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Generation Why?
Born some time between about 1979 and 1995, the generation following Generation X is often known as Generation Y, the Millennium Generation, or any number of names that have to do with technology. We’ll call them millennials. They're a diverse group with big (but savvy) spending habits and have grown up speaking the language of technology and media culture. They ask lots of questions, know their own worth, seek independence and value teamwork. Mennonite millennials are suspicious of evangelism that smacks of cultural imperialism, wary of sounding like Bible-thumping televangelists. But they think serving others is an important component of their faith. "The life and example of Jesus in the Gospels, especially regarding the marginalized, life as community and nonconformity—these things are fully embraced,” said Dwight Regier, director of the Mission Network’s Christian Service partner program DEO (Discipleship, Encounter, Outreach).
When it comes to sharing faith with nonbelievers, millennials say building relationships is critical. Though it may appear that these young adults don’t have a clear sense of what they believe because they aren’t saying it, the truth is they’re being sensitive. The last thing they want is to turn someone off by not giving them a chance to show who they are. “It is simply impossible to reach another human being effectively with a suggestion about faith without first building a base relationship,” said Rachel Lehman, Service Adventure participant serving in Philippi, W. Va. She said having common interests, or at least knowing what a person cares about, is the first step in relationships and that simple acts of caring are easier than one might think. Kendall Beachey, RAD participant in Sweden, agrees. “If religion isn’t personal, with answers to real problems, then it doesn’t work,” he said. For him, mission is about looking for ways to relate to people on a personal level that allows God to speak into their lives. Computer-literate mission intern Tim Nafziger relates to a variety of Anabaptist organizations in the United Kingdom. Much of his work to share Jesus' theology of peace is accomplished by building relationships—and building Web sites. "Mission needs to be about facilitating others in sharing their stories as well as sharing our own," he said. Through the Internet, Christians and non-Christians can do just that. Also in this issue: Features Highlights Highlights |
$25 pays for the books used by one DEO participant in the discipleship-training phase of this service program that helps youth discern God’s call on their lives.