Applying Christ-Like and Other Leadership Qualities to Millennial Lay Leadership

Abstract

The use of excellent lay leadership is vital to a healthy church, but what does excellent lay leadership look like? It can certainly be modeled from Christ and from other important leadership qualities. Which demographic of people might be well suited for leadership? A feasible one is the Millennial generation, born roughly between 1980 and 2000. In 2017, compared to other generation the majority of the American labor force participants were Millennials at 35%. Employers have seen potential in this generation and have sought to develop them as leaders. Church leaders are wise to consider the Millennial generation for lay leadership. This thesis examines the Christ-like and other important leadership qualities that Millennials have and lack. It also suggests concrete ways for leaders of any church that has Millennial membership to help their Millennials foster the leadership qualities they have and overcome the leadership qualities they lack in order to succeed as lay leaders. The results of this research may apply best to Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) congregations since the extensive interview portion of this research is solely of leaders and members of WELS churches, but even the interview portion of this research can be applied to any church context that has Millennial membership.