One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently completed a reading critique of Gary L. McIntosh's One Church, Four Generations. Here are a few of my observations:
1. The author's main purpose in writing this book was to equip church leadership to "understand the challenges of synthesizing the generations under one ministry" (McIntosh, 14). Cross-cultural communication demands that one first gain a healthier viewpoint concerning the Builders, Boomers, Busters, and Bridgers within the local church and the surrounding community (14). His hope is that the church "will cause [God's] name to be remembered in all generations" (Psalm 45:17, ESV).
2. The author's instruction on the different responses to cross-generational ministry was helpful. Demographics bring success with target audiences but lack variety in practice (McIntosh, 211). Multi-venues bring various elements or locations but might develop inconsistent visions (212). Newly planted churches relate to new groups but cause congregations to grow further apart. Blended services model cooperation but also can appear to be disjointed at best or cause power struggles at their worst (214).
Another item of instruction that was appreciated was the teaching on recognizing that each generation can bring and receive value to the whole. The Bible counsels the young to listen to the wisdom of the elders. Likewise, elders "should focus on scriptural values, such as honesty, overcoming temptations, wise use of the tongue and putting God first" (McIntosh, 232). Every generation is to be committed to loving each other, offering others the first choice out of respect, sharing the same overarching vision, not being arrogant in opinion, and being united (McIntosh, 233).
3. The most helpful part of the book was the contrast of generational values. Generally speaking, Builders are seeking stability, Boomers are striving for quality, Busters are looking for simplicity, and Bridgers need community (McIntosh, 95). Leadership has to reconcile the one's need for tradition with others' propensity for change. One is calling for alternatives while another is searching for uncomplicated processes (97).
4. The quotation that seemed particularly important was the one which read, "Generations change and Scripture records that it normally takes new leadership to communicate to new generations" (McIntosh, 21). There are several repercussions to cross-generational miscommunication. Attendance in local churches continues to dwindle. The gospel must be presented in the language that is understandable. Missionary recruitment is also decreasing. Financial support of Christ's mission is suffering (McIntosh, 22). A culture of consumers has to be transformed into givers. The emerging generations are embracing the secular over the sacred - politically, academically, and financially. Finally, people are being left disconnected from Christ. Leadership must honor the past while simultaneously envisioning the future.

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The challenge facing today's church is simultaneous and effective ministry to people of four widely divergent generations. More than at any time in history, pastors must plan programs that will appeal to a mosaic of groups and subgroups. This updated edition of Three Generations: Riding the Waves of Change in Your Church adds an entirely new section on Bridgers, the youngest generation and perhaps the most difficult one to reach for Christ. Characteristics, interests, and values of each group--Builders, Boomers, Busters, and Bridgers--are explored in relation to the historical events and social trends that have shaped them. McIntosh thoughtfully analyzes the factors that influence each generation's relationship to the church, and he gives helpful suggestions for types of ministry and worship styles to draw members of that group. Helpful tables offer summaries of information relating to each generation, including formative experiences, religious characteristics, and methods of ministry. Pastors, church leaders, seminary professors, and students will find One Church, Four Generations a valuable resource in mapping out strategies for relevant church programming in the twenty-first century.

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