Bridging the Generations

 Identify a young adult you know, someone under 35 years of age.  Keeping that person in mind, read the following slides.  Recall your life as a young adult. How does the information reflect your experiences as a young adult?

 They are also called Millennials.  They were born between 1984 and  They are defined by technology.  They have easy access to information and watch events in real time via the internet.

 They are easily overwhelmed by information and events.  They may be continually connected to some form of technology.  They have access to information but may lack the skills to assimilate it.  They often have great technological skills with poor relationships skills.

 They are over-protected, growing up with many safety policies.  They may be over-confident—they’ve been told they can do anything.  Some have not experienced failure and may lack coping skills for negative experiences.

Dr. Tim Elmore identified these differences at M11 in February Early Gen Y—born in the 80s Later Gen X—born in the 90s Highly compassionateLow empathy Technology is a toolTechnology is an appendage Civil-mindedSelf-absorbed Ambitious about the futureAmbiguous about the future Accelerated growthPostponed maturation

 There are difference between early Generation Yers and those born in the 1990s.  What are some causes of these differences?  What ministry opportunities exist as Gen Y experiences life transitions?

 They experience frequent job changes, searching for fulfillment and good pay.  They have high hopes and big dreams as well as anxiety and uncertainty.  They have conflicting emotions due to fears and freedoms, excitement and uncertainty, and possibilities and confusion.

 If you are over the age of 50, you may find the traits of young adults to be different from what you experienced.  This reflects many cultural changes, technological advancements, and delaying marriage.  In 2010, the median age for the first marriage for men was 28.2 and 26.1 for women.  About 2/3 attend college after high school.

 As you read and compared experiences, what changes did you identify?  What new information did you gain about today’s young adults?  How can this information help you minister more effectively?

 Life experiences influence how we view life.  Experiences change with each generation.  On the next two slides, find your generation.  Consider the differences.

The People & Issues SeniorsBuildersBoomersBustersGeneration Y or Millennials Era they were born Life Paradigm Manifest destiny Be grateful for a job You owe meRelated to me Life is a cafeteria Role of Relationships Long TermSignificantLimited, usefulCentral, caring Global, 24/7 Value System TraditionalConservativeSelf-basedMediaShop around Role of Career LoyaltyMeans for living Central focusIrritantOptimistic

The People & Issues SeniorsBuildersBoomersBustersGeneration Y or Millennials Era they were born Schedules ResponsibleMellowFranticAimlessVolatile Technology What’s that?Hope to outlive it Master itEnjoy itEmploy it Market CommoditiesGoodsServicesExperiencesTransformations View of the future UncertainSeek to stabilize Create itHopelessOptimistic

 How did these slides help you better understand generational differences?  Identify the percentage of your congregation in each generation.  What are the implications for your ministry setting?  How well do the individuals in each generation relate to other generations?

 Each generation tends to ◦ Break from the previous generation ◦ Correct two generations older than they ◦ Replace three generations older than they

 Builders ◦ Contributions:  Sage-like wisdom  Big picture perspective  Make good mentors  Do this by ◦ Valuing their contributions ◦ Requesting presence and input ◦ Giving a place of honor

 Boomers ◦ Contributions:  Stories  Comparable youth experiences  Make good life coaches  Do this by ◦ Asking about past experiences and lessons learned ◦ Calling them to give back

 Generation X ◦ Contributions:  Realism  Authenticity  Balance  Do this by ◦ Building relationships ◦ Forming authentic community ◦ Influencing through relationships, not power

 Generation Y ◦ Contributions:  Tech savvy  Creative  Optimistic  Do this by ◦ Affirming dreams and goals ◦ Setting short term commitments ◦ Removing self-imposed pressure

 How did the slides help you value and understand each generation?  How can you use this information in your ministry setting?  How can the information help to form bridges among the generations?  Which generations do you think will be the most difficult to bridge?