Product Description

Church leaders of the twenty-first century, perhaps more than at any time in history, must reach out to a variety of groups within the church. How can worship services be modified to attract young people without driving the older members away? Is it possible for a church to have an intergenerational ministry? How can churches keep the youngest members involved?

One Church, Four Generations gives thoughtful insight into the four generations found in churches today, exploring the qualities, values, and interests of each group in relation to the historical events and social trends that have shaped them. You'll find practical suggestions for types of ministry and worship styles that will draw each generation-from the oldest generation of Builders to the youngest crowd of Bridgers. Helpful tables offer summaries of generational characteristics, common needs and concerns, and ways to reach the unchurched.

This book is an updated and expanded version of Three Generations: Riding the Waves of Change in Your Church

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #75596 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 248 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780801091377
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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From the Back Cover
Church leaders of the twenty-first century, perhaps more than at any time in history, must reach out to a variety of groups within the church. How can worship services be modified to attract young people without driving the older members away? Is it possible for a church to have an intergenerational ministry? How can churches keep the youngest members involved? One Church, Four Generations gives thoughtful insight into the four generations found in churches today, exploring the qualities, values, and interests of each group in relation to the historical events and social trends that have shaped them. Youíll find practical suggestions for types of ministry and worship styles that will draw each generationófrom the oldest generation of Builders to the youngest crowd of Bridgers. Helpful tables offer summaries of generational characteristics, common needs and concerns, and ways to reach the unchurched. ìOne Church, Four Generations is at once an encyclopedia, history, and cat scan of ourselves and those around usóall in an exciting, readable, practical form. What a great resource to understand your parents, kids, yourself, and, most of all, your church!î

Dr. Kent Hunter, The Church Doctor, Corrunna, Indiana ìThis is essential reading. The emerging generation is particularly challenging to comprehend and to effectively engage. McIntosh provides insightful clues for discipling them.î

Dr. Daniel Reeves, president, Reeves Strategic Consultation ìI can think of no better introduction to generational differences than Gary McIntoshís helpful primer!î

Dr. Bob Whitesel, senior editor of strategies, Todayís Leader magazine This book is an updated and expanded version of Three Generations: Riding the Waves of Change in Your Church

About the Author
Gary McIntosh is professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of Theology in California. As president of the McIntosh Church Growth Network, a church consulting firm, he has worked with more than 500 churches in 53 denominations. He is the author of several books, including Look Back, Leap Forward.

Customer Reviews

Must Read for Churches Undergoing Change or Transition
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.

Excellent book
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.

Generations (http://justinfarley.blogspot.com/2009/06/generations.html)
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.