GlocalNet

In the past two weeks I’ve been with college students, church planters, Hmong people, and some business leaders that are all what was called the “millennial” generation but that Zogby is now calling our “1st globals.”  I’m excited in what I see.  I genuinely believe that God is up to something in this emerging generation like none I’ve ever seen.  In American culture I started out as a boy in what I would call the “institutional” generation only to hit the tail end of the “me” or “boomer” “innovative” generation to live the majority of my life in a “postmodern” generation in which we have deconstructed everything.  I believe the planters, builders, and creators will come from this global generation that I see.  There’s a book called the Fourth Turning that’s incredible I read many years ago - been rereading some stuff in it and I believe now more than ever before the greatest thing that we have to offer this generation is values and ideas - they will do the rest.  This will be the “Jeremiah” generation that builds, plants, and establishes.  Why would I say that?

1.  They are connected to the world and ideas like no one group.  My daughter and son are friends on Facebook with people all over the world of every culture, religion, persuasion that there is.  Instead of being taught how to speak in a pluralistic world - they are growing up speaking in a pluralistic world.  Postmodern is back, have to relearn how to speak in a globally connected world a consistent message for all people.

2.  They don’t have the racial hang-ups we have.  Not saying racism isn’t an issue - just saying it’s not as big a deal as it was in the past.  They hang out in groups racially, and even with friends of different races go to one another’s holidays, events, etc.,  They work together more and instead of fearing the differences tend to value the differences, if not be fascinated by them, and use them as building blocks.

3.  They aren’t as materialistic.  Time will tell how true this is, some issues in generations are stage in life issues more than pronounced unique cultural differences - but I’m cautiously optimistic on this one.  They had better not be as materialistic because there’s not going to be as much “material” as there has been in the past. 

4.  They are more open and honest about who they are.  When I started pastoring and people would tell me their “sins” and issues they were dealing with - I never tried to look shocked.  It was good training.  It’s nothing for some guy or gal to come up to me - with their spouse - and say something like “I’m struggling with pornography” keep me in mind.

5.  They care more about truth, justice, and compassion than any generation alive.  Woe to those evangelicals who try to make it a gospel vs. social question - they will loose legitimacy with this generation - this is the both and generation not either or. 

6.  They’re optimistic and excited about the future.  They aren’t a sad and depressed generation - though they struggle like others - they tend to keep getting back up on their feet. 

What will this generation become?  Where are they headed?  Why are they so unique?  How will take the Good News of Jesus around the world in a glocal way?  I believe all eyes will be upon this generation over the next 20 years - I’m glad I’m here to see it . . . . . ROCK ON LITTLE BRO’S AND SIS’S!!!