Students will become skilled in understanding generational differences that contribute to the need for Millennial-focused ministry.  Cohort characteristics of the Silent generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials and Gen Z will be addressed so that the student is equipped to understand the uniqueness of Millennials.  Special attention will be given to the philosophical turn to postmodernism that defines and drives much of the Millennial mindset so that students can be adept at creating ministries that go beyond Enlightenment based methods that are largely irrelevant to Millennials.  Further, students will be equipped with skills to understand the unchurhed, dechurched status of the Millennial generation so that innovative missional ministries can be constructed to attract and retain members, thereby slowing the attrition of this generation from faith communities.

Students will learn qualitative research skills as they study the culture, background, and spiritual lives of Millennials.  They will gain experience in the scientific method including asking a question, doing background research, constructing a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, analyzing data, drawing a conclusion and reporting results.  Foundational aspects of qualitative research such as considering perspectives, acknowledging a position, choosing a research approach, data collection, analyzing data, and writing up the results will be acquired.  Particular attention will be given to creating a philosophical stance that includes a biblical worldview.  Qualitative data collection methods will be taught such as interviewing, document analysis, and observation.  These research skills will provide a framework for students that can be used throughout their lives as they build their careers in Millennial ministry.

Students will also acquire practical ministry skills.  For example, students will learn how to construct their testimonies so that they can communicate to Millennials using personal narratives.  They will also be able to teach others how to craft their testimonies for the same purpose.  Student will explore their own unique leadership style so that their ministries will maximize their strengths and be an authentic expression of their own personhood as uniquely designed by God.  They will learn how to use a postmodern orientation to Millennials so that their ministries speak the same cultural and philosophical language as Millennials.  They will also learn important missional ministry skills that will help them take the gospel outside the four walls of traditional and/or institutional churches and into the “mission field” of the Millennials’ world.  They will be able to take traditional Christian practices such as hospitality, discernment, teaching and preaching and reframe them for missional contexts so that ministry becomes outward focused and missionally driven.  Thus, the program goes beyond theory and information and equips students with executable skills that can be put into practice immediately upon completion of the program. 

Exegesis is another skill that will be gained from this program.  Students will learn how to exegete Scripture through the careful study of biblical passages that takes into account cultural-historical context, genre, and intended audience.  They will learn to construct interpretations of passages that will inform and direct their ministry to Millennials.  Specific attention will be given to passages that address intergenerational ministry and the transmission of the gospel to younger generations.  The skill of exegesis will extend beyond biblical exegesis and into contemporary cultural exegesis, whereby students will learn to study and interpret symbols, language, and cultural forms of Millennials in order to understand this generation more fully.  A synthesis of biblical and cultural exegesis will be taught so that students learn to relate to Millennials in culturally relevant ways that inspire innovation while at the same time maintaining orthodoxy and remaining true to the Christian message.