One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church

I recently completed a reading critique of Gary L. McIntosh's One Church, Four Generations. Here are a few of my observations: 1. The author's main purpose in writing this book was to equip church leadership to "understand the challenges of synthesizing the generations under one ministry" (McIntosh, 14). Cross-cultural communication demands that one first gain a healthier viewpoint concerning the Builders, Boomers, Busters, and Bridgers within the local church and the surrounding community (14). His hope is that the church "will cause [God's] name to be remembered in all generations" (Psalm 45:17, ESV). 2. The author's instruction on the different responses to cross-generational ministry was helpful. Demographics bring success with target audiences but lack variety in practice (McIntosh, 211). Multi-venues bring various elements or locations but might develop inconsistent visions (212). Newly planted churches relate to new groups but cause congregations to grow further apart. Blended services model cooperation but also can appear to be disjointed at best or cause power struggles at their worst (214). Another item of instruction that was appreciated was the teaching on recognizing that each generation can bring and receive value to the whole. The Bible counsels the young to listen to the wisdom of the elders. Likewise, elders "should focus on scriptural values, such as honesty, overcoming temptations, wise use of the tongue and putting God first" (McIntosh, 232). Every generation is to be committed to loving each other, offering others the first choice out of respect, sharing the same overarching vision, not being arrogant in opinion, and being united (McIntosh, 233). 3. The most helpful part of the book was the contrast of generational values. Generally speaking, Builders are seeking stability, Boomers are striving for quality, Busters are looking for simplicity, and Bridgers need community (McIntosh, 95). Leadership has to reconcile the one's need for tradition with others' propensity for change. One is calling for alternatives while another is searching for uncomplicated processes (97). 4. The quotation that seemed particularly important was the one which read, "Generations change and Scripture records that it normally takes new leadership to communicate to new generations" (McIntosh, 21). There are several repercussions to cross-generational miscommunication. Attendance in local churches continues to dwindle. The gospel must be presented in the language that is understandable. Missionary recruitment is also decreasing. Financial support of Christ's mission is suffering (McIntosh, 22). A culture of consumers has to be transformed into givers. The emerging generations are embracing the secular over the sacred - politically, academically, and financially. Finally, people are being left disconnected from Christ. Leadership must honor the past while simultaneously envisioning the future.

I am reading a number of books for the purpose of understanding aging in the United States and what we as leaders must know if we are to work effectively across generational lines. McIntosh's book is well documented and detailed related to the four generations currently overlapping in the United States. While written for the church environment, if one reads it from a leadership perspective, there is much to gain in terms of developing programming, advertising, and considering what drives the experiences of each generation. The book is just a little dated in material, but overall is well written and helpful for those wanting to understand the complexity of cross generational work.

good book it cover the four generations alive today and how they are different and how they can be reached out to.

It really helps you to think about the generational differences in churches across America. This is crucial for us all to know, mostly because the church of the future has a lot to learn before taking over. We all think differently in the church and it is helpful to point out and stay aware of such issues. I highly recommend this book.

I led a discussion group where this book was the primary source, but not the only source, for understanding the viewpoints held by the generational groupings within our church. It was a great asset to everyone and aided us developing more unity within our ministries.