Generational Study Committee
Report & Recommendations
May 21, 2009
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In April of 2008, the Generational Study Committee (GSC) was commissioned to study the generational themes in our congregation, and the way those themes impact congregational life. The committee was under the authority of the Board of Administration, and with authorization from the Church Council. The GSC was charged with the following purposes:
* To learn about and explore the realities of generational cultures within congregations
* To examine the needs and desires of each generational culture in the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren, providing intentional opportunities for both personal and group sharing
* To identify the ways in which these generational cultures can enrich our congregational life and how we are currently taking advantage of the opportunities our generational diversity provides
* To identify the ways in which our generational differences become stumbling blocks to the fullness of our life together and to consider the ways in which we might build more effective bridges between generational cultures
* To discern how we as a church family might be more hospitable to all generational cultures in various aspects of our life together, i.e. fellowship, worship, business, study, service, etc.
The GSC was made up of the following guidelines: a relatively even-mix of males and females in each of four primary generational groupings, favoring active participants in the life of the congregations:
Millenials (born after 1980) [Jeff
Carr, Heather Driver, Josh Eye]
Generation X (born approx. 1966 – 1980) [Burton Metzler & Nikki May]
Boomers (born approx. 1945 - 1965) [Claire Martindale, Bill Miracle, Gladys Remnant]
Pre-Boomers (born before 1945) [Sam Flora]
The committee met on a number of occasions to discuss the task before us. We spent time in prayer, discussion, listening to individuals and groups, the creation of a congregational survey, and interpretation of survey results. This report reflects the findings of this committee and recommendations to further enhance the intergenerational relationships of the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren.
It is important to note, that during the process of the work of the GSC, the Pastor, Robert Alley, announced his retirement. The findings of this committee, while viewed in light of this news, were for the most part observed before this congregational change was announced. Given the nature of our work and the current congregational environment it is the hope of the GSC that findings will at least be used to inform the search for new pastoral leadership as critical self-identifying congregational insights.
2008-2009 Generational Study Committee
Generational Study Committee
Observations
The following observations are listed in no particular order and came as a result of conversations and GSC survey results. They summarize a great deal of information and strive to be as inclusive and accurate as possible.
* There is a breadth of generational cultures within our congregation. These cultures reflect more than life cycle delineations and are tied to understandings of the relationship between individuals and the church. For example: Boomers and Pre-boomers as a general rule feel a stronger allegiance to the institution, as where Generation X'rs and Pre-Millenials feel a stronger allegiance to the individual relationships formed in the congregation.
* It seems that there are less Generation X 'rs active in the congregation than other generations. Consequently, their children (current youth) are also less active. Those who are present seem to be engaged, however, many in theses groups are presently less active.
* All generational groups have assumptions about other generational groups that may or may not be accurate.
* Certain congregational life issues are not generational in nature, and are perhaps linked more closely to personal preference. For example: congregants across the generations find the distribution of communion most meaningful when seated in the pew or when walking to a station to receive. These differences are not generational in nature.
* Contradictions seem to arise in each group related to desiring more programming, and yet a lack of willingness to be involved.
* The GSC observed a clear desire for more Bible Study opportunities
* Small groups (which the GSC identified as Sunday School classes, women 's circles, men's groups, choirs, etc.) and individual relationships are the primary means by which persons feel connected to the church.
* Worship on Sunday mornings is not the primary function that defines church; it is the significance of relationships.
* For some worship is articulated as an obstacle, for others it is what keeps them coming back.
* A need for more clear, varied, and open communication at all levels of the congregational make-up. Printed words in a newsletter are not always the most effective means for relaying information. And persons are not always clear about channels of communication either.
* A desire for more blended and varied involvement in worship, both in leadership and content.
* A desire for opportunities to interact in intergenerational settings as the body of faith.
Generational Study Committee
Recommendations
The recommendations of the GSC came as a results of reviewing the observations.
* Review and change staff titles to reflect a more generational integrated congregation than the current titles which separate generations.
For example: Lead Pastor
Associate Pastor
Associate Pastor of Visitation & Pastoral Care
Director of Christian Education
Director of Music Ministries
* Invite the Gifts Discernment Committee to be intentionally aware of generational diversity in committee make-up when calling members to committees.
For example: Have at least 1 representative from each generational group on committees such as Worship and Music, Ministerial Services, Christian Education, and Fellowship & Recreation
* Invite and encourage all congregational groups to be intentionally aware of the generational diversity in our congregation, inviting and encouraging cross generational activity.
* Integrate a variety of worship leadership in worship services. Utilize more lay leadership.
* Integrate and blend contents of worship to reflect the generational diversity of our congregation. THIS DOES NOT mean establishing a contemporary and/or traditional service, it might mean singing a hymn that is more traditional and common and a hymn that comes from current worship styles. Continue to involve puppets, other creative forms and expressions of worship, like dance, drama, vocal and instrumental ensembles. And tap into the rich gifts of members at large as a part of the worship experience.
* Integrate varied forms of communication beyond print.
For example: Electronic means of communication
Spoken announcements
Intentional sharing of events and concerns in the life of the community
A designated, clear, accessible location for communication to be posted
* Evaluate effectiveness of current use of nametags.
* Provide opportunities for intergenerational gatherings and encourage mixing it up!
Live, Worship, and Serve embracing the diversity that God creates in relationship with one another!