Millennials

We had a young family that lived near us visit our church about 6 years ago and her comment after the visit was that we had a lot of old people.  So, was that a problem to her or just an observation?  Since then I have come to believe that to her it was a problem.

I have often asked myself why is it a problem and why the millennials are so enamored with their own (those born between 1982 and 1996, so 23-37 years old this year).  It is somewhat common in mankind for likes to group together.  I remember as a youth sponsor often hearing, “Where is everyone?”  They wanted a crowd and they wanted all to be present.  They loved their age set (I was probably no different when a teen and in my twenties).  It is obvious that millennials today congregate in “millennial” churches.  Millennials love to congregate with their friends – their peers – their generation.

In “millennial” churches, are older ones accepted?  Yes and No.  It is not written or said they are unwelcome, but there is a subtle indication of such.  Janet and I visited a “millennial” church a few years back, arriving early and lingering after, and we were not once talked to except being asked if a seat was taken.  We were old and apparently not welcome.

My question and concern is why millennials have such an aversion to older ones (when I was young, I did not have such and I don’t think others my age had such a thought)?  So what are some reasons are they driven together and have driven others aside?  Some reasons:

1. We have not honored our parents and grandparents enough.
2. We have moved away from grandparents and greats – even their graves.
3. We have been too much about our career.
4. We have spoiled our kids with activities and fun.
5. Advertising is ALL about young people.
6. Sports are all about young people.
7. Movie stars are mostly young people.
8. The music world is comprised of young people.
9. Upstart tech companies are by young people.
10. Older people are politicians and fighting and bitter.
11. Older people run universities that over charge.
12. Older people run businesses making huge money at the expense of workers.
13. Older people spend big money on themselves.

When we were rearing our children…

– did we promote our parents and grandparents as very important?
– did we promote our founding fathers?
– did we talk well of the pastors, evangelists, teachers, and coaches of our youth?
– did we talk of the reformers and the great spiritual leaders of previous generations?

I’m very suspect we did not.

We did not study, talk, or promote those “older”.  We did not visit graveyards and homesteads.  We did not have quotes, books, and pictures of those gone before them.  Rather, we were about us, today, and our kids (the future).

We failed to exalt the hoary headed, our ancestors, and those who lead us in the past, so we have reaped this result: Millennials who care little for the older and greatly for themselves.