If you’ve ever spent time with anyone in a different generation than you, you may start to see pretty quickly how you’re different. The language may be different, the references not quite relatable, and shared interests may be difficult to discern. And yet, there are many similarities as well. The longer you talk, you’re able to get past the base-level differences and discover that you’re not quite as different as you thought. Maybe you both have a strong sense of self, or your work ethic is matched. You have similar values and stand for the same causes. Just because you hail from different generations, your worlds are smaller than you thought.
This vague encounter is one I have experienced quite often. As a DCE grad of 2021, I am quite young in my field. Every day, I get the opportunity to interact with people of all generations – from the emerging Gen Alpha all the way to the Silent Generation.
This broad spectrum of life in our congregations is an incredible blessing! Each and every person brings experiences and perspectives with them that can provide a broader view of the world we encounter every day.
It is important to note that every generation brings with it its own unique ideas and identity. There are many things that contribute to this, such as: cultural experiences or phenomena, social needs, global events, family upbringing and values, and more.
The primary generations that we interact with in our churches are:
The Silent Generation: born between 1928-1945
Baby Boomers: born between 1946-1964
Generation X: born between 1965-1980
Generation Y (Millennials): 1981-1996
Generation Z: 1997-2012
Generation Alpha: 2013-present
There are many misconceptions about each generation, but the greatest is that it’s impossible to understand each other and get along. I beg to differ. God created people to desire community, and we constantly look for connection and understanding. We want to be seen and known, a gift that God gives us through His church.
As a church body, it is vital for us to take time developing relationships with other generations.
Younger generations need the life-experience of older generations. They need advice, mentorship, and guidance as they navigate the world. God gave teens parents, guardians, and other adults for our good (See the Fourth Commandment and its meaning in the Small Catechism.) It can be especially helpful for young people to listen and understand the generational history adults that come before them have. They have stories of how the Holy Spirit has worked in their lives. This provides the opportunity for younger generations to put some of what they are experiencing into a larger perspective.
This doesn’t mean that older generations should constantly lecture, be overbearing or arrogant. Instead, think of yourself as a model and mentor. Give young people space to learn but be ready to encourage and guide them. As we are reminded of in 1 Timothy 5:1-2, we encourage each other, regardless of age, because God has brought all ages into His family.
Older generations can gain new understanding of the world, find ways to cheer on youth in their vocations, and grow in empathy for younger generations. They get to experience a world that is completely new from what they experienced from younger generations. Understanding Gen Z and Alpha can help offer empathy and understanding for young people. And yet, in conversation, mature generations will quickly uncover that the desire to learn and be a part of something greater than themselves is common.
So, what does this mean for our churches? It means that everyone should have opportunities for interaction. The ‘young people’ shouldn’t be separate all the time from the ‘old people’. While specialized learning and community engagement is important for development and comradery, intergenerational experiences greater a richer, more relationally connected church.
Understanding across generations can bring better insight to what each person brings to their vocations and roles God has called them to, especially in the church. Across generations, it helps us identify where we might misunderstand or miscommunicate with each other and work towards new appreciation for the ways God has gifted His people of all ages.
Lastly, understanding the needs of all the generations can help you better share the Gospel with the world! It can increase the way in which you communicate God’s grace and gifts in a way understandable to each generation. Each generation is so loved by Jesus that He died for their salvation. Connecting across generations can broaden your purview of why Jesus has come for all people throughout all time.
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