Generation Y

a Biblical thought...
This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I've revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks! (John 16:23-24)

a Book thought...
When sanctified, our sinful natures have been obliterated, neutralised and mortified by the Lord. Now it is our job, by the strength of God, to regulate, organise, and rectify our 'human natures'. (p183 Munn)
a Dave thought... from Sundays Age...

Empty pews are a common sight in Australia's established churches. The latest census found that just over half of 15 to 34-year-olds call themselves Christian, compared with 64% of all Australians and 79% of those aged over 65. Data tracing generation Y - those born from 1976 to 2001 - over the decade to 2006 as they began forging their own beliefs shows that about a third stopped identifying themselves as Catholic, while more than 40% turned from Anglicanism.
But it seems the long-documented drift from established religions has not left generation Y godless - or at least has not left it lacking in spirit. Experts suggest young Australians are increasingly embracing spirituality, whether in rebellion against their parents' secularism or as an antidote to rampant materialism.

There is a definite move with Gen Y Australians to leave the established denominations and our statistics in The Salvation Army also support this trend. The other interesting fact is they are more open to spirituality, so in other words the average Australian teenager is likely to step out of an established church but is happy dabbling around with other religions and beliefs. Young people have more options than ever now and many believe they can find God in 50+ denominations or religions so why would they align with the Salvos?

Young people love being part of a global movement that fights poverty and the injustices of the world, and is seeing tangible results. As soon as we turn inwards and focus on our little community churches we are not only doing the Army any favours but we also lose Generation Y.

Just a thought.