A Note from Hixon Frank
Psalm 45:17
I will cause your name to be remembered for all generations; therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever.
Writing an article about “the Generations” can be tricky, as no one fits perfectly into a particular set of characteristics. I have friends who are 25 but “old souls.” They prefer things and have qualities from Generation X or even Boomers. Additionally, I also know people who are squarely from the “Silent Generation” who embraced Technology like a teenager from 2010!
But in general, the generational designations below are a fair delineation of where culturally, and sometimes morally, we have broken away from the generation that preceded us.
I will try to be succinct, but as Willy Wonka famously said … “We have so much time and so little to do…strike that, reverse it.”
- Greatest Generation (b.1900-1925) (99-124 y/o)
- Silent Generation (b.1925-1945) (79-99 y/o)
- Baby Boomers (b.1945-1964) (60-79 y/o)
- Generation X (b. 1964-1980) (44-60y/o)
- Millennials (b. 1980-1995) (29-44 y/o)
- Generation Z (b.1995-2010) (14-29y/o)
- Generation Alpha (b.2010-now) (birth-14 y/o)
Remember, this is a picture of us! We are a multigenerational church, and it is important to understand one another. Today we look at the Largest of the generations, The Baby Boomers! The Boomers were born from 1945 to 1964.
If “David and Mary” (most popular names in 1960) were typical Baby Boomers, they would have a strong work ethic. Raised in the greatest economic boom our country has seen, they are fueled by accomplishment and success. The probably grew up in disciplined households with the exception of those raised in the “counterculture” movement of the 60’s and 70’s. They may tend to sacrifice what we now call “work-life balance” in order to build, succeed, or make an impact. They also volunteer more than other generations and embrace learning new skills, provided they understand why the new way is better than how they are currently “doing it!”
“David and Mary” are independent as a family and fully embraced “leaving and cleaving” when it comes to family, and as a generation have nuclear families and traditional roles. They also want to work on projects alone to completion and trust themselves to have the best solutions, rather than collaborating.
Being resourceful is a hallmark of the Baby Boomers, as they grew up when you worked with what you had. This makes David and Mary able to overcome obstacles that later might slow down or block their kids’ and grandkids’ progress. This is fueled by a competitive streak that came from going to school when teachers and coaches called the shots, and the best students and players were rewarded.
Finally, our Boomers (David and Mary) are typically long tenured employees with the same company or organization. This speaks to their value for relationships and close ties to family. It is not at all uncommon for David and Mary to have friends they have kept up with “since Grade School!”
AT GABC…
“David and Mary” have seen a lot! They watched, and younger Boomers may have even participated, in the “Jesus Movement” of the late 60’s early 70’s. They saw churches explode in growth in the 80’s and 90’s and then decline in the 2010’s. They grew up with televangelists, the Moral Majority, and the dawn of celebrity pastors. They have historical perspective but also a “can do” attitude! In a church setting they are generally open to change with clear explanations and goals! They are also fiercely loyal to their church, their people, and their country. And while aware of the frailties of all of them, will support and protect them from threats, perceived or actual.
Boomers provide a large number of volunteers and have become among the biggest financial givers in total, if not per capita. They willingly step into leadership roles and approach these roles as an honor and not a burden. They differ from the Silent Generation in numbers and in adaptability.
The invitation to the Church is to follow the description in 2 Timothy 1:5.
5 I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.
Paul is describing a legacy of faith that we should look for when engaging people who have gone before us. When we see a “Boomer” or someone from the “Silent Generation” living out a dynamic faith in Jesus, we need to learn from them. Remembering that a dynamic faith needn’t be a loud faith or a faith that demands attention. Sometimes the best models are the ones who quietly, sincerely, and steadily walk well with Jesus.
We have a steady supply of those models in many “Boomers!”
GABC has over 2,900 people who fall into this Generation, and we are better because Boomers are here!
My Boomer friends, you have been prayed for this week!
Hixon