I know, I know. Basing a blog post around a Seth Godin blog post is hardly original, but I love what Seth had to say on New Year’s Day. Particularly, this chunk:
The first internet generation is old enough to spend money, go to work and build companies.
Think about that — today’s twentysomethings grew up networking, communicating, updating, tweaking, downloading, distributing, and remixing. Now, they’re out of school and ready to contribute to the real world (whatever that is). As Ben Arment points out today, they view work differently than their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. My guess is that they see church differently, too.
They want to network, communicate, update, tweak, download, distribute, and remix. They want to discover and share meaning. They want to be a part of change. They expect media and technology to be a part of it all.
However (and this is just my opinion), what they don’t want is for media and technology in churches and other organizations to be confined to producing a better spectator event. Experiences, connections, communication — YES. “Sit still for an hour and watch this” — NO.
Today, the first Internet generation is probably known as “young adults,” “young marrieds,” “college and career,” and “young singles” in your church. A decade or two from now, the first Internet generation could be known as elders, deacons, lay leaders, and pastors in your church. You know, if they’re still around. If they haven’t fled in search of meaning experiences, connections, and communication.
Believe it or not, the first Internet generation is old enough to begin shaping the direction of your church. Invite them in or push them out.
