To All Generations

by

John D. McArthur, Jr.

In the 1980s we were inundated with material describing the Baby Boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965). We were not only instructed on the characteristics of this huge and self-centered generation but instructed on the best way to bring them into our church.

Over the last couple of years, new material has received increasing circulation describing and instructing us on how to convert the next generation: the Baby Busters or Generation X (roughly those born between 1965 and 1980). And, to top it all off, just the other day I saw an article that defined an even younger group: the Baby Boomlet generation (or those children born since 1980).

It is very popular today to separate generations by their age and attempt to convert them by understanding and relating to their needs. Even the parents of Baby Boomers and grandparents of Busters, the so-called World War II Generation, have been categorized and labeled as different than everyone else.

Now, there may be a different attitude and mind-set between those who witnessed and fought in World War II and those who only know of it from history books but there need for Jesus is the same. May I suggest, segregating people into generalized categories is unfair and unscriptural.

As a member of the Baby Boom generation, I am offended by the generalities and so-called universal truths these studies offer as gospel. You see, like more of my generation then these studies like to admit, I did not wander from the faith during the 1960s and 70s and not all of my generation "tuned in, turned on and dropped out." Although I like the music from my youth, "sex, drugs and rock and roll" was never my anthem. Even the characteristics of overachieving, success, and corporate greed are not part of the psyche of all us Boomers.

If that is true for the Baby Boomers, how dare we label the next generation (commonly called Generation X) as lazy, slackers, or swallowed by despair and attempt to shape our message just for them! The message of Jesus Christ is for all generations and attempts to design our worship and church for one segment of society is dangerous and contrary to the Great Commission.

Just as churches begin to adapt to the needs of the Baby Boomers we are told by "experts" to change again to accommodate Busters. All this smacks of pandering to special interest groups and has a danger of being nothing more than "tickling the ears" of people. When we emphasize just those under 30, what becomes of our senior citizens? When we gear worship to non-believers, when do believers share in praise? When we use the latest techniques, methods and programs does the gospel come through or are we offering a "feel good" message to attract crowds?

At one church I served, we had a tremendous influx of college age students (the newly important Generation X) yet we offered nothing at the time for that age group. Surveying those young people, I discovered they came precisely because we did not pander to them. One student summarized it best: "All week I am surrounded by other kids my age. Even the churches and activities on campus are all geared to my generation. I come here because I can see children that remind me of my little brother and sister running through the halls and I can hug older people that remind me of my grandparents."

For the church to really be a church, it has and must always have people from all generations. When Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 5:1 and 2 to treat the older man "as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters," he surely envisioned a church for all generations.

There is a big difference between changing our style and format of worship to be like everyone else and changing it to help us worship God better. It is never right to do things at church "because we've always done it that way," but neither is it right to do it differently just because someone else has had success with it. Maybe the quarrels in our churches over such petty matters as choruses, overheads, and the like could be solved if we first try to teach Christ only. Then the songs we sing will come naturally and not be a source of division and controversy.

A closer examination of the generational differences will result in a keener appreciation of Solomon's wisdom that there is nothing new under the sun. Recent articles describe Generation X as looking for authenticity. What generation doesn't want that especially in relationships and religion?

Experts tell us that young people today are in a lot of pain. They say they are the fruits of divorce, being latch-key children, and so on. But what generation, indeed what person, doesn't have personal pain and the feeling of being lost or alone?

In evangelism, we are told Generation X responds better when we spend time with them. Who doesn't? We are told not to try to imitate or act like them but to be ourselves. That is very freeing but it has always been true.

It is said Busters want practical sermons. Again, who doesn't? We are told they respond better to stories. Well, Jesus knew that 2,000 years ago when he spoke in parables. Being relevant doesn't mean talking knowledgeably about "Nine Inch Nails" or whoever the latest rock group may be but in speaking the truth about redemption and reconciliation. What else has there really ever been a need to preach about?

I will continue to read and file away articles on the World War II Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, the Baby Boomlet and whatever other label a generation may be given. The reading is always interesting and causes me to think. However, as I approach the gospel I must not be a Boomer preacher or Buster communicator or an old time World War II Generation evangelist. The Gospel knows no generation or culture or time. As the author of the book of Hebrews so plainly wrote in chapter 13, verse 8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever."