7 Observations About Generation Y (Millennials born 1984-2002)

Observation #1: They Want to Belong Before They Believe.

Their basis for making decisions is more relational than logical. If you hope to get them to embrace an idea-embrace them first.


Observation #2: They Want an Experience before an Explanation.

They want to do or see something. They want action and interaction. So instead of asking, “What do I want to say?” we should ask ourselves, “How can I say it creatively and experimentally?”


Observation #3: They Want a Cause Before They Want a Course.

If you want to seize the attention of students today, plan to give them a reason for why they need to listen to your words.


Observation #4: They Want a Guide on the Side Before They Want a Sage on the Stage.

When students were recently asked about their heroes, for the first time in over twenty years they did not list an athlete at the top of the list. Their number-one response was “Mom and Dad.” They’re looking for mentors-authentic mentors.


Observation #5: They Want to Play Before They Pay.

Usually, they love events but don’t enjoy the process of growth.


Observation #6: They Want to Use but Not be Used by Others.

They don’t want to be a project or the target of some marketing campaign. They want to take the initiative and remain n the driver’s seat.


Observation #7 They Want a Transformation, Not Merely a Touch.

It used to be that communicators needed to have interesting information. Next, it was good stories. Then, it was audiovisuals. Later it was to share experiences. Now I believe students want experiences that literally transform them in the process.


THIS excerpt came from the book “Generation iY -Our Last Chance to Save Their Future” by Tim Elmore it is a GREAT read for leaders.

A 12 Year Old Minister...

We love sharing stories of how God is using this generation! Check out the following story...



Caleb Israel Means
12 Year old Minister

Caleb Means is from Elkins West Virginia and is the son of former WV District Youth Director and Bishop, John and Lisa Means

Caleb was born September 16th 1998 and from the start his life was severely challenge. Caleb was born with a massive heart defect that nearly claimed his life. He was a miracle and all knew that God had to have great plans for his life and a call was obvious. Caleb had his first surgery when he was just 3 days old and that was to keep him alive until the heart surgery could be performed in Morgantown WV. 2 days after the first initial procedure Caleb had his two major vessels detached from his heart, reversed and reattached.

I recall the doctor stating that it was going to be a long haul to recovery but what he didn’t realize is that God was at work. Caleb was suppose to spend 2 months in the hospital, have another heart surgery at age seven and could be on medications until the age of 21. From the day of his surgery Caleb was home in 3 and a half weeks, was off all medications in just 2 months and has yet to have another surgery. The Heart Specialist stated that it was like it was all scripted. This past July the Doctor stated that Caleb was just another healthy boy and has been a complete success story, As well he was told he could not play aggressive sports; He just completed his 2nd year of football and usually finished in the top 3 in conditionings.

God has had his hand on Caleb’s life from the beginning. Caleb is called to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ and is being used in a great way. He helps His Father in there Church (New Life, Elkins WV) and often Ministers on Sunday evenings as well as Evangelize. Caleb often Ministers about being obedient to God and drawing close to the Lord and possesses Wisdom beyond His years.

Caleb was invited to minister at a Church this past year and had a message prepared for the service, in there travels to the church he looked at his father and stated ‘’ Dad I think I’m going to talk about faith tonight’’ not realizing God was about to do a miracle. Being obedient Caleb ministered on faith and gave an invitation, several people came for prayer and God was at work. At the end of the alter service the Pastors husband came forward to be prayed for in which being diagnosed with cancer and had received a negative report and was under treatment. He stated that he felt that the Spirit of the lord had spoke to him to be prayed for, Caleb laid his hands on the man and prayed a prayer of faith and healing, that night he received the miracle of his life. He went to the doctor and he was cancer free. Caleb has been used of God to pray for people with heart problems as well. This summer in a local Church Caleb ministered and there was a tremendous response at the alter service where several teens, young people and families where prayed for and received salvation.

God desires to use this generation and make a great impact through them. When I see Caleb I often think of David, a young man that makes mistakes but a young man that has a genuine heart for God and people. To me it is an overwhelming honor to be able to drive Caleb to preaching engagements and support him, there is no other feeling like that. I recall when we fount out that we where going to have a son. The Holy Spirit whispered to name him Caleb Israel, Caleb meaning bold one and Israel one who prevails.

Story by: John Means



Thank You John for sharing this story...let the REVERSE MOVEMENT continue!!!

5 Reasons To Attend an ILD ENCOUNTER

1.Connections.What a great place for you as a leader to connect with other leaders with similar passions from all over your region, as well as connect with our National leaders.

2.Speakers. You will be inspired by the leaders who will be communicating this year at the encounters.

3.Shannon Odell. We are privileged to have Pastor Shannon with us this year at the encounters, you will love hearing from him. For more info visit www.brandnewchurch.com

4.Venues. You will be inspired by both of our host Churches.

5.The Cost. It’s FREE. We have purposely made our encounters free, to invest in as many leaders as we possibly can…don’t miss this incredible opportunity and make sure to bring a leader with you!

Project Christmas/Impact Appalachia

Impact Missions Adventure first joined Impact Appalachia in 2008 with 19 people. In 2009, we added a site in Virginia and took 59 kids, teens, and adults. This year, we added a third site in West Virginia and took 96 life-changers from the ages of 5 to 70. Impact Appalachia – Mission Accomplished.


Pineville, WV: Pineville, West Virginia is a beautiful little town nestled in the Appalachians. While the scenery is breathtaking the obvious need of many families is heart-breaking. It was our inaugural trip to Pineville for our team. We had a warming time of connection as we brought Christmas for the local families to the junior high gymnasium. Songs, games, laughter, supplies, presents and JESUS where all shared with this community. It was amazing to see the transformation of hope and joy brought to the faces of the children in Pineville in just a few short hours.




Hazel Green, KY: This was IMA’s third consecutive year to join the Kentucky District at Red River Valley Elementary School. What a joy it is to return to this location! It is literally a family reunion. We count it an honor to be the “bearers of good news!” Hundreds of miles are traveled to prove to generations (young and old) that Jesus Christ is the Savior and He is our provider. We laugh, play, giggle, hug, give dozens of high-5’s, paint faces, sing, pray, and hand out gifts, blankets, gloves, hats, coats, shoes, toys, candy, food, and home care products that was collected from our PCG team across America. We believe it is more blessed to give than to receive. When you see a little boy or girl’s face brighten with a smile, or a mom and dad’s demeanor change from sadness to gladness just because somebody is “doing their part,” then you know we are being God’s messengers.

Saturday morning opened with a Christmas Program for the Elementary students and their families and then that night the Hazel Green Fire Department opened their station for us to serve 200+ at the community free chili supper where we once again, gave food and care boxes to families. Way to make an Impact, Team Kentucky!










Craigsville, VA: There is nothing better than helping children, teens, and families that are just miles away. Though the trip was over 1000 miles one way, for me there is not one second that any of us on the “Blue Bird” would have traded. The evening we arrived, the churches and Home Missions team had already had boxes ready and unloaded. The team pulled together and got all the gym set up in no time and there was no complaining. When the doors opened on Saturday morning the families rushed in. The smiles on their faces, the joy in their eyes, and the tears that filled our eyes from their stories made us all realize we are REALLY blessed. Everything from the toys, blankets, clothes, shoes, balloons, and songs brought excitement and even to some their only Christmas. But the biggest part for some of us was the Chili supper where we shared Jesus and the greatest story ever told. The burdens were lifted and the smiles so big as not only us but God came into all their lives that day.

PROJECT CHRISTMAS/IMPACT APPALACHIA was a TOTAL TEAM EFFORT! The PCG Women's Ministries department and The National Missions department joined with Impact Student Ministries, PLUS a tremendous team of local volunteers from PCG Churches met us at each location!

ILD Regional Encounters

Our ILD Regional Leadership Encounters are RIGHT AROUND the corner! Remember registration is FREE, so don't miss this opportunity to bring your team of leaders for a wonderful weekend!

This year we are privileged to have Pastor Shannon O'dell as one of our Keynote Speakers. Shannon O’Dell is a devoted husband and father of four. People know him as innovative, inspiring and committed to reaching out to struggling rural churches and churches with a rural state of mind. He has served Brand New Church as senior pastor for over seven years in Bergman, Arkansas, a small community of just over 400 people.

Brand New Church has grown from 31 to 2000 members with 6 campuses, network churches, and an online campus under Shannon’s leadership. He is the author of “Transforming Church in Rural America.”


This will be an exciting time to have Pastor Shannon pour into our hearts and lives as next-gen leaders. Shannon is also a featured speaker this year at the 2011 C3 Conference (www.c3conference.com)hosted by Pastor Ed Young, which is one of the premier Church Conferences in the US.


Find out more about Shannon at www.brandnewchurch.com

DON'T MISS THE ENCOUNTERS! register today at www.impactym.com

MIDWEST/EAST COAST
January 14-15
Solid Rock Family Church
Jefferson City, MO


WEST COAST
January 21-22
Higher Vision Church
Valencia, CA

leadership development

"Effective leadership requires us to exercise and develop both our relationship with God and our skills as a leader" -Ron Luce

A few weeks ago we had the privilege of having Ron Luce address a large group of our Student & Children leaders. One main area that he focused in on, was the need to develop as LEADERS. Often we develop our "ministry" skills and forget about developing our "leadership" skills, when in all reality we need them both to be effective.

As leaders we know the priority of focusing in on our spiritual growth. However many of us lack a focus on developing as a leader. Ron shared this key thought...

"Just as you need to be deliberate about growing in your relationship with Jesus Christ, you also need to be deliberate about developing your leadership skills."

What are some ways we as leaders can place an "emphasis" on developing as leaders?

Blab:(verb)to talk idly or thoughtlessly.

Are we communicating to our students & children? Or do WE THINK we are communicating to our students & children? It is so important for us as leaders to make sure that when we are communicating to our students and children...that we are doing just that: COMMUNICATING. I found this following excerpt from Seth Godin's book, "TRIBES-we need you to lead us" very interesting...

"My friend Jacqueline tells the story of how Unicef spent a fortune creating posters to promote the idea of child vaccination to the mothers of Rwanda. 'The posters were gorgeous-photographs with women and children with simple messages written in Kinyarwandan (the local language), about the importance of vaccinating every child. They were perfect, except for the fact with a female illiteracy rate exceeding 70 percent, words written in perfect Kinyarwandan made little difference.'

Jacqueline noticed that the way messages spread in Rwanda was by song. One group of women would sing a song for other women, both as a way of spreading ideas and as a gift. No song, no message.

Your tribe communicates. They probably don't do it the way you would; they don't do it as efficiently as you might like, but they communicate. The challenge for the leader is to help your tribe sing, whatever form that song takes."



Communicating and NOT 'blabbing' requires some effort on our part. At times it requires some bravery. Take a poll of 5 students/children after a service and ask them a few questions:

Am I communicating in a way that you understand?

What can I do to make the message relate to your age group?

Did the illustrations make sense?

Am I talking about issues that you can relate to?