The document discusses the relationship between technology, the church, and millennial spirituality. It notes that younger generations have grown up with easy access to vast amounts of online information through the internet. However, this constant internet use can distract them from real-world engagement and presence. Younger people also tend to find the rigid hierarchies of traditional churches repelling. The document argues that churches should meet millennials where they are online and demonstrate God's relevance in a way that reduces hypocrisy, engages them democratically, and invites them gradually into spiritual life without imposing strict requirements.

1. Technology and the Church
And the Spiritual Preferences of the Millennial Generation

2. Contents
Stereo
Reality:
Disengaged by self or
by Hierarchy
Engaged
Without Walls
The Digital World is
Democracy/Hierarchy
is Determined by
Relevance

3. DisEngagement:
by technology
or by
generational
default?
• Internet is a medium that reaches more
information faster than was available to any
generation previously and younger generations
learn to use it faster.
• Internet activity takes younger generations out
of the present and presence.
• Rigid structure of Church and hierarchy is
repelling to young generations and is to each
“new” younger generation.
• Push back against the new generation for its
aloofness leads to their disconnect.

4. Scott Hess –
Millennials:
Who They are
& Why We
Hate Them

5. Participate
Engagement with a medium does
not equal Disengagement with God.
Reflect on the priority at hand and
use the inroads to even include
“Insurgency”.
Photo by Adobe Stock / #126942458

6. Engagement Without
Walls
Participating in a democratic and engaged generation
Demonstrating God’s relevance to this newer generation by
reducing hypocrisy within one’s life.
Create credibility.
Engage the Millennial where they are to gradually invite them
into the life God wants for them.
Don’t put your own stipulations upon that!

7. References
Hess, S. (2011, June 10). Millennials: Who They Are and Why We Hate Them.
Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-enHH-r_FM
Towne, P. (2014). Spirituality in an Age of Technology.
Stone-Campbell Journal, 195-205.