In the January 2, 2005 issue of the Investors Business Daily Paper, it was reported that the number one or most highly searched item on the auction internet site “EBAY” for 2004 was not the highly popular iPod, but rather recreational vehicles. Yes that is correct, not Sport Utility Vehicles, but Motor homes! This speaks loudly to where our culture is moving. The largest population group in America today is the 40-60 year-olds or the “boomer” generation.
Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. With this age group quickly transitioning into retirement, the church has yet another opportunity to reach her current population. In my working with a variety of churches that have and are continuing to successfully integrate this age group into their churches ministry, I have found that there are certain values that this age group is looking for:
1. Boomers value family driven ministry.
2. Boomers value freedom.
They want to remain active in retirement, but also be free to travel occasionally. The church must look be innovative and use these members in a non-traditional way if they want them to stay involved. They will stay involved with the church if provided an avenue where they have freedom to travel, visit family and enjoy the benefits of not being tied down each week.
3. Boomers value biblical preaching.
This group was raised on Biblical absolutes. They love hearing those absolutes preached and taught about. To win boomers, sermon series’ should be designed around themes of "love, forgiveness, grace, sin, and mercy. They long for plain 'ole Bible based preaching.
4. Boomers value respect and thoughtfulness.
They like to know that they are being considered when church programming and decisions are being made. They often focus on good 'ole days of "the traditional" church, but if presented to this group correctly this group will not stand in the way of "reaching the lost" through whatever contemporary or changing means are necessary. They have hope in the next generation and desire nothing more than to see them come to a deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
I believe no time in history will be better than the coming years to reach this age group for Christ. In the next few years they will be making significant transitions in their life and they will be coming to terms with what their life is all about. When that moment comes, the church will have a ripe harvest that is ready to be gathered. Many great men and women came to know Jesus Christ late in their lives. If the church can tune into this generation then many more great men and women will come to know Christ in the coming years.
Ken Gosnell works with a new multi-generational church in the DC Metro area and presents seminars and workshops for churches on “Becoming a Generational Church” and “Brokenness – a Journey to Wholeness”. You can contact him at kenpeaks@yahoo.com or check out his website at www.kensaltcoaching.com.
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