Boomer in a GenXer Body?
In a dialogue over on Todd’s site earlier today, "Rick" mistakenly had me pegged as a "Boomer." In actuality I was born in 1968. That makes me part of the Generation X. I’ve never really understood that though. I’m not really what people say I should be as a GenXer.
As I pointed out to Rick, I’m a GenXer that’s optimistic about my future, committed to helping the institutional church reach more people for Jesus and I prefer not to share conversations with complete strangers at the coffee shop.
I’m not a "slacker." I’m actually quite driven. I’ve had a job ever since I graduated from college. I’ve never moved back home to live with my parents, and I don’t like to buy clothes from The Gap. (As you know, I prefer The Buckle.)
Makes me wonder, though, whether or not these generational stereotypes are really valid. Am I really that different from my peers? Or, when it comes down to it, aren’t we really just wired differently by God. We grow up in unique environments. We learn through experiences in unique cultures. Maybe it’s really not about the generation we belong to. Maybe God has just created us to be unique.
And, if that’s true, it’ll probably always be the case that we’ll need all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people. We’ll need seeker churches and emergent churches. We’ll need small churches and big churches. We’ll need charismatic churches and churches for guys like me who are, well, how should I say this…not very charismatic. I love that, though. Life would be pretty boring if every church was like Granger.
And, life would be very boring if every Christ-follower was like me–a Boomer in a GenXer body.
I think you are right. It has much less to do with being a Boomer, GenXer or GenYer and more to do with how God uniquely wires each person and shapes him or her through unique environments and experiences. Viewing people in this way is much more applicable than any broad description.
Nice. I think we agree more than we disagree. Good to dialogue with you, Tony…and props for giving me typing-time on your site…although I’m not sure if it’s meant to be complimentary. ;)
5 things on my mind today
1) I should follow some long given advice and read this book. It seems that I have an apparent difficulty in letting people just be who they without trying to effect change in the environment that will effect change in
God is UP TO SOMETHING. I journalled about my age today too though I’m a decade older than you! lol.
In my miniscule wisdom I know I am in the right place in the right time even if circumstances look different, and you are too! Like Esther we “were born for just a time like this”
It’s just the labels are somehow a bit skewed. Not that God likes labels much in my experience. He tries to break out of the man-made boxes all the time and He encourages us to do so too.
We are unique. Look in the mirror and who do you see? you. not a carbon copy of someone else! you! Let that be a daily reminder!!!
Love your blog btw
Be blessed.