By Jessyka Albert
Over the past year I have heard the terms “Millennials” and “Gen Y” so many times my head is about to explode. This is partially my own fault, due to the fact that I read countless articles on the subject. I guess I’m just maintaining the stereotype that my generation is exceedingly self- centered. What I’ve found is that the way members of my generation understand themselves and the way those outside it think they understand us are strikingly different. Obviously, this shouldn’t come as a shock, but during my article perusing, I found a statement that seemed to bridge the gap.
The article, entitled, “11 Things You Should Know About Generation Y,” seemed to offer some good insights. I’m usually a softie for articles written from the perspective of Gen Y rather than about it, but I thought I would give this one a skim. As I was reading through this short list, I found each point to be glaringly obvious. Is this supposed to be a new observation? I thought. That was before I came to the very end. Number 11 put into words an explanation for why many observers feel that the Millennials are simultaneously the most connected and disconnected generation of all time.
According to author Sarah Sladek, members of Generation Y, “. . . Remain detached from institutions, but closely networked with friends.” This speaks volumes. There’s always an exception to a rule, and it seems like with this generation there are more exceptions than rules. Overall however, I believe this generalization holds true. Yes, there is still the puzzle of the person with 852 Facebook friends
but no one to grab lunch with, but I think the overarching problem isn’t that Millennials have shallow relationships; it’s that we just “relationship” in a different way.
If anything, Gen Y might be cracking the code to build- ing stronger businesses, communities and churches. Looking at the big picture is always important, but knowing the artist is even more impressive. Gen Y is moving away from establishments and, by starting at the source, getting to know those who are establishing, valuing individuals over institutions, and setting a new tone for building deeper relationships.
In my short time as a young adult pastor paired with my experience being a millennial myself, I have concluded that Generation Y, not to mention Generation Z following close behind, is not looking to be connected with a school, or a business, or even a church for that matter. From the outside, this looks disheartening to many, but what they don’t understand is that what Gen Y craves is individual connections. We would rather be introduced to a person rather than a place.
This gives me so much hope! Maybe this one article, one list, one number has gotten me too excited, but this observation reveals to me that my generation will focus more on personal relationships—both with individuals and with Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, the institution (church) is important! Eighty percent of the connections I see are within some context of the church. All the pieces are there, but it takes the personal connections to put the puzzle together.
Each relationship that forms intensifies the beauty of this “puzzle” revealing to us the Kingdom of Heaven. “Number 11” holds much truth, but I think it neglects to recognize that by closely networking with friends, we are building stronger institutions. Jesus built His Church relationship-by-relation- ship. Let’s continue to follow His lead and build up our churches in the same manner, by valuing the individual, and letting those relationships strengthen that of the institution.
—Jessyka Albert is young adult pastor at Boulder Adventist Church.