It wasn’t surprising to me that this year’s Illinois Leadership Summit was well-attended and well-received by about 200 pastors and leaders from IBSA churches. That has been the growing trend for several years now, thanks to guest speakers like Mac Lake, Mark Clifton, and Dave Rhodes, as well as practical breakouts from pacesetting church leaders here in Illinois.
What did surprise me this year was the unprecedented number of requests from churches for follow up consultations. The Summit’s focus on “becoming a future ready church” clearly struck a chord, as many churches today struggle to effectively reach younger generations.
Whether you attended this year’s Summit or not, IBSA is ready to help your church investigate some next steps in reaching younger generations in your context. From personal experience, though, I would encourage each of us to begin by simply increasing our awareness of generational dynamics. For example, my notes from this year’s ILS remind me that at least five distinct generations are alive today:
● Those in the Builder generation, sometimes called Traditionals, were born in 1946 or earlier. Shaped by the World War II era, they value rules and respect authority. They expect a leadership style that is more formal or commanding. Print communications such as newspapers are preferred.
● The Boomer generation refers to those born between 1946 and 1966. With 10,000 Boomers now retiring every day, a key value for this generation is their legacy. Boomers value a thoughtful leadership style based on proven expertise, not just authority; one that is more directing than controlling. They often prefer broadcast communication to print.
● Gen X, born between 1966 and 1981, was the first generation to be heavily influenced by video games. A key value for them is to “level up” personally, rather than to compete. They prefer to be led more collaboratively than authoritatively, and to participate in decisions and direction. The more personal, customized communication first made possible by computers tends to connect best with this generation.
● The Millennials or Gen Y, born between 1981 and 2000, are now the largest generation on the planet and in the workforce. They are looking for ways to have a meaningful impact on the world, and they are looking for leadership that will guide and support rather than control or direct.
● Gen Z, born between 2000 and 2015, is still feeling the effects of the 2008 financial crisis as they enter the workplace and experience an uncertain economy. Yet they are digital natives who navigate technology and the worldwide web effortlessly, and they often find their own answers without looking to authority, traditions, or institutions. They prefer leadership that empowers their self-guided or group-guided collaboration.
James Choung, vice president of strategy and innovation for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, has suggested that generations can be viewed through different spiritual lenses. For example, referring to four essential questions found in Greek philosophy, he suggests that Boomers are asking, “What is true?” and “What was the world meant to be?” while Gen Xers focus more on “What is real or authentic?” and “Why is the world so messed up?” Millennials are asking “What is good?” and “What will make the world right?” while Gen Z is asking “What is beautiful?” and “How can I be a part of making the world right?”
Choung believes that Christians may find unique open doors for the gospel when they understand generational questions or needs like these. If he is correct, then churches desiring to reach younger generations should start by seeking to understand them; and then prepare to meet them where they are.
Nate Adams is executive director of the Illinois Baptist State Association. Respond at IllinoisBaptist@IBSA.org.