According to an article by Rob Waugh, columnist for the Daily Mail, “most children would prefer to ask Google if they have a question – not their parents.” The research indicates that 54 percent of children, ages 6 to 15, would turn to Google before their parents or teachers. Is it a sign of the times? Maybe so.
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it” (Proverbs 22:6). It doesn’t say to turn your children over to the internet to gain wisdom and knowledge. Yes, Google has come into our lives, and in many ways, has enriched us. But there is nothing like face to face conversations for sharing life principles, knowledge, and wisdom.
I once received a text message from my son. He was on a mission trip to Oklahoma and wanted to know some Bible verses about worship and serving others. He needed them fast because he was asked to lead a devotional later that week. Well, being the caring dad I am, I texted him 5 or 6 Bible verses that speak to those subjects. Almost immediately, he texted back “Wow! You’re better than Google.” That made my day!
It turns out that Millennials, those born between 1977 and 1998, and the latest generation to enter the workplace, value mentorship. According to Judith Lindenberger, “they are 75 million strong in size and are characterized as being self-confident, focused on learning and moving up quickly, team-oriented, well networked, and technologically savvy.”
Millennials also love imparting their knowledge in a process called “reverse mentoring.” Lindenberger tells us that “the beauty of reverse mentoring comes from the fact that Millennials thrive on relationships. Powerful relationships are created when younger employers are engaged in teaching senior employees. Because Millennials love sharing their ideas and want to know that they are being heard, if you invite them to give you constructive feedback, you can gain a different perspective and help them learn leadership skills.”
Can the church learn something from this? I believe so. Our church has many in the older generation who could mentor young people. In turn, these same young people can share their knowledge. We’ve got to figure out ways to connect generations in our church. A lot of love, wisdom and knowledge can be mutually gained by all.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
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