Millennials have something to say

【Voices from the Heart】

Interview/Zimin Interviewee/Matt Reffie

Zimin: What challenges do millennial Christians born between 1980 and 2000 face?

Lu Feimai:It is not easy for young people today to find their own position when faced with various complex phenomena. The voices from different levels such as the church, parents, popular culture, and the truth of Jesus are enough for them to cope with. For example, when it comes to work, some people advocate practicality, so-called having a certain quality of life, being able to provide for oneself, and having enough food, clothing, housing and transportation; but on the other hand, the teaching of the Bible is not to worry about what to eat or what to wear, but to seek first The Kingdom of God and the righteousness of God (see Matthew 6:26-34). For many young Millennials, it is indeed not easy to make sense of so many voices.

If young believers have a close enough relationship with Jesus, are familiar with the teachings of the Bible, and can find the melody in sync with Jesus in their lives, they will be able to feel at ease amidst the noise. But finding the time and space to get close to God in real life, and even having someone by your side to encourage you, is really something you can only meet but cannot ask for.

What we are really lacking in the busy life of the church is: genuine and ongoing discipleship. According to my observation, the church often spends energy educating adults and encouraging them to participate in ministry, but neglects the potential development of young believers. Instead of blindly teaching young people that they should not do this and that they should not do that, it is better to invite young people who are determined to serve to join the deacon board and participate in church management to strengthen the younger generation's sense of belonging to the church.

Most of the time, Millennials are not given the opportunity to participate in church ministry. They are still positioned at the stage of "being taught and fed" and are unable to develop what they have absorbed in Sunday school and preaching. Many Millennials even believe that their predecessors are overly protective of the new generation and unwilling to give them opportunities. Young believers are still regarded by the elders as students and underachievers, rather than as "co-workers". Nowadays, many churches' ceremonies to welcome new members are still symbolic and have no real meaning. Millennial voices are not taken seriously in most churches. Most of them are notified until important decisions are finalized. Since you have no right to decide, why do you need to ask? Anyway, if you are not taken seriously, what is there to miss about the church?

▲As long as you open yourself to God sincerely, He will use the method most suitable for you to get close to you.

Zimin: What measures should the church take to retain the millennial generation?

Lu Feimai:If we don’t want to see Millennials disappear from the church, the church really needs to rethink and look at this precious new generation with God’s eyes and retain them. For example: attaching importance to their views on the church and the community; inviting mature and dedicated millennials to join the deacon board, become co-workers, and participate in the internal management and decision-making of the church, etc. As long as they feel "accepted and recognized," Millennials are willing to stay and serve in the church.

On the other hand, churches need to open up space for dialogue with Millennials. When I say this, I am not asking the church to change its ways for the sake of people, but I am advocating that the new generation take the initiative to look at the world and religious views they live in from the perspective of the new generation. For many millennials who are still exploring the path of faith, they want to know the background and reasons of our faith. The church blindly forces the new generation to abide by doctrine without giving them space to ask questions. This will not work for the thinking millenials. Without violating the truth, if the church can give the millennium generation the opportunity to explore the connection between faith and life at a deeper level and allow them to closely observe the yesterday, today and tomorrow of the church’s ministry, they will be better in the church’s ministry. More investment and commitment.

To be honest, it is definitely challenging for a young person to serve as a deacon, so our church has established a “intergenerational discipleship training group.” For example, three to five brothers of different ages meet once a week for about an hour, talk to each other about the difficulties they encounter in life, and then pray together. Such small group gatherings enable young believers to learn from their elders how to be employees, husbands and fathers that honor God and benefit others. I even saw that my spiritual elders, just like me, also have weak moments. The real interaction in life has narrowed the emotional distance between each other, which is very commendable!

Unfortunately, cross-age discipleship groups like this are not common in churches. For many Millennials, they crave one-on-one, deep communication with people they trust. The leaders they want to be close to are not the embodiment of perfection, but counselors who are willing to be naked and admit their mistakes and struggles with sin.

Zimin: What do you have to say to the millennials who are struggling on the road of faith?

Lu Feimai:If you are currently struggling to adapt in the church or cannot make a breakthrough in your faith, then I sincerely suggest that you pay special attention to the following points:

1. Get close to God, regard Jesus as your daily mentor, and find the spiritual rhythm that is in tune with God. Those so-called morning prayers or night prayers may not be suitable for you; or those poems that have accompanied your growth may not be able to tug at your heartstrings. It doesn’t matter, the important thing is that you still have to make time and space, try different ways, and strive to seek God, such as writing spiritual notes, meditating, using spiritual prayer booklets, etc. God is everywhere, and never give up on your connection with Him just because some spiritual practices don’t work. As long as you open yourself to God sincerely, He will use the method that is most suitable for you to get close to you.

2. Share Jesus diligently with others. God wants each of us to be a light among people. The people around us do not happen by chance. We must seize the opportunity to interpret the needs of those around us through God’s eyes. This society does its best to create false impressions to discredit people's self-image. If we can love, encourage and comfort others in a timely manner, then we will be like a city built on a mountain, attracting more people to know God.

3. If sometimes you doubt what you believe in, don’t be sad! It’s normal to have questions on your journey of faith. When I was a teenager, I was so lucky to get to know several spiritual seniors, and I had people to consult when I encountered problems. Even though sometimes they cannot give the most correct answer, their sincere and sincere attitude of companionship makes me feel that I am not alone in my journey. They often say: "I'm not sure, but let's figure it out together!" In fact, when walking on the road of faith, the best mentor and friend is God himself. Direct communication with God is often the most effective way. Everyone’s relationship with God is unique, and the process of someone else’s encounter with God cannot replace your own personal experience. Seek Him by faith and He will be found. Remember: Don’t let other people’s advice or experience stop you from getting to know God better.

4. Walk with spiritual partners. If you feel that you are incompatible with everyone at this moment, don’t be discouraged! No matter what your current spiritual situation is, find a way to find a few spiritual partners who are in similar situations to you and can cheer each other up. The Internet and communities are effective platforms that can help millennials connect with other Christians. Even though it is not easy to feel God's presence, don't give up just because of temporary frustration. Seeking God requires patience and persistence. It is irresponsible to jump to conclusions without taking the time to wait and seek God. No one group or sect can answer all faith questions. Millennials, you need a few spiritual partners who can empathize with you and work together to seek God!

▲Find a few spiritual partners who are in similar situations to yours and can cheer each other up.

Zimin: What advice do you have for parents who have Millennials at home and are worried that their children will not follow Jesus?

Lu Feimai:Many parents and churches, out of good intentions, often unconsciously "control" their children's understanding of the gospel. They keep saying that this is a free and precious gift, but they often force children to limit themselves and give them a biased, subjective, and narrow concept of the gospel, which hinders the opportunity for the gospel to be deeply cultivated and built in the hearts of young people. There are also parents who place many restrictions on the music their children listen to, the way they worship, and the interpretation of scriptures. This will only inhibit the growth of their children's inner faith. Rather than having a tight control, it is better to encourage young people to go to churches of different denominations for internships and to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit freely. Even experiencing setbacks during the exploration process is also a valuable lesson.

Parents, please remember that the path of faith is not paved by others, but is received personally. There must be many of you who, in the process of hearing the gospel and internalizing it, have integrated it through different mirrors in your life experiences. Why not leave some space for your children to experience the reality of faith. Faith is not something that can be imitated. If children can explore and try within a moderate range of freedom, their lives will become more mature and restrained. There may be dangers along the way, but it can give children the opportunity to truly “own” Jesus. Remember: Encourage them to try to exercise faith themselves rather than making decisions for them everywhere.

Journalist profile

Zi Min, from Taiwan, has been devoted to literary work since 2005. He likes to listen to stories, tell stories, write stories, and translate stories. Motto: "Feel the reality of human nature with your heart, and show the transformation of life with your pen."