We are all living in the Google world, where information is a click away. How we filter that information may be another topic, but for this message, I want to focus on the hunger for more, and how to feed the spiritual hunger of Millennials—-for the good of all generations.
I have two grandsons who are three years old. Their primary question in conversation is “Why”? They ask it innocently, with real intent. They ask “Why” because they simply don’t know; they are so hungry to learn the why behind the what and the how. Same with the 20 and 30 somethings; its part of not just questioning the status quo, but more importantly, vetting the entire world’s thinking with the intent to understand.
The hunger for knowledge and to understand meaning are such a great character traits; we need to celebrate these desires and foster them. Doing so will make all of us better human beings.
In a recent survey of Millennial church goers conducted by Chris Folmsbee, an expert in Millennial ministry, he was surprised to learn that 40% said the sermon mattered most to them when asked the primary reason they attend church; more than double any other reason including the social/tribal aspects. While they often proclaim the 20 and 30 something’s spirituality irrespective of religious affiliation, they nevertheless are fascinated by the deep meanings that represent spiritual figures and practices. In other words, they embrace the spiritual practice, not necessarily the associated religion.
For spiritual leaders striving to engage Millennials in connecting faith to their everyday walk, I would propose 5 key aspects to consider in most effectively feeding their spiritual hunger:
- PREPARE well the message. Too often, spiritual leaders believe they can just “stand and deliver.” The danger of relying on this boot strap method is giving a message that doesn’t explore the curiosity of the listener and engage their interest; let alone a willingness to be changed from it. Experience doesn’t trump preparation; neither is your sage wisdom eaten without the smell test. If olfaction is the most powerful physical sense connected to memory, then a spiritual message should create a sensory connection that persuades the listener to partake. Prepare well in advance the framework of your message, allowing of course, the Spirit of God to define the message more clearly.
- CENTER your message in scripture with clear interpretations. Everyone might not agree with the interpretation; but it creates a starting point for wonderful dialogue which should lead to mutual understanding at the best and tolerance at the least. Millennials are fascinated with figures of faith; so dive in and make the message an adventure in discovery.
- Figure out the SO WHAT. Just like my three-year-old grandsons, the question of “Why should I consider the relevance of this” is on their minds. Frankly, it ought to be on everyone’s minds. Great stories are wonderful, but they are even more wonderful a person can see themselves in them and see how it applies to their lives. Communicating the “so what” establishes the possibility of change.
- Eliminate the bluster and blather. I get the wonderful opportunity to worship with many faith groups which is always an enriching experience. The methods of messaging vary widely from the rock bands to the very quiet and simple practices of worship without the special effects. All have a way of reaching the parishioner, IF the message is mostly about the WHY and not so much about the way it’s packaged. Our Millennials have the greatest BS radars on the planet; the message must be deeper than the best guitar player. Likewise, while rhymes that click are cool, just because you created a cool rhyme doesn’t mean the message means anything. I like rhyme and hip hoppy type word combinations too; but they have to mean something.
- Challenge without confrontation. When delivering a spiritual message; in essence you are trying to get the parishioner to see themselves in a more Godly light and to be empowered by that experience. No one wants to feel like left-overs or be guilted by the message; even though the inner-voice might suggest change is needed to embrace the teaching. Present the message in a transparent and non-confrontational and non-judgmental way, challenging the listener to give it a chance, to test the message—-after all, the audience you hope to empower should be the most non-judgmental generation in history.
Feeding our spiritual hunger is a life-time endeavor. Considering these five key aspects will helps us communicate this innate desire most effectively.
