Ed Stetzer Interviews Brianna Parker on African-American Millennials and the Church

Late in April, Wheaton College is hosting their inaugural Mission & Ministry Conference. The theme is “Emerging Adults: Formation for Mission.” There is still time to register.

Millennial Life, Church LifeBen SimpsonApril 19, 2019Comment

Connecting with Gen Zers and Millennials? They Receive Messages Differently

Though “Millennial” continues to be the catch-all term for “young people,” a new generational cohort has emerged: Generation Z. The differences between Millennials and Gen Z run deeper than their age brackets.

Generation Z, Church LifeBen SimpsonApril 17, 2019Comment

Church Sets Up "Millennial" Nativity Scene

This time of year churches set up nativity scenes to remind us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, that God the Son was born in human flesh to a woman named Mary in humble circumstances, yet with concurring signs and wonders: an angelic choir announcing the Messiah to shepherds in a field, a bright star above, magi from the East. Emmanuel, God with us, born in a manger, the lowly, awaited, exalted true king.

Church Life, Millennial LifeBen SimpsonJanuary 7, 2019Nativity Scene, Millennial, Millennial MinistryComment

Superfluous, Supportive or Vital? The Church and Emerging Generations

We’ve seen the signs. Millennials and members of Generation Z have disaffiliated from organized religion. Even those who have grown up in church have become “nones” or “dones.”

Community, Church LifeBen SimpsonDecember 27, 2018Church, CommunityComment

Doing Justice as an Invitation to Emerging Generations

Micah 6:8 famously says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

But what does it mean to act justly, or to do justice?

Church Life, Millennial LifeBen SimpsonDecember 21, 2018Justice, HumilityComment

Gen Z Prefers Instagram Over Snapchat

Does your church have a social media strategy?

I hope so. While it isn’t necessary to be on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or other platforms all the time, it is important to be familiar with the tools your congregation uses most and to discover ways that you can use those tools to communicate effectively with your people.

Generation Z, Church Life, CommunityBen SimpsonDecember 12, 2018Generation Z, Social Media, Instagram, Snapchat, Church CommuComment

Catholic Bishops Conclude Synod on Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment

From October 3-28, the Catholic Church hosted a synod of bishops in Vatican City. Their focus: young people, faith, and vocational discernment.

Church LifeBen SimpsonNovember 6, 2018Catholic Church, Young People, Mass, Generation ZComment

How Does Your Church Use Technology to Connect with Gen Z?

It’s a well known fact that Generation Z is highly adept at using technology, at times engaging online differently and with higher frequency than their Millennial predecessors. That trend is likely to continue and will have ramifications for how your church connects with emerging generations. How does your church presently use technology to connect with Generation Z?