Generational Perspectives: Ministering to Builders, Boomers, Busters and Builders

Generational Perspectives:
Ministering to Builders, Boomers,
Busters and Bridges

A Research Paper

Submitted to:
Johnson C. Mones, Ph.D
Professor

Submitted By:
Gladys Joy M. Peneyra
MaEd Social Studies
Generational Perspectives: Ministering to Builders, Boomers, Busters and Builders

Generational Perspective Ministering to Builders,

Boomers, Busters and Bridges

Introduction
First, we will define what is the meaning of generation. In the bible we will see the
concept of generation in the story of Adam when God created a man. He created a man in his
image and likeness which we will found in Genesis 5:1. In a broader perspective, a generation is
a specific period of time and its significant events making up the life span of a group of people.
Another biblical description of generation can be seen in more indefinite time span, referring to
an individual time span or to a group of people living at a particular time. An example of these
would be seen in Deuteronomy 1:34-36 where Moses speaks to the people who have left Egypt
and are journeying to the Promise Land. Generation can be best defined as a group of people
born within a span of about twenty-two years (about the length of time from mother’s birth until
she also gives birth).
In generational terms it provides different approaches which are follows: Developmental
approaches which provides understanding of the various stages of a person’s life span;
Sociological perspectives provides understanding of the various social groups to which people
may belong; Psychological perspective provides understanding of the various personality and
attitudinal categories of people. Generational perspectives provide a picture of the “why” behind
the actions, values, and beliefs of segments of society.
Builders, Boomers, Busters and Bridges have different generational perspective. We will
discuss each generation and a strategy in ministering each generational category.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to understand the generational perspective to Ministering Builders,

Boomers, Buster and Bridges.

Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the generational perspectives to Ministering Builders, Boomers, Busters and
Bridges?
2. How their perspectives differ from each other?

Review of Related Literature

The Builder Generation, this generation born during the first quarter of the twentieth
century. Born between 1900 and 1925, this generation is sometimes referred to as the G.I
generation because they were alive during World War II. This generation also experienced the
Great Depression in America. The size of this group is approximately thirty-seven million
people.
The Boomer Generation born immediately following World War II. The population of
this generation is approximately seventy-six million. Boomers growing up during countercultural
and antiauthoritarian days of the 1960’s, they developed self-centered and independent spirit.
Generational Perspectives: Ministering to Builders, Boomers, Busters and Builders

They contributed to New Age Spiritualism and self-help movements. The Buster Generation,
following the Boomers generation was Buster generation during year 1961-1981. It was
approximately forty-four million Busters. Busters have been called by several name including
Generation X, The Thirteen Generation and pace Setters.
The Bridger Generation (due to the fact that they bridge into the 21st century); more
commonly called the Millennial Generation or Gen Y. Bridger generation are those born on the
twentieth century (1982-2000). This generation reflects the value of Builders generation. This
generation parallels to attributes associated with their grandparents and great-grand parents.
Strauss and Howe indicate the birth years from 1982-2000, with a total population approximately
76 million.

Discussion
Builders, Boomers, Busters and Bridger’s have different generational perspective, each
generation has unique and have their own characteristics. When it comes to Builders generational
perspectives, this generation exhibits a strong community spirit, and family unit is very
important to them. They tend to be organized, well disciplined, highly structured, left brained,
friendly and optimistic. They are achievers, leading the world in number of recipients of Nobel
Prizes, landing man on the moon and creating the America Dream. The Builders provide a stable
model for marriage. Exhibiting a can-do spirit, they have been the most mission-minded
generation in the twentieth century. These characteristics provide models for younger
generations that have lacked such patterns in both home and church families. Builders generation
recognize the value of lecture, memorization and drill as learning tools. This generation is made
up of rational pragmatists who rely on reason rather than sense perceptions as their major source
of information. They are not known as being “touchy feely “in the classroom or in life. Builders
ministry provide group activities, Sunday school, Missions projects, In-depth Bible study, focus
on grand-parenting Offer pastoral care Challenge to pass on leadership
Boomers ministry highlight purpose and vision Celebrative worship Stress quality Offer
multiple options Use small groups Expand roles of women Short-term missions’ involvement.
Boomers generations are characterized as idealistic disillusioned by civil, state and federal
corruption, they were going to secure world peace, purge the world of poverty and pollution.
Boomers generation has also high spiritual sensitivity and desire for spiritual awakening, they
concentrated on cultural and moral issues. Growing up as indulge youth, this generation
fragmented into narcissistic young adults and moralistic midlifers, They triggered cultural
creativity and challenged existing values. Boomers also possess a strong work ethic and find
satisfaction in their careers. They work long hours and are willing to sacrifice family for their
professional advancement. Boomers generation emphasized individuality, thus leading to
problem in reaching consensus and mobilizing the masses. Boomers generation contributed to
the highest divorce rate. As the result, families are fragmented and the result has been an entirely
new definition of what constitutes to family. Boomers enjoy a visual approach to learning having
grown up in the world of television. They are motivated in learning techniques, they are visual,
creative and appealing to the eye.
Buster Define vision Contemporary worship Answer questions Focus on local issues
Dialogue Small group focus Develop need-based ministries. Busters generation are reactive, they
are recessive, growing up as under protected, they are also risk taking, alienated people. They
will mellow into pragmatic; member of this generation cherish individualism and have declining
new institutions. Busters generation have realistic views of life, with streetwise, they have
practical approach to problem. They value personal relationship with family and friends. Busters
generation are survivors having demonstrated courage. Many Busters are skeptical and cynical.
They have grown up emotionally weakened and stressed out, with low self-esteem and cautious
attitude about life. Busters generation have a low level of economic security, they are also
ravenous consumers, especially of technological gadgets. They raised in a technologically rich
environment, they tend to have a short attention spans and preference for eye-catching, fast
moving forms of information and entertainment. Many in Busters generation are pleasures-
seekers and passive learners. Busters relate best to experiences and stories. They may prefer
learning to come from real-life biblical stories and characters rather than abstract theological
Generational Perspectives: Ministering to Builders, Boomers, Busters and Builders

principles. They are biblically illiterate compared to previous generation. They are more
responsive to apologetic than a comparative religion approach. Leader must be transparent,
vulnerable and real. Some Busters may treat the Bible study leader as parent, desiring personal
attention, love, and directions in life decisions. They attend Bible studies and small groups in
order to find practical and relevant answers to real-life experiences. They are most interested in
action-oriented ministry. Busters generation is racially diverse, quite accepting and comfortable
in experiences with multicultural groups.
Bridger’s ministry High tech/high touch Optimistic and positive Interactive, “Savvy
shoppers” so eliminates lick appeals Challenge them with grand causes Concerned globally
Ministry teams Build unity in diversity, Volunteerism high Create lifestyle settings Share
compelling stories Accept them into your community Practice intrigue Become part of their
headset Use online games and contests Use the radio Hang out 24/7Become their mentors Build
on adrenaline Be honest and open Engage their sense’. Bridger generation or Millennials
generation are growing up in an increasingly multiracial and multicultural world. This generation
eager to learn about religion, their interest includes any expression of higher power Islam, for
example, is one of the fastest growing influences among this generation. Millennials take
consumerism for granted. They are into shopping on the internet, where comparisons are quick
and easy to make. They want to test and experiment with their purchase before making them.
They are a cyber-suckled community that has grown up in the internet. They’ve had virtually
everything handed to them, so they value little. Millennials or bridges also need to have a clear
boundary. They have high expectations about life, they are culturally sensitive. They’re looking
for a faith that is rooted in doctrine. They want to discover answers for themselves rather than
being told what to believe. They do not want to be taught that truth exists and that challenging
other people’s viewpoints is okay. In their desire to accept others and their beliefs, this group
often overlook the truth of God’s written word. They see spiritual growth as a multi-layered
pilgrimage for one’s entire life rather than a single event or moment in time. Discipling this
generation is not about debate, proposition and linear thought; it is about connection, holism and
dialogue. Churches must help these individuals understand that believing in Christ involves
following Christ in all areas of life. Technology must be seen as a ministry tool. Computers and
cell phones are necessities to this generation and they expect churches to be using that
technology.

Conclusion
In conclusion Builders, Boomer, Buster and Bridger’s generation has unique and has its own way
and characteristics. They have differed from each other because they belong to different
generation. However, when it comes to the ministry perspectives, they have similarities or in
common. Ministry of these four generations has more on church and how people know about
God, they have different activities on how the people will grow in terms of their faith. Although
they have different way in worshipping God but they have a common goal to share gospel and to
know Jesus Christ. Builder like to nod in agreement with the truth already know. They love to
hear the old, old story over and over. Boomer and Buster usually prefer a message with life
application. Builder’s usually like a traditional message They have limitations but this limitation
will not be hinder to pursue the ministry on Builders, Boomer, Buster and Bridger’s.

Bibliography

William Strauss and Neil Howe, Generations (New York: William Morrow 1991)

William Strauss (December 5, 1947 – December 18, 2007) was an American author, playwright,
theater director, and lecturer. He is also known as the co-founder and director of the satirical
musical theater group the Capitol Steps, and as the co-founder of the Cappies, a critics and
awards program for high school theater students.
Generational Perspectives: Ministering to Builders, Boomers, Busters and Builders

Neil Howe (born October 21, 1951) is an American author and consultant. Howe is currently the
managing director of demography at Hedgeye and he is president of Saeculum Research and Life
Course Associates, consulting companies he founded with Strauss to apply Strauss–Howe
generational theory. He is also a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International
Studies' Global Aging Initiative, and a senior advisor to the Concord Coalition

Thom S. Rainer, The Bridger generation, (born July 16, 1955) is an American writer,
researcher, speaker, and former president and CEO of Life Way Christian Resources, an entity of
the Southern Baptist Convention[1] in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jeanine Bozeman is professor of social work at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Gary L Mcintosh is professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of

Theology, Biola University, where he teaches courses in the field of Pastoral Theology.