Just like Generation X and baby boomers before them, millennials have unique codes, values and viewpoints. Obviously, there is much more to a person than his or her age, but it’s still helpful to observe and respond to demographic trends.

In some circles, it’s fashionable to belittle millennials. Perhaps a bad experience with a millennial has shaped your opinion. It’s tempting to paint with a broad brush when it comes to generational generalities. However, young people bring a lot to the table.

If you find yourself in a generational clash, consider the positive attributes of those who were born at a different time than you. Here are five values of millennials that can benefit your church:

1. Millennials Value Meaningful Work Over Higher Pay

For most young people today, their job matters to them. They may be more critical of the vision and question their assigned tasks. But millennials are also passionate about what they do, emotionally invested in what they believe in, and highly motivated to leave a mark. When millennials buy into your church’s vision, they’re ready to do the hard work necessary to change the world.

2. Millennials Value Teamwork Over Individualism

Millennials in the workforce want to work together for a common goal. This group mindset can mean fewer self-starters, but when harnessed properly, the ability to come together as a team can also be incredibly valuable.

Rather than seeing the limitations of the younger generation, engage their best qualities.

3. Millennials Value Connection Over Competition

“The introduction and evolution of the internet, Wi-Fi, laptops and smartphones have enabled millennials to instantly and constantly access entertainment, news, friends, strangers and nearly anything else,” Gallup observes.

Millennials see the world around them as full of opportunities to build mutually beneficial relationships, even across political boundaries and national borders. Tap into their networking skills by deploying young people to find and engage those outside your church’s immediate sphere of influence.

4. Millennials Value Education Over Experience

“Millennials are on course to become the most educated generation in American history,” a 2010 study by Pew Research Center concluded.

Younger people are more likely to hold higher education degrees. That sometimes makes for a cynical or skeptical team. But it can also be harnessed to keep everyone doctrinally and biblically sound.

5. Millennials Value Diversity Over Uniformity

Millennials are more racially and ethnically diverse than older generations, and they respect and value diversity.

Why not leverage your young team members’ desire to reach across social, economic and racial boundaries to build God’s kingdom?

Not every millennial is the same, of course. God creates each person according to His plan. And He gives the members of the Church different gifts for accomplishing His work (Romans 12:6-8), pouring out His Spirit on the young and old, generation after generation (Acts 2:17,39).

Rather than seeing the limitations of the younger generation, engage their best qualities.