Follow-up Archive

November 7, 2007

"Houston, we have a problem": Bridging the Generational Gap in our congregations
By Sarah Guldalian

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If you are a Baby Boomer or from the Silent Generation, you may be watching younger generations and asking: "Tattoos, loud music, sloppy clothing? I don't get it." While the younger generations are saying: "Why does everything have to be done the same way it's always been? Let's change things!"

This year, while developing a teen evangelism program, five14, I have done a comprehensive study of the MTV generation (born between 1975-1985) and the Millennials (1985-1995) and how they relate to the world around them, including their interaction with and contrast to other generations. The results of interviews, studying statistics and culture - with both young people and their elders - show that there is a relational gap caused by generational differences. And, working in outreach, speaking with congregational leaders and members all day long, it has become increasingly apparent that this gap has emerged in our congregations. In relation to this article alone, the first difference occurred. I'm sure that, when those under 30 read the title of this article, which I expect to be few, they thought to themselves: "'Houston, we have a problem?' Hmm, I've heard that quote before. I wonder what it's from?" However, the majority of you, born between 1925 and 1960, immediately knew to what I was referring.

When I talk about five14 with Baby Boomers and members of the Silent Generation (1925 to 1945), I usually receive two responses and often in consecutive order:

The first response often is: "Good. We need to reach young people." And, the second: "I just don't get you guys. What is up with the tattoos, punk rock music and apathetic dress code?" This is usually followed by a story about how, when they were our age, got gussied up for the movies or even the baseball game. This blows my mind. When I think of the movies, I think of a sweat suit; and the baseball game: a hat, tennis shoes and running shorts. I mean, who wants to dress up on their day off of work? The jeans and t-shirts that movie stars wear on talk shows, to which they've been invited, continually appall my grandma while my brother and I take style tips.

Tattoos? Well, they are a way to express what we are passionate about. Yes, I do have a tattoo. It's on my back. It says: "Ephesians 2:8 Saved by Grace," forming a ring of words with a cross and Jesus fish in the middle. I had this done as a way to strike up faith-sharing conversation. Granted, my tattoo usually warrants a better response from older generations than the content of the tattoos my friends have; but, none-the-less, I am asked why I didn't just have it printed on a t-shirt. (Okay, to be honest, at this stage, I ask myself that question as well. )

All in all, we just don't think tattoos are a big deal. And, it upsets us that the older generations equivocate tattoos with an immoral lifestyle. 50% of my generation has one - the MTV Generation, that is. And, yeah, our tattoo may be illegible in 35 years as we age; but, half of our friends will suffer the same problem. In other words, we'll be in good company. (Plus, there's just no going back now.)

You don't get us. We don't get you. There is segregation between generations. This is the problem. Now, as members of Christ's church with a calling to make disciples of all nations - including all generations - and to be unified as His church, what can we do to bridge the gap?

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