The Multiplex Congregation: Understanding the four audiences you face
By Michael Sack
GENERATION X
Who They Are
16 to 25 years old
“Feed me” generation
Low self-esteem
Retreat from world into small groups
What They Need
Unconditional acceptance
Very short list of what’s really important
Written reinforcement of key concepts (e.g., a spiritual notebook).
BUSTERS
Who They Are
25 to 35 years old
“Why me?” generation
Don’t like crowds or mingling with other generations
Skeptical of guarantees
What They Need
Relationships
To create a better world
To talk things over with peers
BOOMERS
Who They Are
35 to 50 years old
“Entertain me and earn me” generation
Faddish, intellectually lazy
Looking for spiritual definition
What They Need
Talk about meaning, self-definition, and worth
New church models
Media
OLDER ADULTS
Who They Are
50 and up
“Need me and show me” generation
Possess skills and money
Want to do something worthwhile
What They Need
In preaching, positive examples of older adults
Appreciation
Copyright (c) 1995 Christianity Today, Inc./LEADERSHIP Journal
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