Generation iY (part 1)

dennis brockman —  February 27, 2013 — Leave a comment

Generation: iY (book)

My friend (and partner) sent me an article written by Tim Elmore. I loved his insights. We want to learn their visual language so that we connect in their heart language. Tim’s insights are important windows into a generation whom God loves and we intend to reach out to with the message of the gospel. This is a snippet of his thoughts about who is generation iY.

Tim Elmore / www.GrowingLeaders.com
With the release of my new book, Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future, people are asking me these days: who are they? How is Generation iY different than the earlier students in Generation Y? Aren’t they just the same kids, but with more technology?

Good questions. Let me attempt a rapid response below.

EARLY GENERATION Y GENERATION iY

1. Born in the 1980s 1. Born in the 1990s

2. Highly compassionate 2. Low empathy

3. Activists 3. Slack-tivists (Want to be involved a little)

4. Technology is a tool 4. Technology is an appendage to my body

5. Passionate about a cause 5. Fashionate about a cause (If my friends do it)

6. Civic minded 6. Self-absorbed

7. Ambitious about the future 7. Ambiguous about the future

8. Accelerated growth 8. Postponed maturation

I still believe in these kids. I continue to believe they can and will change the world. However, they will do so if we figure out how to connect with them and guide them into the future. There has been a shift in our culture that’s impacted students today. A perfect storm of elements has diminished the relational skills and emotional intelligence young adults once developed naturally. Minimally, this shift has delayed their entrance into adulthood. What they need more than anything else are healthy mentors; mentors who care more about preparing them than protecting them. These mentors should focus on building some fundamental skills in students:

1. Emotional Intelligence
2. Character and Ethics
3. Leadership Perspective

In the book, I’ve attempted to equip teachers, parents, coaches, employers and youth workers to do just that. Join me in shaping these iY kids from the inside out so they can turn their world upside down.

Tim

Tim’s thoughts are so good. In another post on Friday I will note some of Tim’s thoughts how we lead these young people. So do you know some of these people in this generation? What do you think of Tim’s insights?

In dennis, random
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Listening

dennis brockman —  February 25, 2013 — Leave a comment
Program and schedule

This is the program and schedule for the 2013 National Leadership Conference

Listening–the theme of our annual National Leadership Conference connected very well with the leaders who gathered in Orlando, Florida at the Double Tree Hotel. I overheard comments from others who felt like this year’s conference was one of the best in which they had participated. Our directors lead us through some of the history of times where God’s people were called to surrender to the Lord and how God’s Spirit moved through those commitments and advanced His kingdom. We then were challenged by looking at a goal to take that message of surrender to a larger number of students and faculty than ever before. What would it look like if one million people surrendered to the Lord: to go where you want me to go, do what you want me to do, say what you want me to say and to give what you want me to give? We listened.

We began this conversation last year at this same conference. We were moved to begin by challenging those that attended our annual winter conferences (10 of them around the country) where over five thousand students made a commitment to surrender to the Lord. We created a web site that would be one avenue in which people could make this commitment (pledge.cruoncampus.org).

The task has begun and we are listening to how God would direct us to give others an opportunity to respond to this call of surrender. Have you surrendered to the Lord?

In campus ministry, dennis
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Starting a fire

dennis brockman —  January 28, 2013 — Leave a comment

cdop13

I just saw this today. An invitation to pray in a united way for our students in America and even the world. I have heard prayer being called fire-seeds. I hope we can create a spiritual fire where God’s Spirit moves across our land and around the world winning students to himself.

If you are able considering joining in on February 28, 2013.

In campus ministry, dennis
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Break out your colors

dennis brockman —  January 28, 2013 — Leave a comment

We call them “creatives”, but they are a mixture of graphic, web, set, and motion designers with photographers and those skilled in making video and films. God has co-created with these types dating all the way back to the creation of the tabernacle and Jerusalem temples. God created us to visually see and experience truth as well as relate with Him and others through our eyes. Our generation, like generations preceding us, have a visual language that enables us to better understand life. God has called people with these talents into our mission to help reach the Great Commission and it was a pleasure to enjoy a couple of days together here in Orlando deepening our relationships with one another, developing ourselves professionally, and sharing some of our best practices. Our Orlando team hosted 35 of our staff who have media roles throughout our Campus ministry with Cru. Above are some photos that capture some of our interactions together.

Please pray for us to rely on the Holy Spirit's inspiration for creativity as we seek to connect with the eyes and hearts of this generation through the various ministry assets we are entrusted to make. All of my local team, Lisa and I included, must find greater funding to sustain our lives and ministries. Pray for The Lord to provide for us.

For those who remember to pray and are able to give to our ministry thank you so much. Only through a partnership of us going and others praying and giving are we able to continue helping to fulfill the Great Commission.

 

In campus ministry, dennis, theLAB , ,
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“Yes” to Jesus

dennis brockman —  January 22, 2013 — 7 Comments
firstday b+w

Lisa moves over for a self portrait of the girls after they asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.

Mez and Kamise trusted Christ! Lisa and I took the girls to Sweet (a cupcake shop) last Wednesday afternoon. I unfolded the gospel story for them and asked the girls if they would like to invite Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. After some rich conversation and thoughtful questions, they both said “yes, right now!” They asked Dennis to lead them in a prayer and they repeated the invitational prayer receiving God’s most precious gift of relationship with Him forever! We rejoiced as did those in the heavenlies.

in-class-first-day

Meseret and Kamise in their new class.

This wonderful milestone followed another significant step. We are celebrating one year with the girls and have enjoyed bonding with them and they with us. Lisa has beautifully introduced to the girls to phonics, math, reading, and one day a week they have joined other students learning history, art, geography, latin, and grammar. However, they need additional resources to help them catch up to their age/grade level. So, we enrolled them in the elementary school blocks away from our home. Today is their first day in a class of ten kids with a teacher who specializes in working with kids who have similar academic needs. It is a win for Lisa and for the girls. It was a gift to meet, Anutu, a 9 year-old girl from South Africa who is seated next to Meseret.

This week Dennis helps host creative staff in the Campus Ministry in meetings to build relationships, gain professional development, and share best practices. More on that in some messages to follow.

In dennis, family
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