From the Inside Flap
Baby boomers—arguably the largest segment of the population—are entering their retirement years at an unprecedented rate. With more discretionary time and increased longevity, this group is searching for a way to make a meaningful impact with their lives.
Baby Boomers and Beyond explores the opportunities and challenges that the older adult population presents for the Christian community. Author Amy Hanson dares church leaders to let go of stereotypes about aging and embrace a new paradigm, that older adults are for the most part active, healthy, and capable of making significant contributions for the Kingdom of God.
Hanson offers a realistic view of the boomers and reveals what matters most to this age group: staying young, juggling multiple relationships, and redefining retirement. By tapping into their needs, pastors can engage this burgeoning group and unleash the power of the boomer generation to enhance and strengthen the mission of the church.
The book digs into the questions that arise when working with this growing population. How do we let go of "one-size-fits-all" ministry? What spiritual growth can we encourage? How do we meld multiple generations? And, most important, how do we harness the potential of this new generation? These are important considerations for those who want to be serious about ministering with aging boomers.
Baby Boomers and Beyond contains numerous illustrative examples from churches and baby boomers across the country and offers church leaders best practices to put in motion.
From the Back Cover
Praise for Baby Boomers and Beyond
"Amy Hanson does a brilliant job of reminding us that the most powerful and under-utilized source of Kingdom impact is the fifty-plus generation. I have seen firsthand how the mission of Jesus offers them more fulfillment than retirement, golf, or the next sight-seeing trip ever could." Dave Ferguson, lead pastor, COMMUNITY / Movement Leader, NewThing
"If you are fifty, or thinking about turning fifty; if you are concerned for the church and long for generations to be unleashed in ministry and community, then this book is the resource you have been looking for." John Ortberg, senior pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
"In this powerful and impassioned book, Amy Hanson urges the church to better serve boomers so boomers can better serve others. It's simple and ingenious, revolutionary and reasonable, lofty and practical." Marc Freedman, author, Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life, and CEO, Civic Ventures
"Well-written, practical, and full of insight based on current research, Baby Boomers and Beyond opens our eyes and hearts to new ways to embrace older adults, for the benefit of the whole church and to the glory of God."Dr. Sue Edwards, assistant professor of Christian education, Dallas Theological Seminary, and author of four books on church leadership and the Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series
"Amy Hanson reminds us of the work still to be done making disciples of an older generation. I encourage you to find ways to lead boomers into a dynamic walk with Christ and engage them in the mission of God's Kingdom." Ed Stetzer, president of LifeWay Research, www.edstetzer.com
"The insights and strategies for ministry with boomers and older adults as detailed in this book are a must read for all church leaders seeking to be faithful to God and who want to be engaged in Kingdom building."Rev. Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., director, Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries, The United Methodist Church, and author, Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century
