In Danny Meyer’s book on the “transforming hospitality of business”, Meyer uses an illustration of a light bulb with the goal to attract as many moths as possible:
“Now what if you learned that 49% of the reason moths were attracted to a bulb was for the quality of its light (brightness being the task of the bulb) and 51 percent of the attraction was to the warmth projected by the bulb (heat being connected with the feeling of the bulb).
It’s remarkable to me how many businesses shine brightly when it comes to acing the tasks but emanate all the warmth of a cool fluorescent light. That explains how a flawless four-star restaurant can actually attract fewer loyal fans than a two- and three-star place with soul.
In business, I want to be overcome with moths....." 1
As church leaders and members, we need to reflect on this illustration. We must be a scintillating string of one-hundred-watt light bulbs whose product is the sum of 51 percent feeling and 49 percent task.
If we do, we will realize that very often we focus so much on the tasks (brightness) that we are oftentimes simply "blinding" people who we should be attracting with "warmth" or the feeling that we engender in people in our encounters with them.
In the church, I want to be overcome with moths
1 Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business Danny Meyer: Harper Collins 2006
The Boomer Blogger
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business
At age twenty-seven, Danny Meyer, with a good idea and scant experience, opened what would become one of New York City's most revered restaurants-- Union Square Cafe.
Little more than twenty years later, Danny is the CEO of one of the world's most dynamic restaurant organizations, which includes eleven unique dining establishments, each at the top of its game. How has he done it? How has he consistently beaten the odds and set the competitive bar in one of the toughest trades around?
In his book(Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business), he shares the lessons he's learned while developing the winning recipe for doing the business he calls "enlightened hospitality."
This innovative philosophy emphasizes putting the power of hospitality to work in a new and counterintuitive way: The first and most important application of hospitality is to the people who work for you, and then, in descending order of priority, to the guests, the community, the suppliers, and the investors. This way of prioritizing stands the more traditional business models on their heads, but Danny considers it the foundation of every success that he and his restaurants have achieved.
Some of his other insights:
Hospitality is present when something happens "for" you. It is absent when something happens "to" you. These two simple concepts-- "for" and "to"-- express it all.
Context, context, context, trumps the outdated location, location, location.
Shared ownership develops when guests talk about a restaurant as if it's "theirs," That sense of affiliation builds trust and invariably leads to repeat business.
Err on the side of generosity: You get more by first giving more.
Wherever your center lies, know it, name it, believe in it. When you cede your core values to someone else, it's time to quit.
Little more than twenty years later, Danny is the CEO of one of the world's most dynamic restaurant organizations, which includes eleven unique dining establishments, each at the top of its game. How has he done it? How has he consistently beaten the odds and set the competitive bar in one of the toughest trades around?
In his book(Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business), he shares the lessons he's learned while developing the winning recipe for doing the business he calls "enlightened hospitality."
This innovative philosophy emphasizes putting the power of hospitality to work in a new and counterintuitive way: The first and most important application of hospitality is to the people who work for you, and then, in descending order of priority, to the guests, the community, the suppliers, and the investors. This way of prioritizing stands the more traditional business models on their heads, but Danny considers it the foundation of every success that he and his restaurants have achieved.
Some of his other insights:
Hospitality is present when something happens "for" you. It is absent when something happens "to" you. These two simple concepts-- "for" and "to"-- express it all.
Context, context, context, trumps the outdated location, location, location.
Shared ownership develops when guests talk about a restaurant as if it's "theirs," That sense of affiliation builds trust and invariably leads to repeat business.
Err on the side of generosity: You get more by first giving more.
Wherever your center lies, know it, name it, believe in it. When you cede your core values to someone else, it's time to quit.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
English 101 : Pay Attention To The Prepositions
“Hospitality is present when something happens for you. It is absent when something happens to you. These two simple concepts—for and to--express it all.” 1
I have been thinking about this one a lot lately: How much of church life is experienced by the average, ordinary person out there as “to” instead of “for” them? We do stuff “to” people all the time? We preach to them, we sing to them, we make announcements to them?
How much different would our ministry be received if everything we do was “for” ministry? A pastor friend of mine said something like this to me years ago, though I never thought of it as practicing “hospitality” at the time. He said, “We don’t preach “to” a people, we preach for them. We offer the word of God to give expression the work of the Spirit at work within a community of faith.”
In what ways can all that we do as Christians be experienced by people as our being “for” them, the way God gave his life “for” them? What would it mean for us to express our ministry in a way that makes everyone who comes in contact with us feel as if “these people are for me, they are on my side?”
1..Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business Danny Meyer: Harper Collins 2006
The Boomer Blogger
I have been thinking about this one a lot lately: How much of church life is experienced by the average, ordinary person out there as “to” instead of “for” them? We do stuff “to” people all the time? We preach to them, we sing to them, we make announcements to them?
How much different would our ministry be received if everything we do was “for” ministry? A pastor friend of mine said something like this to me years ago, though I never thought of it as practicing “hospitality” at the time. He said, “We don’t preach “to” a people, we preach for them. We offer the word of God to give expression the work of the Spirit at work within a community of faith.”
In what ways can all that we do as Christians be experienced by people as our being “for” them, the way God gave his life “for” them? What would it mean for us to express our ministry in a way that makes everyone who comes in contact with us feel as if “these people are for me, they are on my side?”
1..Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business Danny Meyer: Harper Collins 2006
The Boomer Blogger
New Testament Hospitality : Part 3
In the New Testament, three apostles write repeatedly about the importance of hospitality (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2; 1 Pet 4:9; 3 John 1:5; 1 Tim 2:3; Tit 1:8). But it is Jesus who lifts the importance of hospitality to a divine level.
“Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in…Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”
(Matthew 25:34-36, 40)
These principles of Christian hospitality have been practiced since the time of Abraham, but in the modern age the church abandoned the traditional language of loving strangers in favor of a new dialect. We called it “seeker sensitivity.” The seeker church movement has taken the Abrahamic idea of hospitality (host first, ask questions later) and reversed it.
Now, thanks to the influence of business practices and marketing, the church tries to discover everything possible about its target guests and then hosts according to their predetermined expectations. The result has been a radical shift in the way Christians worship and express their devotion to Christ and a dehumanizing of Christian hospitality.
“Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in…Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”
(Matthew 25:34-36, 40)
These principles of Christian hospitality have been practiced since the time of Abraham, but in the modern age the church abandoned the traditional language of loving strangers in favor of a new dialect. We called it “seeker sensitivity.” The seeker church movement has taken the Abrahamic idea of hospitality (host first, ask questions later) and reversed it.
Now, thanks to the influence of business practices and marketing, the church tries to discover everything possible about its target guests and then hosts according to their predetermined expectations. The result has been a radical shift in the way Christians worship and express their devotion to Christ and a dehumanizing of Christian hospitality.
Old Testament Hospitality : Part 2
In Genesis 18, Abraham went out to greet three strangers. He took this idea of hospitality a step further. When the visitor is an ordinary person of equal rank, the host merely rises. But Abraham welcomes the strangers by bowing low to the ground and he offers himself as their “servant” even though he was a very wealthy man with servants of his own.
Abraham asks no questions. He expects no payment. He places no conditions upon his hospitality. He merely welcomes these total strangers as honored guests worthy of his very best food, effort, and attention. Only later, after the strangers have eaten and rested, does Abraham engage in conversation and discover their true divine identity.
Throughout the Scriptures we find that God is concerned with the treatment of strangers. He commands his people to act fairly toward strangers (Exodus 22:21), to provide food for them (Leviticus 19:10), and to love them as one of their own (Leviticus 19:34).
The Boomer Blogger
Abraham asks no questions. He expects no payment. He places no conditions upon his hospitality. He merely welcomes these total strangers as honored guests worthy of his very best food, effort, and attention. Only later, after the strangers have eaten and rested, does Abraham engage in conversation and discover their true divine identity.
Throughout the Scriptures we find that God is concerned with the treatment of strangers. He commands his people to act fairly toward strangers (Exodus 22:21), to provide food for them (Leviticus 19:10), and to love them as one of their own (Leviticus 19:34).
The Boomer Blogger
Monday, January 28, 2008
Market Analysis vs Scriptural Principles : Part 1
Market research has replaced the Scriptural call to love strangers. As a result, the responsibility to be hospitable is no longer felt by individual members of the church. Every aspect, including the music, sermon, and worship service, has been test-engineered to do the job instead.
Market analysis has also shown that (many, some, few) people prefer to visit a church anonymously. Since such analysis cannot be wrong. seeker-driven churches have often avoided identifying newcomers. Jesus may be among us in the form of a stranger, but we would never know it unless he filled out a response card.
This radical hospitality means a return to the Abrahamic principle of “host first, ask questions later.” Rather than trying to determine our target audience’s desires in advance, we should welcome strangers indiscriminately into our midst and honor them by authentically revealing who we are.
As St. Chrysostom, the 4th century pastor, said, “Hospitality is not manifested in the richness of our fare, but in the generosity of our attitude.”
The Boomer Blogger
Market analysis has also shown that (many, some, few) people prefer to visit a church anonymously. Since such analysis cannot be wrong. seeker-driven churches have often avoided identifying newcomers. Jesus may be among us in the form of a stranger, but we would never know it unless he filled out a response card.
This radical hospitality means a return to the Abrahamic principle of “host first, ask questions later.” Rather than trying to determine our target audience’s desires in advance, we should welcome strangers indiscriminately into our midst and honor them by authentically revealing who we are.
As St. Chrysostom, the 4th century pastor, said, “Hospitality is not manifested in the richness of our fare, but in the generosity of our attitude.”
The Boomer Blogger
New Language before New Paradigm
If we are going to be able to capture the attention of the 555,000 boomers (374,000 who are unchurched or church alumni) who are about to retire in the greater Cincinnati area, those of us who are active members must learn a new language.
There are no CDs or DVDs needed to learn this language. This language we must learn is the language of hospitality. Learning this language will allow us to love the unknown people in our area and, by the way, will cause you to love the unknown people in your area also.
In Biblical times, travelers in the desert areas of the Middle East depended on the hospitality of strangers for survival.
There are two rules to learning the language of hospitality:
1. Host first
2. Then ask questions.
Exercising this new language is not dependent on the guest’s identity – only their need.
As an unknown pastor notes: A worshipping community which is radically hospitable to outsiders is appealing to a spiritually-minded generation who can readily spot “spin and marketing.”
The Boomer Blogger
There are no CDs or DVDs needed to learn this language. This language we must learn is the language of hospitality. Learning this language will allow us to love the unknown people in our area and, by the way, will cause you to love the unknown people in your area also.
In Biblical times, travelers in the desert areas of the Middle East depended on the hospitality of strangers for survival.
There are two rules to learning the language of hospitality:
1. Host first
2. Then ask questions.
Exercising this new language is not dependent on the guest’s identity – only their need.
As an unknown pastor notes: A worshipping community which is radically hospitable to outsiders is appealing to a spiritually-minded generation who can readily spot “spin and marketing.”
The Boomer Blogger
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Intergenerational Services
Storytelling has, for countless centuries, been the primary mode of sharing and passing down information about heritage, tradition, moral decision making, group norms, values and critical thinking.
More often then not, villages were constructed such that dwellings surrounded a central gathering spot. This spot attracted a great deal of commerce and trading as well as important resources such as water, food and company.
Stories were often told in such places on a regular basis. It was common to have various children, parents or elders come to the town center to trade, catch up on the news and listen to the stories.
Often the stories were designed to make the young and old alike think about their lives, consider how to summon goodness, live healthfully and find contentment in one’s life.
These are the very things that a religious community tries to do. Because we rarely have town centers anymore, it is our nature to be more intentional about creating and caring for the communities where we find this kind of company, information and stories. Thus, we’ve built churches.
The Boomer Blogger
More often then not, villages were constructed such that dwellings surrounded a central gathering spot. This spot attracted a great deal of commerce and trading as well as important resources such as water, food and company.
Stories were often told in such places on a regular basis. It was common to have various children, parents or elders come to the town center to trade, catch up on the news and listen to the stories.
Often the stories were designed to make the young and old alike think about their lives, consider how to summon goodness, live healthfully and find contentment in one’s life.
These are the very things that a religious community tries to do. Because we rarely have town centers anymore, it is our nature to be more intentional about creating and caring for the communities where we find this kind of company, information and stories. Thus, we’ve built churches.
The Boomer Blogger
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Boomer Expectations
What do baby boomers expect to see in a church?
Answer: high-quality preaching, good music and social groups, says Lyle E. Schaller, an Illinois religious consultant.
Baby boomers also expect big meeting rooms, a quality kitchen, child care, ample parking and clean rest rooms.
Focus on the Family, July, 1999, p. 11
The Boomer Blogger
Answer: high-quality preaching, good music and social groups, says Lyle E. Schaller, an Illinois religious consultant.
Baby boomers also expect big meeting rooms, a quality kitchen, child care, ample parking and clean rest rooms.
Focus on the Family, July, 1999, p. 11
The Boomer Blogger
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
New Role For Boomers
One of the themes that keeps reappearing in my research regarding the coming Boomer Wave is that Boomers want to matter. The work that they do in their middle-ageless years must make an impact that rewards them with a sense of meaning and fulfillment. The mission will be as important as money.
In rejecting the notion of retirement, Boomers are also refusing the role of “retiree”. Having thought of themselves as youthful for so long, they now find themselves psychologically unable to fill those shoes.
Boomers will not retire and, as Gary Sweeten says, they should “Re-fire”. Others use the term “retread”. Re-firing and re-treading are roles they are willing to play.
"Boomers want to stay mentally and physically active and remain connected to others. They believe it is ok to relax as long as doing so is taking a break – not dropping out.
Boomers want a role that preserves possibility, not one that necessitates closure. Not retiring but renewing, resurging and remaining on the scene." 1
****************************
1.Generation Ageless, J. Walker Smith and Ann Clurman, Harper Collins Publishing (2007)
The Boomer Blogger
In rejecting the notion of retirement, Boomers are also refusing the role of “retiree”. Having thought of themselves as youthful for so long, they now find themselves psychologically unable to fill those shoes.
Boomers will not retire and, as Gary Sweeten says, they should “Re-fire”. Others use the term “retread”. Re-firing and re-treading are roles they are willing to play.
"Boomers want to stay mentally and physically active and remain connected to others. They believe it is ok to relax as long as doing so is taking a break – not dropping out.
Boomers want a role that preserves possibility, not one that necessitates closure. Not retiring but renewing, resurging and remaining on the scene." 1
****************************
1.Generation Ageless, J. Walker Smith and Ann Clurman, Harper Collins Publishing (2007)
The Boomer Blogger
Blog Bibliography (to Date)
I would strongly encourage those who are interested in learning more about this demographic phenomenon called The Boomer Wave to read the following books and articles:
Books
Generation Ageless, J. Walker Smith and Ann Clurman, Harper Collins Publishing 2007
Made To Stick (Random House, 2007) Chip and Dan Heath
Ageless Marketing: Strategies for Reaching the Hearts & Minds of the New Customer Majority, David B. Wolfe, Robert E. Snyder, Dearborn Trade Publishing, a Kaplan Professional Company
Exit Interviews, William Hendricks, (Chicago: Moody, 1993), p. 260.
Halftime: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance by Bob Buford,
Unlimited Partnership by Lloyd Reeb and Bill Wellons
The Power Years: A User's Guide to the Rest Of Your Life (2005) by Ken Dychtwald and Daniel J. Kadlec
Practicing Greatness, Reggie McNeal, Jossey-Bass, 2006
Baby Boomerang: Catching the Boomer Generation As They Return to Church (1990) Doug Murren
The Boomer Century 1946-2046: How America's Most Influential Generation Changed Everything (2007) by Richard Croker
ARTICLES
Pew Research Center, "Baby Boomers Approach Age 60"
One of the most helpful websites I have found for those who want to retool the church's paradigm and develop "sticky" ideas is www.JoshHunt.com. He is a nationally known Christian coach and educator.
"The Case of the Missing Boomers," Ministry Currents, January - March 1992,
Aging Adults: Boomers, Builders, and Beyond, Enrichment Journal, Winter 2002
“Targeting the Mature Mind,” David Wolfe, American Demographics, March 1994, 32–36
Editorial: "Involved Seniors"/It's Time for Boomers to Plan July 5, 2004, Minnesota Star Tribune
Report on "Reinventing Aging: Baby Boomers and Civic Engagement,", MetLife/Harvard School for Public Health,2004
Me Generation' becomes 'We Generation,( USA Today 8/2/2006) by Daniel J. Kadlec,
How can your church reach baby boomers? Steve Mills,Executive Director of Church Ministries,Northwest District,The Assemblies of God,
Churches Neglect Older Folks; Potlucks Won't Do, Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter Fri, Jan. 12 2007
The Church In 2011: Catching The Age Wave, (Lifeway Biblical Solutions for Life, 7/10/06), by Thom S. Rainer
Books
Generation Ageless, J. Walker Smith and Ann Clurman, Harper Collins Publishing 2007
Made To Stick (Random House, 2007) Chip and Dan Heath
Ageless Marketing: Strategies for Reaching the Hearts & Minds of the New Customer Majority, David B. Wolfe, Robert E. Snyder, Dearborn Trade Publishing, a Kaplan Professional Company
Exit Interviews, William Hendricks, (Chicago: Moody, 1993), p. 260.
Halftime: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance by Bob Buford,
Unlimited Partnership by Lloyd Reeb and Bill Wellons
The Power Years: A User's Guide to the Rest Of Your Life (2005) by Ken Dychtwald and Daniel J. Kadlec
Practicing Greatness, Reggie McNeal, Jossey-Bass, 2006
Baby Boomerang: Catching the Boomer Generation As They Return to Church (1990) Doug Murren
The Boomer Century 1946-2046: How America's Most Influential Generation Changed Everything (2007) by Richard Croker
ARTICLES
Pew Research Center, "Baby Boomers Approach Age 60"
One of the most helpful websites I have found for those who want to retool the church's paradigm and develop "sticky" ideas is www.JoshHunt.com. He is a nationally known Christian coach and educator.
"The Case of the Missing Boomers," Ministry Currents, January - March 1992,
Aging Adults: Boomers, Builders, and Beyond, Enrichment Journal, Winter 2002
“Targeting the Mature Mind,” David Wolfe, American Demographics, March 1994, 32–36
Editorial: "Involved Seniors"/It's Time for Boomers to Plan July 5, 2004, Minnesota Star Tribune
Report on "Reinventing Aging: Baby Boomers and Civic Engagement,", MetLife/Harvard School for Public Health,2004
Me Generation' becomes 'We Generation,( USA Today 8/2/2006) by Daniel J. Kadlec,
How can your church reach baby boomers? Steve Mills,Executive Director of Church Ministries,Northwest District,The Assemblies of God,
Churches Neglect Older Folks; Potlucks Won't Do, Lillian Kwon, Christian Post Reporter Fri, Jan. 12 2007
The Church In 2011: Catching The Age Wave, (Lifeway Biblical Solutions for Life, 7/10/06), by Thom S. Rainer
Saturday, January 12, 2008
We Want To Know What You Think
The blogisphere is rampant with blogs that are politically partisan and very controversial. There are others that are bashing Christianity, our nation and the "outdated" values to which my generation subscribed.
The majority of those blogs have a great deal of activity as people who support that particular point of view engage in a dialogue. It seems that, if a blog is not controversial, there is little activity generated.
Dr. Gary Sweeten and I are interested in finding out if your church is:
1. re-tooling for the "Boomer Wave" that is coming our way, and
2. what your church is doing to take advantage of the experience and wisdom of the "Seasoned Believers" in your congregation.
It will take only a minute to leave us a comment to let us know.
Dr. Gary's blog can be found by using the link that is on the right side of this post.
Encourage your pastor and leadership to read our blogs and to enter in to a meaningful dialogue as to how we can deal with the 78 million Boomers on the horizon.
Hope to hear from you. Thanks.
The Boomer Blogger
The majority of those blogs have a great deal of activity as people who support that particular point of view engage in a dialogue. It seems that, if a blog is not controversial, there is little activity generated.
Dr. Gary Sweeten and I are interested in finding out if your church is:
1. re-tooling for the "Boomer Wave" that is coming our way, and
2. what your church is doing to take advantage of the experience and wisdom of the "Seasoned Believers" in your congregation.
It will take only a minute to leave us a comment to let us know.
Dr. Gary's blog can be found by using the link that is on the right side of this post.
Encourage your pastor and leadership to read our blogs and to enter in to a meaningful dialogue as to how we can deal with the 78 million Boomers on the horizon.
Hope to hear from you. Thanks.
The Boomer Blogger
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Developing A Boomer and Pioneer Ministry PT 3
5. Build your adult ministry on adult motivators.
Marketing researchers have identified reasons older adults buy or don’t buy certain products. Their discoveries are valuable to church leaders who seek to reach this same generation and encourage them to adopt a new lifestyle in the Christian faith and community. According to these studies, older adults are motivated by one of five values which form the foundation of their meaningful activity:1
• Autonomy. They desire to be or remain self-sufficient.
• Social and spiritual connectedness. They respond to people more than programs.
• Altruism. They desire to give something back to the world.
• Personal growth. They desire to continue developing as human beings.
• Revitalization. They respond to activities that bring fresh and new experiences.
Effective older adult ministries of the 21st century will be those that integrate these values and motivators into a creative variety of activities and experiences.
The age wave is swelling. The 60-plus age group is growing three times more rapidly than the population at large. For the first time in American history, there are now more citizens over 65 than under 18.
The age wave is rapidly approaching. Churches that are not prepared will be swamped by the sheer numbers, diversity, and impact of these older adults. If churches are prepared, they will get out their surfboards and catch the ride of a lifetime.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. For a more comprehensive discussion of these values, see the following article, David Wolfe, “Targeting the Mature Mind,” American Demographics, March 1994, 32–36
The Boomer Blogger
Marketing researchers have identified reasons older adults buy or don’t buy certain products. Their discoveries are valuable to church leaders who seek to reach this same generation and encourage them to adopt a new lifestyle in the Christian faith and community. According to these studies, older adults are motivated by one of five values which form the foundation of their meaningful activity:1
• Autonomy. They desire to be or remain self-sufficient.
• Social and spiritual connectedness. They respond to people more than programs.
• Altruism. They desire to give something back to the world.
• Personal growth. They desire to continue developing as human beings.
• Revitalization. They respond to activities that bring fresh and new experiences.
Effective older adult ministries of the 21st century will be those that integrate these values and motivators into a creative variety of activities and experiences.
The age wave is swelling. The 60-plus age group is growing three times more rapidly than the population at large. For the first time in American history, there are now more citizens over 65 than under 18.
The age wave is rapidly approaching. Churches that are not prepared will be swamped by the sheer numbers, diversity, and impact of these older adults. If churches are prepared, they will get out their surfboards and catch the ride of a lifetime.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. For a more comprehensive discussion of these values, see the following article, David Wolfe, “Targeting the Mature Mind,” American Demographics, March 1994, 32–36
The Boomer Blogger
Developing A Boomer and Pioneer Ministry PT 2
3. Begin with a “Seasoned Believers” ministry, not a senior adult group.
This distinction is important. If you have a senior adult group, you limit potential involvement to those individuals who see themselves as senior adults. Many other adults in your congregation and community will not identify with a senior adult group.
By contrast, if your paradigm is a “Seasoned Believers” ministry, all kinds of groups can develop, many of which would not even be identified as senior adult. A 300-member church could have 10 to 15 various Boomer/Pioneer groups responding to a variety of needs and touching the lives of many more people.
4. Develop a statement of purpose.
A clearly written purpose statement will be the guiding light for a successful older adult ministry. This purpose statement should be accepted by the members and be a yardstick to measure progress regularly. If a clear purpose statement is not established and used early in the ministry, the activities will become increasingly self-serving and self-centered.
Here is one purpose statement developed by an age-sensitive adult ministry. Use or adapt it if it describes the purpose you desire for your adult ministry. If not, create your own.
The adult ministry has as its purpose to communicate and share God’s love to those inside and outside the church family. The assumption behind the adult ministry, the groups, and activities is that they exist for the purpose of serving, not being served; of giving, not receiving.
(#5 in next blog)
The Bloomer Blogger
This distinction is important. If you have a senior adult group, you limit potential involvement to those individuals who see themselves as senior adults. Many other adults in your congregation and community will not identify with a senior adult group.
By contrast, if your paradigm is a “Seasoned Believers” ministry, all kinds of groups can develop, many of which would not even be identified as senior adult. A 300-member church could have 10 to 15 various Boomer/Pioneer groups responding to a variety of needs and touching the lives of many more people.
4. Develop a statement of purpose.
A clearly written purpose statement will be the guiding light for a successful older adult ministry. This purpose statement should be accepted by the members and be a yardstick to measure progress regularly. If a clear purpose statement is not established and used early in the ministry, the activities will become increasingly self-serving and self-centered.
Here is one purpose statement developed by an age-sensitive adult ministry. Use or adapt it if it describes the purpose you desire for your adult ministry. If not, create your own.
The adult ministry has as its purpose to communicate and share God’s love to those inside and outside the church family. The assumption behind the adult ministry, the groups, and activities is that they exist for the purpose of serving, not being served; of giving, not receiving.
(#5 in next blog)
The Bloomer Blogger
Developing A Boomer and Pioneer Ministry
Five principles important to developing a Boomer and Pioneer ministry are:1
1. Train “Seasoned Believers” Coordinators
Success of a “Seasoned Believers” ministry will be directly related to the quality of its coordinators. Coordinators with a genuine love for the group to whom they minister will be the most successful.
In research conducted with 500 churches that had a full- or part-time Boomer and Pioneer ministry staff member, only 20 percent of them had received some training in this area of ministry. They were far more effective—and their ministries were more likely to be growing—than were leaders who had received no training.
It was also found that semi-retired pastors had more positive results as Boomer and Pioneer ministry coordinators if they had awareness of the unique issues and opportunities of “Seasoned Believers” ministries.
2. Get the facts.
Abundant, accurate information properly interpreted and applied enables churches to be good stewards of God’s grace and effective communicators of the gospel of Christ.
What are the actual statistics in your church?
How many members over 50? 55? 60? 65?
What are the age groups in your community?
How many are homebound?
What percentage are male or female?
What are the needs and interests represented in your prospective constituency?
Effective programs and activities will be based on the findings of your research.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. David Wolfe, “Targeting the Mature Mind,” American Demographics, March 1994, 32–36
(3-4 continued in next post)
The Boomer Blogger
1. Train “Seasoned Believers” Coordinators
Success of a “Seasoned Believers” ministry will be directly related to the quality of its coordinators. Coordinators with a genuine love for the group to whom they minister will be the most successful.
In research conducted with 500 churches that had a full- or part-time Boomer and Pioneer ministry staff member, only 20 percent of them had received some training in this area of ministry. They were far more effective—and their ministries were more likely to be growing—than were leaders who had received no training.
It was also found that semi-retired pastors had more positive results as Boomer and Pioneer ministry coordinators if they had awareness of the unique issues and opportunities of “Seasoned Believers” ministries.
2. Get the facts.
Abundant, accurate information properly interpreted and applied enables churches to be good stewards of God’s grace and effective communicators of the gospel of Christ.
What are the actual statistics in your church?
How many members over 50? 55? 60? 65?
What are the age groups in your community?
How many are homebound?
What percentage are male or female?
What are the needs and interests represented in your prospective constituency?
Effective programs and activities will be based on the findings of your research.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. David Wolfe, “Targeting the Mature Mind,” American Demographics, March 1994, 32–36
(3-4 continued in next post)
The Boomer Blogger
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Status Quo Doesn't Bode Well For The Church
Why isn't the status quo good enough?
It means the old ways of conducting a "senior adult ministry" must be reevaluated. The term senior adult is becoming politically incorrect.
As the boomers inch toward the Pioneer age group(the first boomers turned 50 in 1996), the stigma attached to the word "senior" will make it a liability to effective ministry. When churches offer a "senior" adult program, at most, only 15 percent of church members who are qualified to attend actually attend.
Research shows that most people do not want to be lumped into the senior citizen category. Emerging strategies necessary for effective ministry to Boomers adults have many implications for evangelism and the programming and scheduling of church activities.
The church that is age sensitive will provide a variety of groups to appeal to the diversity of interests, needs, and activities for each age group.
The Boomer Blogger
It means the old ways of conducting a "senior adult ministry" must be reevaluated. The term senior adult is becoming politically incorrect.
As the boomers inch toward the Pioneer age group(the first boomers turned 50 in 1996), the stigma attached to the word "senior" will make it a liability to effective ministry. When churches offer a "senior" adult program, at most, only 15 percent of church members who are qualified to attend actually attend.
Research shows that most people do not want to be lumped into the senior citizen category. Emerging strategies necessary for effective ministry to Boomers adults have many implications for evangelism and the programming and scheduling of church activities.
The church that is age sensitive will provide a variety of groups to appeal to the diversity of interests, needs, and activities for each age group.
The Boomer Blogger
We Must Change Our Strategery (apologies to President Bush)
The graying of America provides an enormous opportunity for the church to find effective ways to respond to the challenge of its aging population. But without a major retooling of strategies and tactics, the church will be left behind. What can be done?
Realize that all seniors aren’t seniors. A new generational grouping has emerged in our society during the past generation. Their members are called Boomers and Pioneers and include those people between ages 50 and 70. They are, according to U.S. News & World Report, “a new generation, different not only in size but in vitality and outlook.”
Boomers and Pioneers are living healthier, more active, productive, longer lives. In reality, people of 50 or 65 can expect to live 15, 20, or 30 more years. It is, indeed, their middle years. In their own minds they are certainly not senior adults. We must realize that age makes a difference.
Post-Moderns (30 years old) are different from Boomers (60 years old)—not only in the hair on their heads but the mind inside. Most Boomers and Pioneers think differently from younger adults.
David Wolfe, a knowledgeable researcher and marketer, draws some fascinating contrasts between the Boomer/Pioneer groups and the Post-Moderns: 1
Boomers/Pioneers
• Declining influence by peers
• Declining materialistic values
• More subjective
• More introspective
• High sensitivity to context
• Perceptions in shades of gray
• More flexible
• More individualistic
• More discretionary behavior
• Less price sensitive
• Complex ways of determining values
• Whole-picture oriented
Post-Moderns (Young Adults)
• Heavily influenced by peers
• Highly materialistic values
• More objective
• More extro-spection
• Low sensitivity to context
• Perceptions in black and white
• More rigid
• More subordinated to others
• More predictable behavior
• More price sensitive
• Simple ways of determining values
• Detail oriented
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. Ageless Marketing: Strategies for Reaching the Hearts & Minds of the New Customer Majority, David B. Wolfe, Robert E. Snyder, Dearborn Trade Publishing, a Kaplan Professional Company
The Boomer Blogger
Realize that all seniors aren’t seniors. A new generational grouping has emerged in our society during the past generation. Their members are called Boomers and Pioneers and include those people between ages 50 and 70. They are, according to U.S. News & World Report, “a new generation, different not only in size but in vitality and outlook.”
Boomers and Pioneers are living healthier, more active, productive, longer lives. In reality, people of 50 or 65 can expect to live 15, 20, or 30 more years. It is, indeed, their middle years. In their own minds they are certainly not senior adults. We must realize that age makes a difference.
Post-Moderns (30 years old) are different from Boomers (60 years old)—not only in the hair on their heads but the mind inside. Most Boomers and Pioneers think differently from younger adults.
David Wolfe, a knowledgeable researcher and marketer, draws some fascinating contrasts between the Boomer/Pioneer groups and the Post-Moderns: 1
Boomers/Pioneers
• Declining influence by peers
• Declining materialistic values
• More subjective
• More introspective
• High sensitivity to context
• Perceptions in shades of gray
• More flexible
• More individualistic
• More discretionary behavior
• Less price sensitive
• Complex ways of determining values
• Whole-picture oriented
Post-Moderns (Young Adults)
• Heavily influenced by peers
• Highly materialistic values
• More objective
• More extro-spection
• Low sensitivity to context
• Perceptions in black and white
• More rigid
• More subordinated to others
• More predictable behavior
• More price sensitive
• Simple ways of determining values
• Detail oriented
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1. Ageless Marketing: Strategies for Reaching the Hearts & Minds of the New Customer Majority, David B. Wolfe, Robert E. Snyder, Dearborn Trade Publishing, a Kaplan Professional Company
The Boomer Blogger
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
How Can The Church Benefit From The Boomers Coming Back??
Isn’t it ironic that in the midst of decreasing resources, many churches don’t realize the hidden treasure inherent in the Pioneer (ages 61- 76) and the Boomer (ages 43 - 60) adult groups of the church?
What are some common church problems that can be solved by these groups if they were active in ministry?
Lack of dedicated workers. These adults, especially in the Pioneer group, average two to three times as many available hours for church-related activities as any other age group.
Financial shortfalls. According George Barna, Pioneer ("Seasoned Believers")** church members give seven times the amount of money than younger members give in the same church.
Members transferring or moving. These two adult groups change addresses an average of once every 12 years compared to the national average of once every 7 years.
Lack of long-term church membership. These two adult groups are loyal and committed to their churches.
Biblical illiteracy. Most of the members in the Pioneer and Boomer groups have a wealth of maturity and wisdom they can share with others.
**"Seasoned Believers" is a Trademark of Sweeten Life Systems
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
What are some common church problems that can be solved by these groups if they were active in ministry?
Lack of dedicated workers. These adults, especially in the Pioneer group, average two to three times as many available hours for church-related activities as any other age group.
Financial shortfalls. According George Barna, Pioneer ("Seasoned Believers")** church members give seven times the amount of money than younger members give in the same church.
Members transferring or moving. These two adult groups change addresses an average of once every 12 years compared to the national average of once every 7 years.
Lack of long-term church membership. These two adult groups are loyal and committed to their churches.
Biblical illiteracy. Most of the members in the Pioneer and Boomer groups have a wealth of maturity and wisdom they can share with others.
**"Seasoned Believers" is a Trademark of Sweeten Life Systems
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Is Your Church Boomer Sensitive?
Most churches in America are following a course that will miss one of the greatest social changes—and greatest opportunities—in American history: the coming Boomer wave.
Like beach residents who are unaware of the approaching tsunami, many congregations seem to assume the future of the church is its youth. Today and well into the 21st century the more accurate description is: The future belongs to the old.
Of course, as we have said previously, most churches have a token Boomer/Senior adult class, a monthly potluck, a monthly field trip to a nearby outlet mall and a Spring trip to Branson, Missouri. Such approaches, however, are woefully inadequate for the task of reaching and ministering to the rapidly growing community of persons over 50.
"Why are most churches so Boomer insensitive?
Possible reasons are:
Ageism. This discrimination diminishes and demeans age. Unfortunately, it is alive and well not only in our society but also in our churches.
Ignorance. A minuscule number of church leaders have been trained in the unique needs, opportunities, and outreach strategies required for persons over 50.
Irrelevance. Most older adult church groups are still operating on past assumptions. Boomer adults today are far different from their parents or grandparents." 1
1. (Aging Adults: Boomers, Builders, and Beyond, Enrichment Journal, Winter 2002)
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Like beach residents who are unaware of the approaching tsunami, many congregations seem to assume the future of the church is its youth. Today and well into the 21st century the more accurate description is: The future belongs to the old.
Of course, as we have said previously, most churches have a token Boomer/Senior adult class, a monthly potluck, a monthly field trip to a nearby outlet mall and a Spring trip to Branson, Missouri. Such approaches, however, are woefully inadequate for the task of reaching and ministering to the rapidly growing community of persons over 50.
"Why are most churches so Boomer insensitive?
Possible reasons are:
Ageism. This discrimination diminishes and demeans age. Unfortunately, it is alive and well not only in our society but also in our churches.
Ignorance. A minuscule number of church leaders have been trained in the unique needs, opportunities, and outreach strategies required for persons over 50.
Irrelevance. Most older adult church groups are still operating on past assumptions. Boomer adults today are far different from their parents or grandparents." 1
1. (Aging Adults: Boomers, Builders, and Beyond, Enrichment Journal, Winter 2002)
THE BOOMER BLOGGER
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
"But I don't want to go to church!!!"
"You have to go. You're the Pastor!!"
What is the one of the problems churches are facing in getting boomers back into church?
Boredom.
Here is what Hendricks's study revealed: "Sermons were not very popular among this crowd [who had left the church]. At best, sermons were tolerated; at worst, they were infuriating. Perhaps the most common complaint was that worship services were boring. It was not that these gatherings were not interesting; they were not worshipful."(1)
The number one problem in most churches is boredom. It is not bad theology or poor organization. It is the carefully disguised yawns. A survey done by ministry currents attributed the decline of Baby Boomers attending church to the fact that church is "irrelevant to daily life."(2)
This is not an appeal to be entertaining in our teaching. It is an appeal to be interesting. It is an admonition to be obedient to Titus 2:10, ". . . so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive."
We have failed to make the teaching of our Lord attractive. Consequently, we have lost a culture that is deeply interested in God, prayer and Christianity.
____________________________________
1. William Hendricks, Exit Interviews, (Chicago: Moody, 1993), p. 260.
2. "The Case of the Missing Boomers," Ministry Currents, January - March 1992,
The Boomer Blogger
What is the one of the problems churches are facing in getting boomers back into church?
Boredom.
Here is what Hendricks's study revealed: "Sermons were not very popular among this crowd [who had left the church]. At best, sermons were tolerated; at worst, they were infuriating. Perhaps the most common complaint was that worship services were boring. It was not that these gatherings were not interesting; they were not worshipful."(1)
The number one problem in most churches is boredom. It is not bad theology or poor organization. It is the carefully disguised yawns. A survey done by ministry currents attributed the decline of Baby Boomers attending church to the fact that church is "irrelevant to daily life."(2)
This is not an appeal to be entertaining in our teaching. It is an appeal to be interesting. It is an admonition to be obedient to Titus 2:10, ". . . so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive."
We have failed to make the teaching of our Lord attractive. Consequently, we have lost a culture that is deeply interested in God, prayer and Christianity.
____________________________________
1. William Hendricks, Exit Interviews, (Chicago: Moody, 1993), p. 260.
2. "The Case of the Missing Boomers," Ministry Currents, January - March 1992,
The Boomer Blogger
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