I just finished The Millennials: Connecting to America’s Largest Generation by the father/son team of Thom Ranier and Jess Rainer. I have followed Thom Ranier in his role as president of LifeWay in regards to the research he has been doing for a number of years. Even thought I was born in 1978, and just two years two early for technical inclusion in this generation, I found that I could resonate with a lot of what was presented in this book. As a leader, a large majority of my staff…and many of my students…are a part of the Millennial generation and I came away from this book with information that I think will help me invest with them in some new and exciting ways.
I appreciate the Rainers making this available for free on Kindle right now. I don’t know how much longer it will be available, so you should snap it up quickly. Here are some things that I highlighted while reading…I hope they will be helpful to you as well!
- Millennials represent a more diverse group than do any previous American generations.
- The Millennials are a generation that has hope for the future. Indeed, they are a generation that, as a whole, wants to make a positive difference for the future. Nearly nine out of ten respondents indicated that they feel responsible to make a difference in this world.
- Imagine the change our nation could experience if the dominant attitude in America shifts from entitled to giving.
- The Millennials tend to be upbeat, positive, and happy. But they are realists as well. They know that not all is well with the world. The Boomer Generation knew that and protested it. The Gen X Generation knew that and was depressed about it. And the Millennials know that, but they believe they can have a role in changing it.
- We want a connected family.
- Family values may well become one of the main distinguishing marks of the Millennials. We believe that families will return to a point where we are no longer disconnected. This generation desires close family relationships, and we will make the effort to keep our families connected.
- We want parental involvement.
- We are diverse.
- We believe we can make an impact for the future.
- We are not workaholics.
- We want a mentor.
- We are green but not that green.
- We communicate unlike any other generation.
- We are financially confused.
- We are not religious.
- Millennials are the least religious of any generation in modern American history. Millennials are still spiritual. Three out of four Millennials say they are spiritual but not religious.
- The return to traditional values.
- The Millennial Generation also respects their peers. Their openness towards those of differing ethnic or racial background is greater than any generation in American history.
- Social media is pervasive among the Millennials. They use this new technology once again to stay in touch with family.
- Breaking the broken family.
- There is nothing more important to the Millennials than family.
- The Millennials represent the most racially and ethnically diverse nation in America’s history.
- Parental influence is huge in this generation.
- The best motivators in the workplace for this generation are relationships.
- The best connectors in religious institutions are relationships.
- The best way to get a Millennial involved in a service, activity, or ministry is through relationships.
- The best way to get political allegiance of this generation is connecting them through relationships.
- This generation is truly a relationship generation. If anyone fails to grasp that reality, they have failed to understand the Millennials.
- Every generation is different, and thus every employer has a learning curve as young employees enter the workforce.
- The Millennials are looking for leadership and mentorship in the workplace.
- It’s worth the effort.
- Unlike some who have written on the Millennials, we are encouraged and hopeful about this generation. No generation is perfect and all have their flaws. But there is much about the Millennials to like.
- Religion is thus viewed by many of the Millennials as just another divisive force in the world. More specifically, they see problems with organized and institutional religion.
- There are many peacemakers among the Millennials.
- The Millennials are determined to keep families together.
- The Millennials are not without convictions.
- They have learned to respect others from their Boomer parents.
- The status quo is in trouble.
- The Millennials are coming. We had better get ready or get out of the way.
- The Millennials entered into the media scene during a time of great technological advancements. This generation is unique in that, unlike previous generations, they do not know a world without technology and media.
- Nothing is more powerful and influential than the Millennials’ parents.
- Career success is near the top of the Millennial agenda. In addition to success, Millennials also have a desire to achieve wealth.
- What Is Really Important in Your Life?
1. Family (61 percent) 2. Friends (25 percent) 3. Education (17 percent) 4. Career/job (16 percent) 5. Spouse/partner (13 percent) 6. Spiritual matters (13 percent) 7. Finances (12 percent) 8. Happiness (12 percent) 9. Raising kids (11 percent) 10. Health (10 percent) - But what we learned about this relatively small number of Millennial Christians is that they are passionate about their faith. They have no patience for business as usual. They see the urgent need to share the gospel and to start new churches. And they will not wait on tired, established churches to get the work done.
- Become radically committed to the community.
- Go deep in biblical teaching.
- Love the nations.
- Direct revenue outwardly.
- Millennial Christians are not reticent to speak up about church finances. Demonstrate transparency, humility, and integrity.
- Remember the indifference factor.
- Unleash the simple power of inviting.
- Connect Boomer parents with Millennial children.
- Demonstrate the deep meaning of following Christ.
- Demonstrate concern for others.
- Demonstrate transparency, humility, and integrity . . . again.