I’m not trying to be critical. Boomers are presenting a huge challenge for churches as we grow into our senior years. For example, it’s difficult to imagine myself participating in the traditional older adult ministries, such as group gatherings with names like “The Joy Group” or “Saved Seniors,” that have served members of the GI and Silent Generations so well. I’m hoping to enjoy several more years of service as a contemporary worship song leader and, as my schedule eventually becomes more flexible, engaging in other multi-generational activities in my church and community.
On the other hand, I suspect that as we age, Boomers will be grateful to be the beneficiaries of the care that churches have always provided for people as they face the inevitable health and independence issues that go along with growing old. A big question is whether churches will have the capacity to provide care for this large generation of people who are growing older.
I recently happened upon a blog written by Thom Rainer, CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. Thom’s
ministry focuses on observing and researching societal trends and their impact
on the Christian church. In a recent post, he shares several ways that churches
will feel the impact of retiring Boomers. He contends that “Retiring Boomers will kill
traditional church senior adult ministries because they don’t like to be
categorized as senior adults. Nor are they attracted by typical older adult
ministry activities.” While this may be true, Thom’s observations about aging
Boomers also include some interesting opportunities for the church, including:
1. Some
will have more volunteer time. But their retirement will
break previous patterns. Many of these Boomers will continue to seek atypical
retirement opportunities. There will be few “rocking chair” retirees among the
Boomers. How can churches attract those Boomers who will have more discretionary
time? Perhaps the next implication can answer that question.
2. Most
of the Boomers still want to change the world. Many
of them may be disillusioned after four decades of work that was not meaningful
and life changing. But they still have the spirit of the 60s, a spirit that
desires to be different and to make a difference. If congregations can offer
retiring Boomers such opportunities, there could be a surge of Boomer church
adherents.
3.
The
large Boomer generation will become more receptive to the gospel. Our data is anecdotal for now, but we are seeing indications
that the Boomers may actually become more interested in spiritual matters in
general and Christianity specifically. If so, this trend will be counter to
other trends where adults tend to become less receptive to the gospel as they
age. The Baby Boomers have tried it all and found no joy. They may likely turn
to the hope of the gospel.
4.
Family
will be a key value for both of the large generations. For the Millennials, family is their most important value.
Nearly eight out of ten of the Millennials ranked family as the important issue
in their lives. They told us that they had healthy relationships with their
parents who, for the most part, are Baby Boomers. Some churches say they are
family friendly, but few actually demonstrate that value. Churches that reach
both of these generations will make significant impact.
To be
sure, we who God put on the earth during a time that qualifies us as members of
the Boomer generation will continue to be blessed by the healing touch of
Christ as we grow older. What a blessing we can be to others as we respond to
this Good News!
I’m
looking forward to the seeding opportunities that come to Wheat Ridge
Ministries as churches and other Christ-centered organizations begin to focus
on service to the Boomer generation. In the meantime, is your church
considering or already engaged in “Boomer friendly” health and human care
activity? If so, please use the response space below to share what you are
doing. Thanks!
Enjoy the
unique gifts of life that God provides in whatever generation you are blessed
to call yours!
