Making God Real for a New Generation: Ministry With Millennials Born from 1982 to 1999

The Millennial Generation is on the verge of a key moment in its life. By 2006 we will see a youth boom larger than any of the youth booms of the past. Fueled by the largest generation the world has ever seen, this youth boom will shape the values and trends for the next 20 years. Perhaps the greatest challenge facing the church today is to be God’s witness to our children and young people — to make God real for this new generation.

Making God Real for a New Generation begins with an article entitled "Who Are the Millennials?" that gives an overview of some of the key characteristics of Millennials and issues they are facing. Following this introduction are four sections, each section focusing on how congregations and families can be witnesses for this generation.

(1) "Millennials and Their Families" focuses on the life cycle of Millennials and the impact families have on their values, beliefs, and futures.

(2) "Millennials and Their World" looks at key issues Millennials face in their day-to-day living at school, home, and church.

(3) "The Spirituality of Millennials" paints a picture of a generation seeking God in many ways — perhaps not radically different from previous generations but in ways that challenge us to ask, "What are we doing to partner with young people in finding God?".

(4) "Models for Ministry" suggests some key ways congregations can create opportunities to be in ministry with Millennials. (2003)

Craig K. Miller is Director of Evangelism through New Congregational Development at the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, TN. He is the author of Baby Boomer Spirituality, Encounters with Jesus, Culture Shifts (with Lía Icaza-Willetts), Postmoderns, NextChurch.Now, Contemporary Worship for the 21st Century (with Daniel T. Benedict), and Forty-Sixty (with Richard H. Gentzler).

MaryJane Pierce Norton is an author, Christian educator, and nationally recognized speaker in the areas of faith formation, generational theory, and faith development in the home. Director of Family Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, TN, she is the author of Children Worship!, Faith Home (with Debra Ball-Kilbourne), Come, Follow Me, and Teaching Young Children. MaryJane is a deacon in the North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church.