 and under immediately tune into whatever I'm saying and it makes it all much more relevant for them. It's not an easy balance to strike with the older generation and the younger generation...it's one that I'm still working on.

The other thing I try to do is really connect to social media. Now....don't get me wrong....I'm really not a big fan of facebook and the others. Right now all I have is a facebook account for our church, but it has been very interesting. Would you believe, for instance, that a comment on someone's page or on their status has actually brought people in the door? Funny but true. I can strike up a conversation with someone on facebook and usually they'll start coming to church. Weird huh? In a lot of senses, old time visitation has been replaced by cyber-visitation. It will in no way ultimately replace it, but hey....if it's an effective way of meeting and ministering to people....I say use it.

The final thing that I do about 3000% more of now is Text message. Before I became a pastor I probably texted only about 10 times in my life....now though....anyone under 30 will almost always immediately respond to a text. You can call them on the phone and they won't answer, but text them and they're ready for a conversation.

I must admit all of these things are new and somewhat foreign to me. I'm only 39....but I tend to be an old fashioned guy. None of the above things was something I was interested in or every thought I'd be doing. Really....in some senses I thought they were a colossal waste of time. Now however, I will take any advantage, use any road to preach Christ crucified.

BTW....Paul does a lot of this in the book of Acts. He uses whatever cultural and philosophical advantage he can to spread God's Word and to challenge those around him to Faith.

Hope that helps!

Thanks kopio,

Sorry for the long delay.
maybe I will have to look at the phone plans that Gen Yers have. My mobile bills would be expensive if I texted as much as they do. They also love iPhones and Androids and Blackberrys (is that the correct plural for the phone?).

Love your reference to Paul in Acts. Churches are going to miss out if they insist on them connecting at the church level rather than the church going out and connecting into Gen Y culture.

I have found the book New Rules of Engagement as an audio book, and that has been quite enlightening.

_________________
John

My soul looks back in wonder at how I got over

We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes