THE NEXT GENERATION
The initial prompting to follow God into establishing Fresh Wind began in the midst of the Asbury Outpouring. Though God’s movement was happening a few states away in Kentucky, in was clear to those of us in Downriver, Michigan that God wanted to do something incredible here, too. It is even more amazing to note that God moved with and through college students - the next generation. We believe that is God’s call here as well.
A New Generation of The Church
Fresh Wind is not exclusively for young adults, but we do believe that the emerging generations will have both a significant impact on the future of The Church and are openly operating in a new lifestyle that other generations are picking up on.
POST-CHRISTIAN & POST-MODERN
Generation Z (and Gen Alpha) in many respects are post-Christian and postmodern. To be post-Christian is to live in such a way that has responded (and often moved away) from the cultural acceptance of Christianity of previous generations. Going to church is not an assumed practice and many are hostile to the Church as a whole. To be postmodern is similar, in that someone lives in reaction and response to the era of "the modern,” typically in a negative way. Institutions are scorned. Social norms are ignored. Belief in the supernatural is often replaced with trust in the self, however that may look for someone.
DIGITAL
The worst kept secret about the emerging generations is their tie to the digital space. While the entire world is generally embracing the digital transition of technology, many born after 1990 understand technology as if it is a second-language, something previous generations must work to attain. Not everyone uses tech unquestioningly, though. Post-COVID, many are beginning to engage in analog practices and seek in-person company, or tragically recognize that they do not have this essential in life.
CURIOUS
Statistics about the emerging generations and their church attendance abound. The rise of the “Nones” (those who do not religiously identify) is very real. What is also very real, though, is the spiritual curiosity of Millennials, Gen Z and, increasingly, Gen Alpha alike. Much of the spiritual push back may be tied to the practice of church one has engaged with. These emerging generations carry the weight of watching countless pastoral scandals, unloving rigidity in church practice, pride in theology and hatred by Christians in their community. Many are open to Jesus, but closed to the Church.
OBLIGATED
Looking at younger Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha, it is the responsibility of established generations to love, care for and help guide those who are younger - another practice the inward facing church often fails to embrace. We are obligated to love them and serve them, not to simply bring them into Church practices that are out of date and have no direct tie to the faith. Engaging with the Church of history is a beautiful thing, as long as it doesn’t turn tradition into idolatry. We are not mean to worship a hymn, a Bible translation or a style of gathering. We are meant to worship Jesus as we are, just like Paul did with the church in Corinth.
We do not just believe that God is calling the next generation of young adults to know Him. We believe that through those who come to God with open hands, God will establish the next generation of His church. One that is built of His people and is able to truly engage in a culture and world that has changed drastically in the last 25 years.