Saturday, September 10, 2011

Millennial.

For the past 5 years I have led a small group of young people ranging from the ages of 18 to 28 years old.  When I first started, I had about 15 people but when the school year started it dwindled down to 6, then it would rise up to 20 then back down to 4.  at one time, 1 person came...thanks Heather!  We met in peoples living rooms, yards, and even a gas station!  Then a core group of young people and a influential parent came into my path and now I am consistently running 25+ every week.  I have even taken some of these young to Kenya!!!
These young people only have 2 things in common, they are out of high school and they are trying in some form to seek God.  Their needs are all different....very hard to keep up with.  Their personalities are all different.  Their view of God is all different.  They all still come.  Some are under challenged, but still come.  Some are living in blatant sin, but still come.  Some feel like they can't relate based on maturity levels, but still come.  Some live for it, and still come.
Regardless of your generation, the ages of 18-29 are crazy years.  You can get married early thus forcing you completely into another life stage.  You can have a baby out of wedlock or off your plan and not know where you fit in.  You can be bogged down with a bachelors or masters degrees or a new career and never have any time for people except colleagues and study buddies.  So what is the common ground for the age group?  The need for God.  What is the point of a small group for the age group?  To encourage a desire to serve that God and live according to His plan.
So for the under-challenged?  What is God wanting you to take action on to help the least of these?  Your generation needs you!  To the one in blatant sin...  Listen to your pastors and stop!  Talk to someone! Forgive those who hurt you!  Life is happening! Grow up! Your generation needs you! To the ones who can't relate to your generation...it's probably because you are called to lead it!  Embrace your true calling and find healing for your insecurities, your generation needs you!  And to the ones who are just enjoying the ride, be on your guard!  You can easily become one of the above...your generation is going to call on you eventually.
In the meantime, I will continue to meet with this generation in whatever style, venue, or structure needed...but it will always be about our Risen Savior Jesus...the Redeemeer of this generation!

1 comment:

  1. This even speaks to the 30 somethings (and beyond I'm sure)...this one resonates for me: "To the ones who can't relate to your generation...it's probably because you are called to lead it! Embrace your true calling and find healing for your insecurities, your generation needs you!"

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