Effective Generational Ministry: Biblical and Practical Insights for Transforming Church Communities
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Understanding generational differences is a key to effective ministry in a multigenerational church. Too many churches and parachurch organizations know too little about the similarities and differences among the three largest generations that make up the American populace today, and the church often suffers because of it. Effective Generational Ministry offers students and practitioners cutting-edge research and biblical analysis of Boomers (1946-1964), GenXers (1965-1981), and Millennials (1982-2001) so churches can minister more effectively within and across generational lines. The authors, one an expert on generational differences and the other a respected New Testament scholar, represent different generations and areas of expertise. Effective Generational Ministry explores key characteristics of each generation based on empirical research, provides biblical-theological analysis of generational attributes, and offers specific suggestions for ministry with and for each generation. The book also provides proven examples of intergenerational ministry.
For more clear teaching, see the Baker’s Baker Academic Craig L. Blomberg Collection (5 vols.).
Key Features
- Highly practical and relevant teaching for a modern setting
- Defines and explains generational difference
- Prescribes helps for pastors and teachers that connect
Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Boomers at Large
- 2. Boomers in Light of the Bible
- 3. Priorities for Ministry with Boomers
- 4. Generation X: The Lost Middle Child
- 5. Xers in Light of the Bible
- 6. Priorities for Ministry with Xers
- 7. Millennials: Apple of the Eye
- 8. Millennials in Light of the Bible
- 9. Priorities for Ministry with Millennials: Getting in the Game
- Conclusion
- Indexes
Top Highlights
“why second marriages dissolve at a much more rapid rate on average than first marriages.” (Page 36)
“these questions often reflect a desire to buy in to the ‘whys’ of such policies, procedures, and rules” (Pages 181–182)
“the decision maker, in charge, and ‘wild at heart’; and exercising special privileges.41” (Page 40)
“and it can reward longevity over genuine ability and skill” (Page 15)
“For a generation of people that ties their worth and identity to what they do, Boomers who hold positions in full-time ministry have their identity all the more wrapped up in their work. On the flip side, those who pursue careers in fields such as accounting or carpentry are often left to feel as if their career is somehow less holy or sacred. This falsehood, on both sides of the fence, amplifies Boomers’ struggles with retirement and their sense of self-worth. It also complicates their feelings toward the church, as vocational ministry has become intricately interwoven with personal worth.” (Page 24)
Praise for the Print Edition
In a culture marked by generational challenges and conflicts, Christian leaders need solid resources to help them navigate a complex and ever-changing terrain. Effective Generational Ministry equips ministers to effectively know, love, and serve the entire body of Christ. Combining biblical and social science insights with clear ministry applications, the authors offer a well-defined pathway for shepherding, teaching, mentoring, and discipleship in the twenty-first century.
—David Setran, professor of Christian formation and ministry, Wheaton College
Effective Generational Ministry is a well-written and helpful book with both practical and biblical guidelines for ministering well to Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials. I highly recommend it!
—Siang-Yang Tan, professor of psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary; author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective
I am especially drawn to places where grounded research that helps students understand culture interacts with insightful biblical teaching and theological reflection. It’s encouraging to find a text that aims at just such integration. Sbanotto’s capacity to ask questions in her research that make generational studies suddenly relevant for anyone involved in ministry is a rare and welcome gift. To have this coupled with the careful critique and seasoned insight of Blomberg’s long years of biblical study creates a text that is every bit as formational as informational. Adopt this as a text and you can count on many lively conversations! Effective Generational Ministry delivers!
—Chris Kiesling, professor of human development and Christian discipleship, Asbury Theological Seminary
In Effective Generational Ministry, Sbanotto and Blomberg travel the worlds of sociology, anthropology, theology, biblical studies, and ecclesiology on behalf of the church to help congregations navigate differences across Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials. Their book is fresh, well researched, and encouraging. It reveals the wonderful array of differences among these three generational cohorts and how to meet their specific needs in the church. This book will keep church leaders well prepared to engage in effective ministry for generations to come.
—Matthew D. Kim, assistant professor of preaching and ministry, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
- Title: Effective Generational Ministry: Biblical and Practical Insights for Transforming Church Communities
- Authors: Elisabeth A. Nesbit Sbanotto, Craig Blomberg
- Publisher: Baker Academic
- Print Publication Date: 2016
- Logos Release Date: 2017
- Pages: 304
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Church work; Intergenerational relations › Religious aspects--Christianity
- ISBNs: 9781493400317, 9780801049484, 1493400312, 0801049482
- Resource ID: LLS:FFCTVGNRTMNSTRY
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-02-07T17:32:36Z
About the Authors
Elisabeth A. Nesbit Sbanotto is assistant professor of counseling at Denver Seminary and the author of Generational Affiliation as a Component of Culture. She is a registered psychotherapist and maintains a private counseling practice in Littleton, Colorado.
Craig L. Blomberg is distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary, where he has taught for more than twenty-five years. He is the author or editor of numerous books, including Making Sense of the New Testament: Three Crucial Questions, Interpreting the Parables, Jesus and the Gospels: An Introduction and Survey, 2nd ed., Westminster Bible Companion: Psalms, The New American Commentary: Matthew, Two Views on Women in Ministry, and A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis.