Bridging Generational Divides in Your Church

Most churches are going to have members of nearly every generation present within their congregation. Yet in our polarizing age, it is easy for church members to get caught up in heated generational battles. As a church leader, how can you keep the peace and bridge the divide across generations, bringing together Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Generation Z as a unified congregation? Here are five quick tips to help change your church’s language, approach, and programming:

Avoid Negative Labeling

Generational trends and broad-level overviews can provide helpful research and marketing strategies for your church. However, refrain from falling into unhelpful, negative generational stereotypes or using particular generational labels for individual persons. No one wants to feel like the “token Millennial” in the room or be made to feel like “such a Boomer.”

Acknowledge the Diversity

In addition to refraining from negatively labeling individual members of a particular generation, it is also wise to acknowledge the wide range of diversity among each generational cohort. Members of every generation come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and represent cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity. For example, while Generation Z is typically characterized as “digital natives,” those from immigrant or impoverished households would not have the same level of access to technology as many of their generational peers. Be aware that this broad span of generational diversity may be found in your congregation or community.

Look for the Deeper Fear

Most generational arguments in the church are rooted from a place of deep fear. Are the Boomers afraid of being pushed out of the church and forgotten? Are Millennials worried about lack of financial stability or never finding their voice in leadership? Are Gen Xers concerned about their children’s spiritual engagement? Is Generation Z thinking about how the church is engaged in the broader world? Try to look below the surface level and search for the deeper root of the issue. When you address this root fear, you have a better chance of bringing people together over their genuine issues of concern.

Change the Communication Platform, Not the Message

While different generations prefer different technology platforms and channels for receiving communication (older generations opting for email and web, with younger generations preferring social media and texting), this doesn’t mean you need to change up your message. In order to keep all generations in your church aligned, switch out the communication platform, not the message itself. You can clearly communicate the same message—sermon, Bible study, devotional, invitation, or challenge—but distribute it differently based on the individual’s preference. That way, everyone from Boomers to Generation Z can hear the same call to action, but in the way that connects directly to them.

Intergenerational Events are Key

While many churches have separate programming for youth and children, create intentional spaces to bring all generations together in a single space. This may be a family-friendly movie night or game night. Get everyone together for family worship once a month or quarter. Be creative and plan intergenerational events that fit your church’s context best. In order to truly be an intergenerational church that bridges the generational divides, you will need to get everyone in the same room together from time to time!