Ten years ago, I switched from multi-generational ministry in a local congregation to a ministry with college students. I found myself, a mid-life baby boomer, ministering with a staff of Generation X-ers. As I adjusted to this change, a new shift happened. The college students were suddenly part of a new generation, the Millennials.

Born after 1980, they were school age when the new millennium began.

I became a boomer leading X-ers to serve Millennials. Now that Millennials are joining our staff team, some of the changes they bring are refreshing.

Young adults are frequently the front line for many ministries. They are often the ones providing direct oversight of children and youth, leading activities, greeting guests, and much more. Who is this new generation, and how can we best work with them?

A generation of winners

The Millennials experienced most of their formative growth in the 1990s. Children of economic prosperity, busy two-income or single-parent households, they spent much of ...