This was written to be a one-day, five hour workshop, written for an audience of mostly 40+ year-old Christians (non-millennials and gen Z) as an introduction to ministering to the hearts and minds of millennials and gen Z, as well as encouraging a clear mindset of partnering with millennials and gen Z in the work of the church. The uniqueness of this workshop is its’ strong emphasis on dealing with the epidemic of loneliness among millennials and gen Z, and how Christ’s gospel ministry included friendship, shared meals, and ministering to the hearts of the people around him.
Topics include: changing worldview and social structures, communication and technology, the current epidemic of loneliness, spiritual doubt, the role of church programs, mentoring, radical service and joining in the cause of the gospel, and much more.
The Full Packet contains:
- 20 pg. workbook
- Workbook with leader comments
- Poster
- 1920×1080 slides
Leaders preparing to give this workshop ought to review and read the following resources and books:
- Growing Young, by Kara Powell, Jake Mulder, and Brad Griffin, is a must-read, reporting on the results of a study of 250 churches. The book also has lots of practical advice.
- You Lost Me: Why Christians Are Leaving the Church …and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman is a book which reviews the massive studies conducted by the Barna Group on the religious and spiritual state of young adults today.
- Myth of the Millennial: Connecting Generations in the Church by Ted and Chelsey Doering is an excellent book on building relationships within the church, write by law/gospel, sacrament-centred confessional Lutheran church planters.
- Ministering to Millennials Videos is a discipleship module produced by WELS Congregational Services and includes four half-hour videos by pastors talking about the unique challenges and opportunities in ministering to millennials and gen Z.
- Ministering to Millennials Playbook provides 10 “plays” or practical guides to implementing and adjusting different aspects of ministry to millennials and gen Z.