The newest generation has been called the Homelander Generation. The children of this generation are now in our children’s ministries. Some other names people have used for this generation are Generation Z, New Silent, i Generation, Generation M (multi-tasking or millennial), and Generation Q (quiet). These children were born sometime between 2003 and 2021. The experts disagree what year the generation starts. But they do agree that this generation is growing up in an overprotective atmosphere.
Some other characteristics of the generation include:
- Computer technology is commonplace.
- Formative years were during the rise of the World Wide Web.
- Instant-gratification due to technology.
- No memory of (or nostalgia for) pre-Internet history.
- Takes the Internet for granted.
- Accepts as a norm services such as internet forums, email, Wikipedia, Google, search engines, MySpace, Facebook, image boards and YouTube.
- Mass collaboration via Net Communities.
- Lack of privacy.
- Expect to speak to an audience even in personal communication.
- Familiarity with anonymous criticism.
Over the next few posts, I’ll talk more about the Homelander Generation and how we as children’s pastors can effectively minister to them.
