The Millennial Narrative: Sharing a Good Life with the Next Generation
Synthetic audio, Automated braille
Summary
"A good education will land you a good job," "Be an entrepreneur/Startsomething in a garage or dorm room" and even "Jesus saves" arenarratives that collapsed for the millennial generation (born1982-2002). These narratives, amongst many similar social and religiousones, have lost… their meaning and power as millennials question allauthorities and struggle to flourish in a world come of age. With theirneeds for community and success, a strong spirituality, and believingthat their gifts should be recognized and can make a difference,millennials increasingly find meaning and purpose outside the church. Asthey face economic uncertainty, reduced career prospects, unceasingchange, as well as civic, global, and ecological uncertainties, however,a large number of millennials are overwhelmed with feelings of anxietyand depression. Caught between hope and fear, millennials leave thechurch with their values of personal transformation, purpose, community,spirituality, social transformation and ecological awareness.Ironically the church often holds the samevalues. The Millenial Narrative is written for pastoral leaders whowant to welcome millennials, both inside and outside their congregation.The book draws on the wisdom of the prophetic Book of Joel as anarrative worth living into. Drawing on Joel’s three chapters, The Millenial Narrative empowers pastoral leaders to: • Facilitate the work of mourning Millennials arefacing; • Envision a spiritual community that can welcomemillennials; • Introduce a compassionate God that restores and indwells as theSpirit; • Reflect on God’s judgment through the lens of accountability;and, • Support and encourage millennials to be a blessing toothers. In addition, pastoral leaders will receive a sermon outline and material for adult education.