Faith Formation with Baby Boomers
In 2011 the first members of the Baby Boomer Generation turn sixty-five years old. America is in the midst of a demographic revolution, but this revolution is about much more than longevity. It’s about the changing perspective of the Baby Boomers as they reach what was traditionally viewed as a time to enjoy the golden years. We are witnessing the emergence of a new stage of life between adult midlife – typically focused on career and child-rearing – and old age, traditionally marked by increasing frailty and decline. This new stage of life spans several decades and is characterized by generally good health, relative financial stability, and an active, engaged lifestyle.
Are congregations ready to address the religious and spiritual needs of Baby Boomers and engage them in meaningful involvements in the church and world? The following resources are provided to assist your congregation in developing faith formation with Baby Boomers.
For strategies and ideas for "Faith Formation with Baby Boomers" read the section from Chapter 4 of Faith Formation 2020, pages 164-167.
Are congregations ready to address the religious and spiritual needs of Baby Boomers and engage them in meaningful involvements in the church and world? The following resources are provided to assist your congregation in developing faith formation with Baby Boomers.
For strategies and ideas for "Faith Formation with Baby Boomers" read the section from Chapter 4 of Faith Formation 2020, pages 164-167.
Design Tools
The following articles provide examples and tools for developing faith formation with Baby Boomers. The first article,
"Developing Faith Formation for the Baby Boom Generation," offers insights on approaching faith formation with Baby Boomers from experts in the field, and a planning guide for developing faith formation with Baby Boomers.
| developing_faith_formation_for_the_baby_boom_generation.pdf |
Practices & Approaches
| responding_to_the_age_wave.pdf |
| creating_new_opportunities_for_older_adults_to_serve.pdf |
| breaking_down_the_age_barriers.pdf |
Resources
- Hanson, Amy. Baby Boomers and Beyond: Tapping the Ministry Talents and Passions of Adults Over Fifty. San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 2010.
- McIntosh, Gary. “Trends and Challenges for Ministry among North America’s Largest Generation.” Christian Education Journal, Series 3, 5/2. (http://apps.biola.edu/cej/volumes/5)
- Pettegrew, Hal. “Perspectives on the Spiritual Development of ‘Aging’ Boomers.” Christian Education Journal, Series 3, 5/2. (http://apps.biola.edu/cej/volumes/5)
- Vogel, Linda. “Creating Learning Environments for Mature Adults that Foster Creating and Faith Formation.” Christian Education Journal, Series 3, 5/2. (http://apps.biola.edu/cej/volumes/5)
Websites
Any Hanson (Baby Boomers and Beyond): http://amyhanson.org
Christian Association Serving Adult Ministries Network: http://gocasa.org
Civic Ventures: www.civicventures.org
Encore Generation at Leadership Network: www.leadnet.org
Encore Careers: www.encore.org
Faith Formation Learning Exchange: www.faithformationlearningexchange.net/feature-baby-boomers.html
Older Adult Ministries (United Methodist Church): www.gbod.org/site/c.nhLRJ2PMKsG/b.3784737/k.7977/Older_Adult_Ministries.htm
