Contact: Sharon Farnell, 212-593-6337, farnells@plannedtvarts.com

MEDIA ADVISORY, Dec. 21, 2010 /Christian Newswire/ -- At more than 78 million strong, the Millennials -- those born between 1980 and 2000 -- have surpassed the Boomers as the larger and more influential generation in America. Millennials are shaping the first half of the 21st Century of American culture, and their attitudes and preferences influence businesses, the workplace, schools, churches, and more.

Now, as its members begin to reach adulthood where the traits of a generation really take shape, best-selling research author Dr. Thom Rainer (Simple Church) and his son Jess (a Millennial born in 1985), present the most comprehensive research project on Millennials from a Christian worldview perspective in their book, The Millennials: Connecting to America's Largest Generation (January 1, 2010 - B&H Publishing Group).

Research began for this project in June 2009, and is based on 1,200 interviews with its namesakes that aim to better understand them personally, professionally, and spiritually. Chapters report intriguing how-and-why findings on family matters (they are closer knit than previous generations), their desire for diversity (consider the wave of mixed race and ethnic adoptions), their attitude toward money, the media, and perhaps most tellingly, religion.

Although this is a generation that refuses to be stereotyped, the Rainers' learned fascinating truths. Focusing their research on older Millennials born between 1980 and 1991, they discovered:

• Millennials and Religion -- They are the least religious generation in American history, although Millennials still say they are "spiritual." Only 13 percent of Millennials considered any type of spirituality to be important in their lives. In fact, most Millennials don't think about religion at all.
   
• Millennials and Marriage -- They are marrying much later, if at all. In 1970, about 44 percent of 18-25 year old Boomers were married. Today, only 15 percent of Millennials in that age group are married.
   
• Millennials and the Workplace -- Although 84 percent say job success is important to them, they are not workaholics. They want to have fun with their co-workers on the job, and they see the need for balance between work and life.
   
• Millennials and the Government: Although this generation distrusts politicians, they are motivated by a strong, centralized federal government. They expect the federal government to be a solution to many social problems, such as universal health care and retirement.

About the Authors:
Dr. Thom Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, one of the largest Christian resource companies in the world. Known as one of the foremost experts on the American Church, he is also a respected pastor and researcher, and the author of more than twenty books including the best-seller, Simple Church.

Jess Rainer brings further credibility to the book by being part of the generation as a Millennial. He is a banking professional, and understands how the Millennials are perceived in the workplace.

For additional information, contact Sharon Farnell -212-593-6337; farnells@plannedtvarts.com.