<iframe width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed//w49_Kz0HlOo?si=fPgNviuRQ__13i3p" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> PowerPoint Slides - [[2025-01-26 - The Old Weep While the Young Rejoice.pdf]] ### **Introduction** The narrative of generations is deeply embedded in both biblical history and modern society. This article explores how generational cycles impact our present and future, particularly within the American church. Drawing from biblical passages and historical analysis, we examine the generational shifts that shape leadership, influence, and the direction of faith communities. As the Baby Boomer generation fades from prominence, Millennials are stepping into leadership roles, bringing new values and perspectives that will redefine the church and culture in the coming decades. --- ### **The Biblical Theme of Generations** The Old Testament is a story of generations, tracing lineage and transitions from Adam through Noah, Abraham, and beyond. This generational continuity is emphasized in passages such as Judges 2:6-10, where a generation that knew the works of the Lord was followed by one that did not. > When Joshua dismissed the people, the people of Israel went each to his inheritance to take possession of the land. And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the Lord had done for Israel. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years. And they buried him within the boundaries of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the mountain of Gaash. And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. - Judges 2:6-10 ![[generational-cycles-04.jpeg]] Similarly, Ezra 3 describes a stark contrast between older and younger generations—the elders wept as they recalled Solomon’s grand temple, while the younger generation rejoiced at the new foundation being laid after the exile. > And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away. - Ezra 3:11-13 This generational contrast continues to be relevant today as we consider our place in historical cycles and our responsibility to the future. ![[generational-cycles-05.jpeg]] #### What Is A Generation From A Biblical Perspective? ![[generational-cycles-07.jpeg]] From a biblical perspective, a generation is approximately 80 years. Psalm 90:10 tells us, "The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strengthy they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away." #### **Defining Modern Generations** ![[generational-cycles-08.jpeg]] - **Greatest Generation (1901-1927):** Shaped by World War II and traditional values. - **Silent Generation (1928-1945):** Less influential, yet steady and faithful. - **Baby Boomers (1946-1964):** The largest and most influential generation in American church history, responsible for the rise of mega-churches and the celebrity pastor movement. - **Generation X (1965-1980):** Smaller in size, often living in the shadow of the Boomers. - **Millennials (1981-1996):** Now entering their period of influence, bringing different priorities and expectations. - **Generation Z (1997-Present):** Likely to be a smaller but impactful generation in the future. #### The Lifespan of the Boomer Generation ![[generational-cycles-09.jpeg]] --- ### **Identifying Our Place in the Generational Cycle** History moves in cycles, and one influential framework for understanding these cycles is outlined in _The Fourth Turning_ by Strauss and Howe. They identify recurring generational shifts in American history, with significant turning points occurring approximately every 80 years: - **George Washington (Revolutionary War Era)** - **Abraham Lincoln (Civil War Era)** - **Franklin D. Roosevelt (World War II Era)** - **Present Day (Unfolding Crisis Era)** Another key book, _The Storm Before the Calm_ by George Friedman, predicts the 2020s as a period of crisis and transformation. These insights align with biblical understandings of generational transitions and call for discernment in how we navigate societal changes. ![[generational-cycles-06.jpeg]] --- ### **Generational Shifts and the American Church** The church has undergone significant transformations over the past century, largely influenced by the generational values of its leaders. Understanding these shifts helps us prepare for the future. #### **The Boomer Church Model** Boomers brought the mega-church movement, emphasizing: - Numerical growth as a measure of success - Financial influence and large church budgets - High-profile leaders such as Rick Warren and Bill Hybels As the Boomer era wanes, many of their churches face challenges in sustainability. Willow Creek, once one of the most influential mega-churches, is struggling due to leadership transitions and financial burdens. ![[generational-cycles-10.jpeg]] --- ### **The Emerging Millennial Generation & the Church** ![[generational-cycles-11.jpeg]] Millennials bring a different set of priorities to faith communities, leading to significant shifts: 1. **From Attendance-Centered to Discipleship-Oriented Churches** – Large church attendance is no longer the key metric; genuine spiritual growth and engagement matter more. 2. **From Models to Mission** – Instead of following standardized church growth strategies, churches are focusing on their unique local communities. 3. **From Institutional to Movement-Based Christianity** – Christianity is less about preserving large institutions and more about smaller, mission-driven communities. 4. **From Celebrity Pastors to Local Leaders** – The decline of high-profile megachurch pastors signals a return to more locally rooted ministry. 5. **From Financially Heavy Churches to Simpler, Sustainable Models** – Millennials are less financially stable and less inclined to fund massive church operations. --- ### **The Church in a Changing Culture** Aaron Renn’s book, _Life in the Negative World_, outlines three cultural shifts that have affected Christianity: #### The Positive World ![[generational-cycles-12.jpeg]] **Positive World (Pre-1994):** Christianity was viewed favorably and aligned with mainstream American values. #### The Neutral World ![[generational-cycles-13.jpeg]] **Neutral World (1994-2014):** Christianity became one of many religious options, leading to religious pluralism. #### The Negative World ![[generational-cycles-14.jpeg]] **Negative World (2014-Present):** Christianity is increasingly viewed negatively, often associated with intolerance and outdated morals. This shift requires the church to rethink its engagement with society, moving away from cultural dominance and toward a more mission-oriented approach. --- ### **Strategic Approaches for the Church in the 2020s** ![[generational-cycles-15.jpeg]] ![[generational-cycles-16.jpeg]] To navigate this period of change, churches should focus on: - **Prioritizing Individual Faithfulness Over Institutional Survival** – Strengthening personal discipleship over preserving large church structures. - **Fostering Alternative Christian Economies** – Supporting Christian businesses, schools, and institutions. - **Engaging Locally** – Building strong communities rather than relying on national influence. - **Equipping Believers for a Post-Christian Society** – Teaching clear moral and ethical frameworks rooted in scripture. ![[generational-cycles-18.jpeg]] - Living as a Moral Minority Means Political Alignments Are Shifting. - Unknown Territory: The Mindset of An Explorer. - Joshua (conquer new territory) vs Hezekiah (next generation’s problem). - Focus on local Influence and Not National Influence. ![[generational-cycles-19.jpeg]] - Areas of Focus: Education, Equipping, Morals & Ethics (no vice). - Prioritize Individual Faithfulness Over Institutional Conservation. - Cultivate Alternative Economies, Businesses, and Institutions. - Engage Missionally to Create Healthy Communities. ### The American Church in 2030 And Beyond ![[generational-cycles-17.jpeg]] •Shift from Attendance-Centered to Disciple-Making Churches. •Focus On Mission, Not Models. •Crisis of Cultural Relevance in a post-Christian society. •A Redefinition of Measuring Success away from attendance, giving, and programming. •The need for Simpler, Smaller Churches. •The Decentralization of Church Leadership. •The Necessity of Clarity and Vision. The Church as a Movement, Not an Institution. --- ### **Conclusion: A Time of Transition** The 2020s mark a significant generational shift. The Boomer-led church era is fading, and Millennials are stepping into leadership with new priorities. The church will look different by 2035 than it does today. Rather than fearing these changes, believers should trust in God’s sovereignty and seek to be faithful in this new era. Just as Joshua led Israel into uncharted territory, the church today must embrace its role as an explorer, discerning how best to serve and influence a rapidly changing world. Our confidence should not rest in institutions or past successes but in God’s unchanging faithfulness as we step into the future. --- _“Father, thank You for those who have gone before us. As we navigate this new era, grant us wisdom, discernment, and faithfulness to follow Your guidance. May we be bold in our mission, unwavering in truth, and faithful stewards of the time and resources You have given us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”_