The Myth about Millennials and the Family

Since going into kid’s ministry several years ago, I’ve made it a point to observe not just children, but the interactions that kids have with their parents. Back then it was the first generation of kids who grew up with video games and social networking. Their parents were, more or less, like me. I had pong, Atari, Sega, and so on, but I began raising my four kids in a world that, unless the grid goes down at some point, will always have worldwide, instant connectivity.

Now, more than a decade later, I am witness to something altogether different. The kids born in the 90s are now becoming parents. Although I believe that most descriptions of Millennials (those born from the early 80s to the early 2000s) are true, I’ve been surprised at one finding: Millennials, despite their somewhat self-centered worldview, truly desire the traditional family. In fact, there are strong indicators that Millennials desire a return to the traditional family model more than the last two generations.

So, is your church leaning into this or assuming that this generation has to be reprogrammed? Are you showing them how to make Jesus the center of their families?

Learn more about Millennials from the article Family Topped List by Jess Rainer and his book The Millennials: Connecting to America’s Largest Generation.

Jeffrey Reed serves as the Director of Kids Ministry for Lifeway. He came to Lifeway with a wide variety of ministry experiences including worship leader, director of children’s ministry, and executive leadership in several growing congregations. Jeffrey’s posts will give your heart and brain a workout, just like the fitness Boot Camp he leads in the mornings for Lifeway employees. Jeffrey and his wife Katherine have four kids.