Generations

I have found the generational differences interesting. These are the general views that folks of different generations have on subjects associated with the church. Maybe I need to refresh our minds with the different generation groupings.

Richard L. Hamm in his book "Recreating the Church, Leadership for the Postmodern Age," lists these different generations:
The World War II generation born 1915-1930. Their generation was shaped by their war experience. Known for "saving the world."
The Silent generation born 1931-1944 was a smaller group and less influential than the WWII folks. Their war was the Korean War.
The Baby Boomer generation, born 1945-1965. These folks, I am one, "was born and raised during a time of unparalleled economic expansion and optimism. They were told they could do and be anything they wanted, and many of them believed it." The Vietnam War was OUR war.
The Baby Busters were born from 1965 to 1982. They grew up in the midst of a world that experienced some shortages and lines at the gas pump. "Parented as much or more by peers as by their parents." Also known as the Generation X folks.
The Millennials were born 1982 to today.

As I read different authors, I am finding that there are characteristics that are associated with a certain age group. These then have tendencies that must be considered in the life of the church.

Where are you? What is your generation and characteristic?

Gary L. McIntosh in his book: "One Church Four Generations, Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church," actually lumps together the generations. In doing so he has recognized that the generations take and share with each other. The grouping allows for some interesting reading and helps one in my position to consider some generalities.

Lighthouse Living

One of my favorite movies of all time is a children's story called "Pete's Dragon." I don't know how many times I have watched it with my children and grands. The story is about an orphan child that ends up friends with a giant dragon named "Elliot." Now there is a lighthouse manager and daughter that tend the local lighthouse. The big white lighthouse is at the edge of some ragged rocks close to the entrance to the harbor of the community.

A storm comes up and the flame goes out in the lighthouse. This while a ship is seeking the opening to the safety of the harbor. Elliot comes to the rescue and because he is a "fire breathing dragon," he lights the fire and the ship enters the harbor. The dragon is the hero as all on board the ship are saved!!!

This blog is called "Lighthouse Living" in reference to the need of every person to find safe harbor in Jesus Christ. I am convinced that the Church must in fact act as a lighthouse to the world. Does that make us each Elliots? Could be.

The Lighthouses of today still represent saftey and security. Is there still a need for folks today to find such? We have now entered into the 21st century, what some have called the "Post-Modern" world. There are some questions that I would like to explore with those that would dialogue here on this blog.

Church in the 21st century. . . what does it look like? How does it compare with the 20th century? What does change look like to you?

In relation to expectations. . . considering different generations and their views of life and church, what are the "necessary" things being looked for by those of diverse groups, (Boomers, Busters, and Millennials).

If you would respond to this blog, please give your generation or year of birth in order to discuss the different characteristics.