The Mindset of This Year’s Graduates

You may have noticed that this year’s high school and college graduates may see and live life a little differently than some of us “older” people do. By the way, that’s really strange for me to write because while I’m only 22 years removed from my high school days, my sister in-law and I recently realized the sobering fact that we are now closer to retirement than high school.

I digress.

I think we would all agree that every generation (including our own) is shaped a little differently through our experiences. For example, while I remember some of the pre-911 days, my siblings do not know of a time when the word “terrorists” hasn’t been associated with school safety. Sad, yet this reality has shaped how we all think of security, safety, and what is acceptable or not. It also determines what we inherently value which in turn shapes how we live our lives.

Of course, the stories surrounding our younger generations that run the headlines are often telling the narrative of radical extremes. We may use words like, “entitled” and “snowflake”. Yet, the mushy middle majority of this up and coming generation - this year’s high school and college graduates - give us incredible hope. We would probably say that every “next” generation does.

That’s why I’m writing this post.

In a conflicted, chaotic, and confused world, we need a generation of people like our graduating students to serve, work, learn, and lead with the gospel in fresh, creative, and innovative ways.

I’m not talking about “professional” church work, either. I’m talking about the fact that while this year’s graduates may volunteer in their community and church, most of their relationships, transformation, and impact will be in their workplaces, homes, and neighborhoods.

Why? Because the gospel which transforms all of life is active everywhere.

So, to better appreciate this year’s graduating students, I want to share with you Marist’s Mindset List for the Class of 2025. They haven’t released the list for the Class of 2026 yet, but will post a link here when it is released.

You can access the list here.

This list of general mindsets, attitudes, and trends among high school and college students will help us understand how God might be using them (and all of us!) right now and into the future to shape and reshape our lives and world.

I mean, fast forward 25 years from now… how will politics look different? (I sure hope they will!). How will economics change? How will public education look radically different than it does today? How will social systems improve to help and serve more people?

And if the gospel fire of the Holy Spirit lives in the hearts of this generation, then God is at work in all of these areas - and more! And wherever the Spirit is at work, there is change. It’s just what Jesus’ Spirit does.

That’s why I can’t wait to see how this year’s graduates will be the presence and power of Jesus that shapes and re-shapes our lives and world.

And to be honest, it’s not just graduates who do this… each of us are called as part of God’s Oikos (extended family) to do the same.

How does your relationship with Jesus change the way you live at home, work, school, or in your social circles? Drop a note and share a story with me about it!

Pastor Tim

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