Getting to Know the Millennial and Gen Z in the Church and What They Want

Getting to Know the Millennial and Gen Z in the Church and What They Want: Cultivating Momentum in a Peculiar Age with a Digital Crowd

In this episode, host Devin E. West and guest Dacari J. Middlebrooks discuss how they were raised in predominantly African American Protestant churches – what they were told to do as well as what they were not told. Among other things, they will also talk about how Millennials/Gen Z stay connected to the church and how our new normal with virtual worship can help them be a positive and creative voice for the church.

Our guest, Dacari J. Middlebrooks, is a huge advocate for human development and a chief catalyst for social and cultural change. He earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from Vanderbilt University. Inspired by his own battle with depression, Middlebrooks authored his book, “The Depressed Millennial: Surviving Unmet Expectations.” It is his hope that those battling depression, particularly Millennials, will find inspiration in his story, seek treatment, and survive the unmet expectations levied against them. His book can be found on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Depressed-Millennial-Dacari-J-Middlebrooks/dp/171860582X

Host Devin E. West currently serves as the pastor at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Hamilton, OH. He has earned a B.A. in Pastoral Counseling and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.). Pastor West is currently pursuing his doctorate at Union Institute & University in the Ethical and Creative Leadership program with a focus in Transforming Leadership.

Pastor West is very active in the community, working closely with city leaders, officials, and pastors. He has worked on various boards and helped to energize organizations with his exuberance and commitment. He has held positions such as Dean of Christian Education and associate dean. He seeks to bridge the gap of racial divide that continues to hinder and hurt our churches, leaving them bereft of change.