1. The Seasons of Adult Faith Formation National Symposium

2. 1.Increasing diversity throughout American society  Lifespan  Generational identities  Marriage patterns & family structures  Ethnic makeup 2.Rise of new digital technologies that are reshaping society 3.Dramatic changes and increasing diversity in the religious beliefs, practices, and affiliation of Americans

4. Generational Differences  Relationship to Institutions  Relationship to Authority  Family Relationships  Work-Life Balance  Communication Style  Technology Usage  Learning Style  Religious Expression  Worship Style

9. THE 1950s FAMILY THE 2010s FAMILY

10. 1. The median age at first marriage is 29 for men and 27 for women. 2. An American woman, on average, is expected to have 1.9 children. 3. Some 3 million (37% of) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults have had a child at some point in their lives. 4. Families today are more blended and differently constructed. More babies are born to unmarried mothers than ever before. 5. Intermarriage among people of different races is increasingly common (15% of all marriages).

11. 1. Married Couple without Children 2. Married Couple with Children 3. Married Couple with Children (blended family) 4. Single Parent with Children 5. Unmarried Couple with Children 6. Unmarried Couple without Children 7. Same Sex Couple with Children 8. Same Sex Couple without Children 9. Grandparents & Parents with Children 10. Grandparents as Primary Caregivers 11. Parents with Single Young Adults Living at Home

12. 1.Internet Revolution 2.Mobile Revolution 3.Social Media Revolution Information is now...  Portable  Personal  Participatory

25.  Dissenters are people who largely stay away from institutional religion (“protesting dissenters” or “drifted dissenters”)  Casuals are people whose religious or spiritual practices are primarily functional (makes me feel better).  Explorers are like spiritual tourists who enjoy the journey but do not plan to settle anywhere (theological hybrids).  Seekers are searching for a spiritual home (reclaiming an earlier religious identities or moving on to something new).  Immigrants have moved to a new spiritual “land” and are trying to adjust to this new identity and community (tension between commitment, constancy, and group loyalty – and SBNR ethos of independence, freedom, non- dogmatism, and an open and questing attitude).