Build Bridges for the Generations
For years, churches have had to be concerned with reaching and dealing with three generations of people. Now a fourth generation is joining them – nexters, also known as millennials, born in the early 1980’s and beyond.
The arrival of the nexters underscores a simple truth, the wider the range of ages in church members the bigger the challenge of managing them. In order for a church to be effective across generational lines, the church leadership needs to understand the different generations and what motivates them.
How the church balances older and younger people’s competing needs, can mean the difference between an effective church and one encompassed by division. The healthy church is one that can use the strengths of each generation as they work together to advance the purposes of the church.
Churches and church leaders must understand all four generations in order to effectively minister to them and enlist their help in the church. With the help of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and leading universities I offer the following breakdown.
Veterans: Born between 1922 and 1945, the Great Depression, New Deal, World War II and the Korean War shaped them. The key word that epitomizes this group is “responsibility”. They followed rules and leaders without questioning them. They adapt slowly to changes. In the church many of them want the “old gospel” and they want to see respect paid to God and the church.
Boomers: Born between 1946 and 1964, they can often be an odd mixture of optimism and cynicism. Their values were shaped by events and organizations such as the Peace Corps, the assassination of President Kennedy, Vietnam, Woodstock, the civil rights movement and the moon landing. The key word that epitomizes this group is “greed”. This group is hard working and dedicated. They lead many ministries in the church and are often stressed and not rested. They don’t feel valued unless working, but must see that their work is accomplishing something of value.
Gen Xers: Born between 1965 and 1980, they were shaped by Watergate, the Challenger disaster, the technology boom and the beginning of terrorism. The key word that epitomizes this group is “community”. They were raised with both parents working and often dealt with loneliness and solitude. They crave relationships although they are independent. They are often impatient because they grew up with the microwave and the Internet that provided instant feedback. This group wants to see changes in the church and they want to see them now.
Nexters: They were born from 1981 to 2000. They were influenced by technology, terrorism, school shootings, and the Bill Clinton scandals. The key word that epitomizes this group is “kindness.” They want to make the world a better place and often choose jobs and churches that enable them to do that. They are motivated by immediate rewards. They are use to quick responses and the church must develop this type of mentality if they are going to be effective witnesses to this group.
Trying to minister to all four groups can be difficult and trying at best. The church of the 21st century is one that has to learn what Paul meant when he said, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)
Ken Gosnell is a personal and business coach with KenSalt coaching in Walkersville, MD. You can reach him at kenspeaks@yahoo.com
Ken Gosnell is the lead pastor for a new church work in the DC Metro area. You can contact Ken at Kenspeaks@gmail.com
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