Transforming Church

William Strauss and Neil Howe established the field of generational theory in their 1991 book, Generations, The History of America’s Future from 1584-2069. They hold that because of America’s steady immigration over several centuries, an open frontier, and the lack of a class/caste social structure, a human rhythm of four generational types has emerged to drive our history. This cycle repeats on about a 90-95 year basis, with each of the 4 types following in a set order. Building on their work I believe each of the four generational types has a distinct understanding of God, the Church and the Faith. (E.g. “Boomers” are at home with certain emphases, but the Korean War veteran “Silents” have a different set of preferences.)

Looking at parish life with the help of a generational perspective honors prior generations’ leadership, gives insight into present Church dynamics, and provides a vision of future challenges and changes. Pastors, board members, congregational presidents, & regional leaders will be more effective if they understand generational differences.

Very briefly, the Adaptive type of generation is the "Silent" generation of Korean War veterans born between 1925 and 1942. Here in 2005 the youngest of this generation will turn 62, while the oldest will reach 80. As leaders this generation of Martin Marty, Carl Braaten, Rosemary Ruether and Phylliss Trible has championed inclusivity, multi-culturalism, civil rights and the women’s movement. As they retire from power they are attracted to church leaders who continue to stress opportunities for the downtrodden, an intimate relationship with a immanent God in Jesus, and celebrate the rich tapestry of church life.

The Idealist type of generation in this cycle are the "Boomers", born 1943 to 1960. Cut from a very different cloth than the Silents, members of this generation often see themselves as spiritual seekers on life’s journey, and religious bodies are inns and campgrounds on the way. Valuing spiritual experiences, passion and self-validated values, this generation of church leaders (Bill Hybels, Rick Warren, Cornel West, Barbara Brown Taylor) often swings between "fight or flight." Either they will raise a huge ruckus over church issues, weighing in passionately on all sides of an issue, or they will decide to withdraw from the field to be among those who have a more "spiritually correct" view.

The Nomad type of generation are the Generation Xers born 1961 to 1982. Often scarred early in life by family upheavals and societal hostility, this wary and survival oriented generation takes a skeptical view of the church. Leaders will be more effective among them as they stress the Church as a place of sanctuary rather than judgment, provide basic instruction in faith and life issues ("The Bible has 2 parts called testaments….Here’s how to do a family budget with Quicken on your Palm….."), and emphasize practical application of faith to life.

Finally the Civic type of generation is represented by both the elderly GI generation of World War II veterans (born 1901 to 1924; ages 81 to 104 in 2005) and the new Millennial generation filling Sunday School, youth and campus ministry (born 1983 to 2004). Civic generations are the great "joining" generations, with most everyone wanting to be a part of the community of Christ in the church. Rational, sequential-thinking leaders, these generations are the great builders and re-shapers of the physical world.

May your church become a place where each generation can “tell the mighty works of God” in their own way and from their own perspective.