Bridging the
Generations
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Identify a young adult you know,
someone under 35 years of age.
Keeping that person in mind, read the
following slides.
Recall your life as a young adult. How
does the information reflect your
experiences as a young adult?
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They are also called Millennials.
They were born between 1984 and
2002.
They are defined by technology.
They have easy access to information
and watch events in real time via the
internet.
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They are easily overwhelmed by
information and events.
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They may be continually connected to
some form of technology.
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They have access to information but
may lack the skills to assimilate it.
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They often have great technological
skills with poor relationships skills.
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They are over-protected, growing up
with many safety policies.
They may be over-confident—they’ve
been told they can do anything.
Some have not experienced failure
and may lack coping skills for
negative experiences.
Dr. Tim Elmore identified these differences at
M11 in February 2011.
Early Gen Y—born in the
80s
Later Gen X—born in the
90s
Highly compassionate
Low empathy
Technology is a tool
Technology is an appendage
Civil-minded
Self-absorbed
Ambitious about the future
Ambiguous about the future
Accelerated growth
Postponed maturation
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There are difference between early
Generation Yers and those born in the
1990s.
What are some causes of these
differences?
What ministry opportunities exist as
Gen Y experiences life transitions?
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They experience frequent job changes,
searching for fulfillment and good pay.
They have high hopes and big dreams
as well as anxiety and uncertainty.
They have conflicting emotions due to
fears and freedoms, excitement and
uncertainty, and possibilities and
confusion.
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If you are over the age of 50, you may find the
traits of young adults to be different from what
you experienced.
This reflects many cultural changes,
technological advancements, and delaying
marriage.
In 2010, the median age for the first marriage
for men was 28.2 and 26.1 for women.
About 2/3 attend college after high school.
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As you read and compared
experiences, what changes did you
identify?
What new information did you gain
about today’s young adults?
How can this information help you
minister more effectively?
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Life experiences influence how we
view life.
Experiences change with each
generation.
On the next two slides, find your
generation.
Consider the differences.
The People &
Issues
Seniors
Builders
Boomers
Busters
Generation Y
or
Millennials
Era they
were born
1900-1928
1929-1945
1946-1964
1965-1983
1984-2002
Life
Paradigm
Manifest
destiny
Be grateful for
a job
You owe me
Related to
me
Life is a
cafeteria
Role of
Relationships
Long Term
Significant
Limited, useful
Central,
caring
Global, 24/7
Value System Traditional
Conservative
Self-based
Media
Shop around
Role of
Career
Means for
living
Central focus
Irritant
Optimistic
Loyalty
The People
& Issues
Seniors
Builders
Boomers
Busters
Generation Y
or
Millennials
Era they
were born
1900-1928
1929-1945
1946-1964
1965-1983
1984-2002
Schedules
Responsible
Mellow
Frantic
Aimless
Volatile
Technology
What’s that?
Hope to
outlive it
Master it
Enjoy it
Employ it
Market
Commodities
Goods
Services
Experiences
Transformations
View of the
future
Uncertain
Seek to
stabilize
Create it
Hopeless
Optimistic
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How did these slides help you better
understand generational differences?
Identify the percentage of your
congregation in each generation.
What are the implications for your
ministry setting?
How well do the individuals in each
generation relate to other generations?
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Each generation tends to
◦ Break from the previous generation
◦ Correct two generations older than they
◦ Replace three generations older than they
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Builders
◦ Contributions:
 Sage-like wisdom
 Big picture perspective
 Make good mentors
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Do this by
◦ Valuing their contributions
◦ Requesting presence and input
◦ Giving a place of honor
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Boomers
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Do this by
◦ Contributions:
 Stories
 Comparable youth experiences
 Make good life coaches
◦ Asking about past experiences and
lessons learned
◦ Calling them to give back
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Generation X
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Do this by
◦ Contributions:
 Realism
 Authenticity
 Balance
◦ Building relationships
◦ Forming authentic community
◦ Influencing through relationships, not
power
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Generation Y
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Do this by
◦ Contributions:
 Tech savvy
 Creative
 Optimistic
◦ Affirming dreams and goals
◦ Setting short term commitments
◦ Removing self-imposed pressure
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How did the slides help you value and
understand each generation?
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How can you use this information in
your ministry setting?
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How can the information help to form
bridges among the generations?
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Which generations do you think will be
the most difficult to bridge?