6 OBSERVATIONS OF THIS GENERATION

Question 1

6 Observations

Answer 1

1. They want to belong before they believe
2. They want an experience before an explanation
3. They want a cause before they want a course
4. They want a guide on the side before they want a sage on the stage
5. They want to play before the pay
6. They want to be heard

Question 2

They want to belong before they believe

Answer 2

• teens would rather belong to a small group before they embrace the beliefs of that group
• base their choices on emotions and relationships before logic
• implications in a small group ministry;
• letting people attend who hold opposing beliefs
• need strong leadership

Question 3

They want an experience before an explanation

Answer 3

• grab their interest with an experience that will capture their imagination
• how can I say this creatively and experientially?
• How does this affect the way we preach and teach to young people?
• experience needs to be a part of the whole message, not just a part in the message

Question 4

They want a cause before they want a course

Answer 4

• in order to grab the attention of young people, you need to give them a reason for listening to you
• students must first be exposed to a cause that interacts with the issue you are talking about

Question 5

They want a guide on the side before they want a sage on the stage

Answer 5

• young people aren’t necessarily looking for experts
• looking for authentic, approachable people
• hunger for relationship more than for information
• billions of resources for information can be attained in seconds, relationships are harder to come by
• they will be more willing to listen to what you have to say if they trust you

Question 6

They want to play before the pay

Answer 6

-attitude in downloading on the internet
“Why pay when you could get it somewhere for free?”
-has this generation lost the ability to wait in anticipation
in ministry; we have to show quickly that what were saying is relevant
we have to teach the benefit in waiting because it takes time to grow spiritually

Question 7

They want to be heard

Answer 7

-they dont want to be the project of some market campaign, they want to be a part of it and have control
-they want their voice to be heard and valued
-in ministry; negative; too much control
positive; being able to engage kids in ministry
useful for leader development