So I am sitting here at Starbucks and I just finished reading the Millennials by Thom and Jess Rainer and let me tell you, this is a good read. In this book, the Rainers work through research and interviews to bring the predominant views of the largest generation in America to date.
As I read through this book, being categorized as a Millennial myself, I found my ideals and views being described to me through the stats of my generation. It was very profound and almost nostalgic as some of the case studies described what they believe and desire with their words almost lining up with mine exactly.
Here are a few of the things that Characterize the Millennials: (But NOT all)
- Millennials Value Family!
- They value the connection and advice from their parents
- They desire a close knit family
- They place a very high value on marriage (80% believe they will only marry once)
- Millennials Value Social Connection!
- Through technology and social networks
- Through their school or work environments
- Millennials Want to Make a Difference!
- They believe it is their responsibility to change the world
- They want to serve outside of the church walls
- They desire to help others who cant help themselves (adoption, serving the poor, providing for the needy)
- Pastor’s and Church Ministry Leaders
The American Church landscape is about to come to cross roads and in order to remain relevant, the church is going to need to shift to attract the Millennial generation. If you are a church leader or ministry leader, this book will give you practical insight into how you can communicate more effectively to reach the Millennials.
- Business People
With the Millennials being the largest generation in American history, the business world will change. Read this book to find out what the Millennials value.
- Those who have children who are Millennials (children born between 1980-1991)
Want to understand and remain connected with your fast paced, technology driven children? This book will give you some insight into what they are thinking and may inspire some actions steps you can take to talk to your kids and help them in the future. (FYI- I am giving this book to my mother now. 😛 )
A Quick Description from Amazon – “At more than 78 million strong, the Millennials—those born between 1980 and 2000—have surpassed the Boomers as the larger and more influential generation in America. Now, as its members begin to reach adulthood, where the traits of a generation really take shape, best-selling research author Thom Rainer (Simple Church) and his son Jess (a Millennial born in 1985) present the first major investigative work on Millennials from a Christian worldview perspective.
Sure to interest even the secularists who study this group, The Millennials is based on 1200 interviews with its namesakes that aim to better understand them personally, professionally, and spiritually. Chapters report intriguing how-and-why findings on family matters (they are closer-knit than previous generations), their desire for diversity (consider the wave of mixed race and ethnic adoptions), Millennials and the new workplace, their attitude toward money, the media, the environment, and perhaps most tellingly, religion.
The authors close with a thoughtful response to how the church can engage and minister to what is now in fact the largest generation in America’s history.”