How do we connect with Generation C?

Jeremy Cumming

Generation C are a diverse group of people. 65% are under the age of 35, however they do cross generations. The "C" stands for "Content" and they are individuals who create and publish material such as blogs, videos and podcasts on the internet (1). This group values community, creativity,  content and connectedness. However, they are missing Christ.

(A Video explaining Generation C can be found here.(2)

An example of Generation C is a group called #Selfienation. This group is focused primarily on  themselves, the world revolves around them. The present moment doesn’t matter – it is not as important as living it on social media through videos and photos. This type of lifestyle is a polar opposite to the Gospels which states to put others before ourselves. As part of the Catholic community we need to focus on the spirituality behind teaching Ministry. We need to find ways to use technology in faith and engage this diverse group.

This post is not all doom and gloom. Here are some ways for us as educators and followers to teach Generation C about a relationship with Jesus.

(1) Evangelising Catechesis: Generation C are dependent on their devices and technology. We need to harness technology to evangelize. A tip in the classroom is to call students “Disciples” instead of students. This highlights the notion that we are all on a journey towards God.

(2) Catechesis needs to hit the head, heart and hands. Ensure that you do not present too much information at one time for students – this will turn them off to your message. Find a balance with hitting the heart- prayers, retreats, songs or inspirational videos.

(3) Teachers are not here to dump learning onto young people. We should not take faith as a task whereby if they don’t learn these three prayers then they will not receive Holy Communion. This would be ethically incorrect as if they desire Christ who are we to stop them from receiving him? Further, don’t turn Jesus into a rule. For example, you must register before a date/ fees to receive Jesus (Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation). If we do this then the structure of the Sacraments becomes an obstacle course that Generation C will not engage with. Remember they need to be in control of the content. Look at certain truths in the Gospels – the simple messages is the content that they will engage with.

(4) Remind yourself the Eucharist is not for the good. It is for the sick, the ones who need to come to Jesus. It is not about jumping through hoops but being more compassionate to their needs. Catechesis must have and bring them closer to Christ. It must all revolve around the person of Jesus.

(5) Ask your students or young people the following questions everyday so they can start to form a relationship with Jesus.

Where did you see Christ today?

Why is having a relationship with Jesus important to me and how do I carry it into the future?

(6) Hack Religious Education. Think about how we can disrupt rote learning of prayers. Could you create a song or a game that teaches the importance of these prayers and why they matter? Being able to work and manage technology will be key to engaging Generation C. Do not be afraid to interact with new tools and apps. Work with them and don’t make judgments about their actions.

Important for you to remember:

Some in Generation C view God as a butler.  God does what we want God to do. We want to control God. To combat this view it is important for Generation C to realise that you can’t have a relationship with God unless you go to Church. It helps us see God and everyone who is these. Young people need to see the value of God and move away from simple explanations of who God is.

As you can see Generation C is a diverse community who collaborate in isolation and exist in a non physical location of the virtual world.  They need help to verify the truth through finding blogs, tweets and posts. They are creators of content. Our old models of learning and formatting needs replacing and disrupting. Are you ready for the challenge?

References:

1. http://www.pewinternet.org/2011/02/03/generations-and-their-gadgets/
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r23dJyDmgg
3. Inspiration for this post was drawn from a workshop with Victor Valenzuela. You can connect with him on Twitter via the handle @victoratsadlier, email: vvalenzuela@sadlier.com or go to his website http://victorvalenzuela.net/