One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church [Paperback]

Gary L. McIntosh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002

Helps you understand the differences between the four generations found in modern churches and gives practical suggestions for effective ministry to each generation. "A concise, readable, and practical introduction to the four generations that comprise our culture."-Dr. Bob Whitesel, senior editor, Strategies for Today's Leader magazine

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Church leaders of the twenty-first century, perhaps more than at any time in history, must reach out to a variety of groups within the church. How can worship services be modified to attract young people without driving the older members away? Is it possible for a church to have an intergenerational ministry? How can churches keep the youngest members involved?

One Church, Four Generations gives thoughtful insight into the four generations found in churches today, exploring the qualities, values, and interests of each group in relation to the historical events and social trends that have shaped them. You'll find practical suggestions for types of ministry and worship styles that will draw each generation-from the oldest generation of Builders to the youngest crowd of Bridgers. Helpful tables offer summaries of generational characteristics, common needs and concerns, and ways to reach the unchurched.

"One Church, Four Generations is at once an encyclopedia, history, and cat scan of ourselves and those around us-all in an exciting, readable, practical form. What a great resource to understand your parents, kids, yourself, and, most of all, your church!" Dr. Kent Hunter, The Church Doctor, Corrunna, Indiana

"This is essential reading. The emerging generation is particularly challenging to comprehend and to effectively engage. McIntosh provides insightful clues for discipling them." Dr. Daniel Reeves, president, Reeves Strategic Consultation

"I can think of no better introduction to generational differences than Gary McIntosh's helpful primer!" Dr. Bob Whitesel, senior editor of strategies, Today's Leader magazine


This book is an updated and expanded version of Three Generations: Riding the Waves of Change in Your Church

About the Author

Gary McIntosh is professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of Theology in California. As president of the McIntosh Church Growth Network, a church consulting firm, he has worked with more than 500 churches in 53 denominations. He is the author of several books, including Look Back, Leap Forward.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books; Reprinted edition (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801091373
• ISBN-13: 978-0801091377
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gary L. McIntosh is professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and president of the Church Growth Network. He has consulted with church leaders in more than five hundred churches from fifty-five denominations. He is editor of the Church Growth Network newsletter and the Journal of American Church Growth. He has written or co-authored more than fifteen books and manuals.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Generations (http://justinfarley.blogspot.com/2009/06/generations.html), September 11, 2009

By 

Justin Farley "Justin Farley" (Monroe, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church (Paperback)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for Churches Undergoing Change or Transition, November 16, 2006

By 

Ronald Elkins (Houston, Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church (Paperback)

I led a discussion group where this book was the primary source, but not the only source, for understanding the viewpoints held by the generational groupings within our church. It was a great asset to everyone and aided us developing more unity within our ministries.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book, December 14, 2007

By 

J. Kovach (Mount Laurel, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: One Church, Four Generations: Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church (Paperback)

It really helps you to think about the generational differences in churches across America. This is crucial for us all to know, mostly because the church of the future has a lot to learn before taking over. We all think differently in the church and it is helpful to point out and stay aware of such issues. I highly recommend this book.