The problem: Many churches are losing their Millennials (b. 1982-2000). Attractional outreach models that worked before have now been rendered quaint by changing times. Preoccupation with the concerns of organizational maintenance have also turned congregations inward and away from missional engagement with their surrounding environs. The two problems are linked. The Alternative: Meanwhile, social change organizations have become successful at reaching Millennials and bonding them into effective teams for meaningful civic engagement projects in local neighborhoods. Their efforts leave the outreach methods of most congregations behind. The Project: In this study, the use of a constructivist interview methodology makes possible a collaborative investigation of the relevance of biblical, philosophical, and social science concepts of “neighbor” to the lives of people aged 20 to 30 who live and work in the Lansing area of Michigan. Evaluation: Following the millennial model, community building in all social settings involves a type of relationality to which most of us are not accustomed, featuring a project orientation approach to local shared meaning, an integrationist approach to social difference, to form a limited partnership that hones communication skills among members, involving a leadership style that leaves Millennials to decide actions and motives for themselves, while giving them options, safety, structure, support and challenge. Significance: The ways in which these Millennials conduct themselves in their relationships, at work, with friends, and within their families, have significant implications for churches that wish to strengthen their community ties, as well as for congregations that wish to build more honest and constructive relationships between generations.
