It was my first women’s ministry event at our new church. I sat in the back and surveyed the room as the leader took her place at the front. By far the youngest, I doubted that any of the other women could relate to me. After the evening was over, I drove home and told my husband that I would never go to a women’s ministry event at that church again.
But I did. Not only did I go to another event – I eventually went on to lead a women’s small group.
Engaging millennials can be tricky. I know because I am one. But in passages like Titus 2, Psalm 78 and Deuteronomy 11, God calls us to tell the next generation of his great works and to teach them about the Word of God. If God repeatedly calls us to this task, then He will empower us to do the work.
These are 5 things my women’s ministry leader did to connect with me that you can begin implementing as a leader:
1. Be vulnerable. If you want millennials to get involved in ministry, they need to see that you are a real person. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness! In fact, it will gain the trust of your millennial friends in a way that you might not have expected.
2. Solicit input. Young people want to be part of a conversation. Even if you don’t end up using their ideas, let them know that their voice and opinions are important by asking what they think.
3. Call out giftings. Tell them how you see the Holy Spirit moving in their life to impact the Kingdom. Millennials want to feel valued, and a simple acknowledgement of their gifts will go a long way.
4. Ask for help. Young people want to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Convince millennials that they’re integral to your ministry by asking them to do things on the ground floor. Do you need help passing out name tags? Do you want someone to write down all the prayer requests? Do you need a small group leader? Delegate tasks to your millennials and watch them flourish.
5. Find a mentor. Millennials will feel valued when you invest your time. Find a mentor who will commit to teaching them about Jesus.
At the end of the day, we millennials really just want to feel like we are part of a community. As you use these ideas to welcome your young people, remember the ultimate goal: To make disciples.
Discipleship is always the end game, which makes the time we invest all the more valuable.
BONUS: Leave a comment sharing how this post has encouraged or challenged you and be entered to win a copy of 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole. Winner will be randomly selected from comments left by April 13, 2016.
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