If the future is increasingly Asian, then the future of the church lies in the hands of Asian millennials (those currently aged in their 20’s and 30’s) as they are the future leaders, decision-makers and financial supporters of the Asian Church. A central theme of the ATA 2019 Triennial Consultation held in Singapore was around millennials as the future of the Asian Church. Let me share some brief thoughts from what I gleaned from Asian millennial keynote speakers at that Consultation themselves concerning what they are like and what are they looking for in a church.
Regarding what they are like, they are the first generation that has grown up with technology and the internet; they are experiential, participatory, image-rich, and connected; they tend to look for instant gratification and don’t like to wait; they are characterised as having a need for approval from others, a sense of entitlement, easily distracted, and self-obsessed (the ‘selfie’ generation). While they are sometimes characterised as ‘snowflakes’ (fragile), ‘bananas’ (bruise easily), and strawberries (bruised without contact) who act like young, reckless teenagers, the reality is that many millennials are post-university, married, and stable. Furthermore, soon they will be the largest working generation, adult generation, and voting generation. Millennials are not as concerned about financial sustainability and compared to their parent’s they are more ambitious, experiential, and have a greater appetite for risk. Rather than being told what to do they respond better to being told the goal/ destination and then left to work out for themselves how to get there.
In terms of what are they looking for in a church, the biggest thing is authenticity – with the message and ministry of the church needing to be aligned. They also want to be in a church where people care, and where they can share about their lives and for their pastor following them on Instagram, Twitter, and making comments about them online. They like to be known, for the church leaders to show interest in them and their families – not just asking them to do jobs in the church. Furthermore, they want an environment where there is equality between the different generations and to feel part of something bigger than their church.
We are living in the Asian century, with God at work growing his church. China, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, Mongolia, and Taiwan. The future leaders of the Asian church − the millennials, are looking for authenticity and opportunities to serve sacrificially and really make a difference. What role might you play to help this become a reality?
Andrew Prince
Dr Andrew Prince is the Director for Brisbane School of Theology’s Centre for Asian Christianity