2. Recognize the limitations and the lies of social media.
We’re realizing more than ever that social media is not a substitute for live, face-to-face interactions with others. Sure, social media can be a great tool to stay connected with what’s happening with your friends, but there’s just something different when you’re able to be in the presence of another person, read their body language, dialogue back and forth in real time, and connect soul to soul. People tend to open up more in person and you realize that the image people portray on social media doesn’t tell the full story about what’s going on in their lives.
3. Take the initiative with others.
Believe me, as an introvert, I know this can be difficult. But the payoff is worth it. As you’re texting back and forth with your friend, invite them to meet up some time for coffee. Ask a friend to sit with you at church instead of going alone. Think of routine activities that you could invite others to do with you.
4. Think of open-ended, deeper-level questions you can ask when you meet with people.
When we meet with people, it's often easy to stay at a surface level instead of going deeper with our lives. Avoid the temptation to just chit chat. And when given the opportunity, open up and be vulnerable about your own life. Deeper relational connections require you to open yourself up to others.
5. Join a small group at church
Having regular contact with a group of people like you can help. Also, consider getting involved in a Meet-Up group that is centered around an interest of yours.
6. Get involved in a ministry team at church or local organization.
Deeper connections are more likely when you have a common interest of passion.
7. Consider joining a Leadership Development Group
We exist as a ministry to help Young Professionals thrive spiritually and live missionally. Our mission is to come alongside Young Professionals and help connect them to resources and services that will make it easier to walk with Jesus and live with purpose. One of the things we’ve created to help is what we call Leadership Development Groups. Leadership Development groups have been designed to help connect like-minded Young Professionals with each other and more deeply process life issues in a cohort type of environment.
I’m sure there are lots of other ideas, but this is just a start.
The need for deeper community is universal…it’s not just an issue for millennials. But we know there are unique factors that make it especially difficult for Young Professionals to find community and feel connected.
Contact us if you’re interested in finding out more about our Leadership Development groups or any of the other opportunities we offer to help Young Professionals continue in their spiritual journey.
|