I have
noticed a strange occurrence in the intersection between the Church and the
millennial generation. Over the last few months in particular—likely due to our
political climate—I have seen an increase in discord between these two subsets
of culture.
Before I
jump into the first section I want to say that the experiences I describe are
just a small portion of the overall interactions between generations. I do
think it should be part of the conversation though, which is why I include it.
I have been
part of the Church since birth, and I have seen firsthand older generations of
believers have specific ideas about who my generation is. Lazy. Sensitive. Self-centered.
For those
who identify as Christians and are also millennials, this can create some…
awkward tension. Yeah, let’s call it that. I’ve had times where I’ve felt a
self-protecting desire to defend my intentions rise up whether I’m in a church
building or a coffee shop with my fellow 20-something year old's.
Belonging to
both, but not always feeling fully welcomed into either.
“No offense,
but these millennials just need to get over the election and stop being so
sensitive.”
“Christians
are really good at ignoring the problems everyone else in our country is
worried about—must be nice.”
Yikes. Empathy
and understanding seem to be in short supply these days, but that’s a
completely different subject.
Being a
millennial and having ongoing conversations with others, I’ve found a few of
the main messages young people want older people in the Church to know.
1. We are
deeply committed to the teachings of Jesus and learning what it looks like to
walk those out in our daily lives.
2. We want
to engage in social justice efforts because we believe Jesus loves the
marginalized and God calls us to fight oppression. We want to protect the
environment as good stewards of God’s creation.
3. What I’ve
heard most often though? We long for
relationship with older believers. The kind of genuine relationship where we
can see that being a Christian doesn’t mean you hit a certain age and get
everything right. We want to see your mess! We want to see how God is working
in your life. We want to have fun and do life with you, because we know we have
so much to learn from you.
For the last
five years I have been part of a teeny little church in Newberg called Hillside
Fellowship, and I might be biased y’all, but I think they’re on to something. We
have a phrase that is thrown around regularly—“Hip & Wise.”
In order to
be healthy, churches need both young (Hip) and older (Wise) people actively
participating in the life of the Church. A space for millennials to feel like
they are free from judgment and are taken seriously as faithful followers of
Jesus, and for older generations to feel like their years of learning and
commitment to the Lord are valued and sought after.
About a year
ago I started going to a women’s Bible study where (for the first time) it
wasn’t strictly my peers, a leader, and me. And man, it is so beautiful. Wisdom
abounds, vulnerability is a constant, and I see women connecting with each
other in a crazy way. I can attest to the relief and peace that comes when you
hear someone speak about an experience you are still struggling through while
they are 15 years beyond it.
It gives
hope that we will in fact survive our twenties; that God works through even the
darkest moments; and we have a community of believers who are in our corners no
matter what happens.
So! Wise
folks—reach out to a young person today, this week, this year. We want to know
you, but we don’t always know how to initiate that relationship. Hip people—don’t
be afraid to ask for guidance, for a coffee date, and for prayer.
“How good
and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
