Millennials and Gen Z Mennonites

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  This has been an interesting observation for me, watching how the millennial (Gen Y) and the Z Generation Mennonites are seemingly turning the tide in the way they step outside and away from centuries of ruts and traditions. This does not necessarily mean they are leaving their principles and culture, they are simply redefining it. Being a millennial myself, I can relate to that. For example, back when I was 6 years old, my mother tried hard to dress us according to the way our grandfather dressed. Ankle length dress pants, button-down shirt tucked into our pants, hair oiled and parted on the side. As we grew older we began using cargo shorts, sneakers, and casual shirts. We wanted nothing to do with the old-fashioned dress code. 
  Well, the millennial and Z generation among the Mennonites is also rejecting many of the old-school ways. Some of it of course has to do with the fact that modern technology has invaded nearly every corner of their lives. Nowhere is this more noticable than in the Kleine Gemeinde Mennonite church. 
  Names: gone are the days of Cornelius, Heinrich, Jakob, Johann, Sara, Maria, Tina, Neta. Nowadays, young couples are naming their children such names as Brandon, Cody, Terrell, Shaelyn, Rianna, Charlotte, Bria, etc.
  Language: Although their principal tongue is still Plautdietch, the millennials and especially their children, are very fluent in English. In those churches that broke away from the Kleine Gemeinde church, English is the main language. Their schools and worship services are all conducted in English. (I know some of the young ones in the EMMC church that refuse to speak Plautdietch unless they have to.) In the KG church itself, services are in Plautdietch but after the service, the younger ones converse with a mixture of English and Plautdietch.
  Social life: gatherings used to be on special occasions or Sunday lunch. The young men and women of today hold campings, jungle hikes, youth retreats, boat expeditions. 
  Dress code: although children from the Kleine Gemeinde church who are still living at home dress according to their parent's wishes, quite a number of younger KG Mennonites are switching over to more modern styles despite having conservative parents. Girls use skirts and T-shirts instead of traditional one-piece dresses with wide skirts. Boys use colorful polo shirts and sports shoes instead of the old-fashioned button-down plaid shirt and black work shoes.
  The list could go on, but it is clear that the Kleine Gemeinde church with all its rigidity is fast changing. Is it simply what the older generation calls "worldliness"? Or is this so-called "worldliness" actually the influence of the millennials and new Z generation? I used to be a Holdeman Mennonite, and some of the changes I described above concerning the Kleine Gemeinde church are also evident in the Holdeman group although it is not so easily seen because Holdemans are a minority among the Mennonites here in Belize. Sometime last year I published an article on the way the Holdemans are transitioning into a new type of church. But really, from a secular point of view, it would appear that the transition is due largely to the millennials and Gen Z of today. 

An Old Colony Mennonite boy plays with modern toys




                                                 A. Mendoza


      


                             

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