Aging Baby Boomers and the Church

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Introduction The world of the so-called Baby Boomer (born between 1946 and 1964) is a world of constant change and uncertainty. This segment of people, like all segments of people, operates and evaluates life through a unique lens or culture. Kory Floyd defines culture as ―[T]he learned, shared symbols, language, values, and norms that distinguish one group of people from another.‖1 Therefore, Baby Boomers see and experience the world in a way that is unique from other segments of society. Understanding this segment of society is important because of the size and influence of this group and their affect upon the church. This segment of the population is very large. History.com notes, More babies were born in 1946 than ever before: 3.4 million, 20 percent more than in 1945….In 1947, another 3.8 million babies were born; 3.9 million were born in 1952; and more than 4 million were born every year from 1954 until 1964, when the boom finally tapered off. By then, there were 76.4 million ―baby boomers‖ in the United States. They made up almost 40 percent of the nation’s population.2 Not only is this group large and influential, but this group is also in a state of flux. No other generation has been so infiltrated with massive changes with the culture. Aubrey Malphurs calls these changes ―megachange‖. He defines megachange as ―a massive shift in our culture, science, society, and institutions. This change is enormously greater than the world has ever experienced…. We are living at a frightening point of absolute, chaotic discontinuity, watching the old die off and the new rush in to fill the vacuum.‖3 ey was simply to get a brief overview of those who are Baby Boomers attend church. For simplicity, the age span fifty to seventy was used.... ... middle of paper ... ...eal with the frustrations. Wise pastors and leaders will prepare their congregation for the hardships of following Christ and the demands of the gospel. Conclusion Baby Boomers make up an overwhelming forty percent of the population. They are a very large and influential group of people. In addition, they are also a very confused and somewhat depressed group who are facing challenges now and will face great challenges in the future. None of this is a surprise to God. God, who is absolutely sovereign and knows the hearts of all people, would call upon his people to minister to this group and to make a difference. Baby Boomers represent a great culture of people who are waiting to hear the good news and become disciples of Jesus Christ. The church has before it a great opportunity to minister. As the Scripture says, ―With God, all things are possible‖ (Matt 19:26). 27

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