Wallace SC&W Generational Characteristics   Have you ever gone into a meeting convinced that the direction you were going to outline was going to go over tremendously well only to leave downhearted because people didn’t see things the same way as you did? Your information didn’t touch them.  Your presentation didn’t sway them. It seemed that what you saw was something totally different from what they were viewing. Knowing the values, assumptions and preferences of an individual makes it much easier to meet his/her needs, to do things that they will appreciate and to discuss issues in a way that they find meaningful.  However, it is easy to act as if all people think and feel like I (or you) do.  Aren’t they convinced by the same information?  Aren’t they moved by the same things?  Don’t they find things as easy to use or do (e.g. technology, finances, relationships) as I do?  The answer is no!  So as leaders of congregations it is important to learn about different generational and cultural characteristics and to reflect upon them as we minister. For instance, in dealing with money the generations typically approach the issue in these ways: Builders/Veterans (1922-1945): Put it away, pay cash Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Buy now, pay later Generation X/Busters (1965-1980) Cautious, conservative, save-save-save Generation Y/Mosaics/Nexters (1981-2000) Earn to Spend What do these traits mean in teaching these groups about stewardships or helping them feel comfortable with the church finances?  Some want to spend now while others drag their feet not wanting to get too far in over their head.  How do you need to build a multiple facets of your stewardship education ministry in order to meet the different needs and perspectives?  Some might need to focus on trusting God and moving out into an unknown future while others need to be encouraged to “count the cost” and to plan the bigger dream Christ has in mind.              Another area we need to consider are the religious characteristics of these generations.   Builders/Veterans (1922-1945): committed to church, enjoy “Bible study”, loyal to denominations   Baby Boomers (1946-1964): committed to relationships, want to belong, supportive of people, want experiences with faith   Generation X/Busters (1965-1980): committed to family, local causes, short attention span, denominations not important, want faith that meets needs, want less structure   Generation Y/Mosaics/Nexters (1981-2000): committed to family, biblically illiterate, spiritually hungry, multiple expressions of worship, judge not so no one will judge you, highly tolerant and open   While generalizations always have some flaws, and characteristics do shift, they give us a place to start in thinking about how to approach individuals and groups in our communities.  Are there any perspectives that you need to take into consideration before your next “presentation” or “meeting”?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           6/10.10