Dawson McAllister, radio talk back host with teenagers in the States, published his 1999 book, “Saving the Millenial Generation: New Ways to Reach the Teenagers You Love in These Uncertain Times”. It’s out of print now but still available secondhand on the net – Amazon lists places you can obtain it secondhand and new.
McAllister begins with his experience of speaking engagements in which young people clearly don’t trust him as a speaker. He realises that he’s encountering a generation with changing values. He explores the broad changes these young people are experiencing because of life experiences and global philosophical movements. He draws on Strauss and Howe (see April 29) to map out the development of the Millennial Generation.
This is a good example of a writer doing his theological reflection on his ministry, drawing on his own experience, learning from sociological frameworks, reading the generational culture of the people he works with. There are plenty of opportunities to listen to these teenagers on his talkback show.
Dawson recognises that what he’s doing is cross-cultural mission, requiring patience and humility. At times he awfulizes the music and movies of youth culture – maybe its his teenage callers who are doing it for him. He does get a bit defensive about the attitudes of postmoderns toward reality and truth – he’s clearly concerned about Millennials’ perception of conservative evangelicals.
The book finishes with a group discussion process, equipping his readers to do their own reflection on generational change and the church’s response.
Dawson McAllister provides a living model for the spirituality-focused ministry he advocates in the book. His online “Prayer Room” is an interactive forum for Millennials and leaders from the Gen X, Boomer and older generations.