Gen Y " why is everyone talking about it? Books, articles and internet sites on Gen Y are out there and now a national study on their spirituality, was recently posted on this website.  Next, on the 19th August, a seminar on reaching and raising Gen Y is being held by the Women in Ministry network. Why suddenly, is there this flurry of interest in the 18-28 year old group?

Gen Y " a bad news story for the church?
Maybe the bad news that Gen Y Christians are moving away from involvement in church is becoming observably true.  The drop out rates at 15, 16, 18 and then at the end of Youth Group are alarmingly apparent to our churches.  And of Gen Y interviewees, 48% had no belief in God and 17% put together their own mix of spiritual beliefs (National Study of the Spirituality of Gen Y).

Is Gen Y " a good news story for mums and dads!
Liz Porter, writing in the Sun Herald July 30 reported:

"It has been well documented that people in their 20's are staying at home longer " with many middle class parents renovating their houses to accommodate adult young children" are we entering a golden age of intergenerational harmony, where it is cool to hang with mum and dad, and reaching adulthood is signalled in new ways?'

Porter continues, quoting Jenny English, "Into Adulthood: A Parent's Guide to Life With An 18-25 Year Old Student':

"There are more shared experiences, lives are a lot more entwined.  It is not unusual for a parent and child to be doing similar things.'

Can Gen Y be a good news story for the church?
The Women in Ministry Network believes it can.  But for this to happen we very quickly need to get to know this new generation's groups of optimistic, internet savvy, fun loving, socially friendly young men and women. 

Will they like church as we know it?  Probably not.  Yet isn't this the constant challenge to the church " to emphasise only what is important for discovering Jesus and for discovering life in his name.  And, can we develop the intergenerational bible fellowships that might appeal to Gen Y and help them experience the wonderful community life that Christians share?

For further information regarding the conference on the 19th August visit the Mary Andrews College and theWomen’s Ministry web sites.

Archdeacon Narelle Jarrett is the principal of Mary Andrews College and a member of the Diocesen Women’s Ministry Team