I have been immersed in the study of the millennial generation for a few years now. I have discovered extremely compelling data and information. I have accepted some of the data I have seen, and some of it I have chalked up to wannabe experts, spewing forth colorful and yet woefully wrong information regarding this most wonderful of all generations.
You may ask me what my filter is for truth regarding 20 and 30 somethings. For three years, I was the minister of a young adult group of about 150 souls. My work with them included counseling, worship, social, and leadership venues. I gained incredible experience through this process; and truthfully, while never questioning their greatness, deepened my love for their viewpoints and potential. I became a thought leader for millennials because I willfully learned to think like one. At the same time, I was (and still am) a father for five M’s. I offer this experiential credibility to make the following point.
In a recent gathering of spiritual leaders of many faiths, while visiting with one I consider an actual expert on Millennials, I was given a new perspective. Chris Folmsbee said “We should think in terms of “Mindsets” NOT “Generations.” WOW. We talk about groups of human beings as if they are in a box with a label: Millennials, Gen Xr’s, Gen Y’s, Baby Boomers, Gen Z’s and The Greatest Generation. Books are now written regarding how these generations can most effectively communicate with each other, gain respect for one another, and learn to co-habitate most effectively. ALL great aims in their own right; but are we missing something?
What if we stopped comparing and did more respecting. What if we saw human beings without a label, and worked on mindsets rather than generational understanding. I’m not saying to put the research aside; no, quite the opposite. I’ll continue my study and learn from every angle I can get my eyes and hands on. However, while in the process, my mindset will change. I will address how to celebrate Millennials with the same principled messages I would suggest for any generation. If our mindsets are centered in correct principles, we can let any generation apply them as they will; every single soul can apply in their own journey and applications. This is a beautiful concept to consider in our outreach to celebrate Millennials. Let’s focus on the heart and mind ABOVE an age that puts people in a box.
With this in mind, let me suggest a reset of our mindset as we work on our non-judgmental work of principled leadership and values—-which apply to ALL generations. YES, we will work on teaching in the most acceptable delivery methods to different age groups, and our focus will continue to be Millennials. But learning to inculcate faith-based principles in our daily walk is mostly a message of authentic content which ought to be celebrated by everyone.
