Educational Level: Upper undergraduate, Bachelor
Credit Hours: 3 Credits
Instructor: Prof. Sara Blakeney
Course Description:
Who are the Millennials and how do we reach them for the cause of Christ? Building on generational theory and biblical theology, this course will familiarize the student with the Millennial generation, separate fact from fiction, and identify and develop effective methods of discipleship. The goal is to equip students to be leaders who can missionally engage the Millennial generation faithfully and effectively in various cultural contexts.
How This Course Benefits Students:
Research shows that most of contemporary society across the globe is increasingly educated, urban, and young. (1) As a result, emerging leaders need to understand what makes these younger generations "tick" so that they can be effectively reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all approaches to discipleship; instead, the most effective methods are generationally relevant and highly contextualized. Thus, students need to be equipped with the requisite tools and training to reach Millennials using missionally-oriented approaches and practices.
(1) "Why Emerging Leadership?" Missional University. https://missional.university/missionalpractice/departments/emerging-leadership/ (accessed September 16, 2018).
Why This Course Is Important:
One of the most important endeavors a Christian university can undertake is the investment in its future generations. Indeed, there is biblical precedent for both the pedagogical and replication aspects of discipleship, as evidenced in the relationships between Moses and Joshua, Paul and Timothy. This investment is particularly needed in the Millennial generation. Millennials are the largest of the generational cohorts, surpassing even the mammoth Baby Boomer generation. Millennials are the culture molders, policy makers, and church leaders of tomorrow. However, at present they are also the most un-churched, de-churched cohort among us. It is imperative, therefore, that we design ministries and discipleship strategies that are missional in nature, engaging Millennials where they are so they can encounter Christ and fulfill their generational calling.
