Millennials and Mosaics and Christian Retail

Most of you know that I'm fascinated by the effect that successive generations have on the The Church. Particularly as I see it from my perch in a suburban setting.

There was an article in Christianity Today's April 2008 edition (article not online yet...it will be after this edition is off newsstands) regarding the state of "Christian retail." You know, that local Christian bookstore where you can find items of particular interest to our Tribe?

Anyway, the article's about the influence of Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart & other factors that are causing these specialty retailers to drop revenues and/or their businesses altogether. Frankly, I see it as capitalism in action. In other words, if you're in business, you gotta compete or die. And, if I can get the book 40% cheaper on-line (if you even carry what I'm looking for) or run across it in the local B&N for 15% off what you charge, I'm all over it. I don't feel any particular loyalties to an establishment simply because they specialize in my specialty.

But that isn't what I want to discuss. That's more along the lines of what they're doing about it...in order to attract more younger people and hence, last longer. So, here's a couple of quotes to get your collective brains engaged over your java today:

(after a discussion of "third places"--or any place that's an inviting alternative to home & the workplace)

"Bookstores as third places may have different looks. A new generation is divvied up into diverse 'tribes,' according to David Kinnaman...A tribe of more traditional Mosaics or Busters might shop in a conventional Christian bookstore, but fewer young adults are doing so.

For this generation, 'physical places are important,' Kinnaman says. 'They need to feel comfortable in the space you create. They are wired to be loyal to their friends--a loyalty that supersedes loyalty to retailers.'"

(after a discussion that Christian bookstores are often viewed by conservative Christians as "safe" places to shop...they don't have to worry about any forms of "adult content")

"Kinnaman notes that this newer generation 'is less willing to be sheltered and cloistered. Adults might think they are 'dining with the Devil'--but younger adults are more comfortable thinking of themselves as exiles in a Babylonian culture...they are skeptical of places that feel antiseptic or too polished.'"

So, your task today, patrons, should you choose to accept it, is to let us know what ramifications these statements--presuming they're true--have on the church at-large!