This workshop will explore the aging trends in ELCA and other mainline denomination congregations as compared to population demographics in North America as a whole. Why are so many of our congregations failing to reach the under 40 crowd? We will examine the unique formative events in the lives and characteristics of the current generations (Builders, Boomers, Gen X’rs, and Millennials) and offer suggestions for worship, faith formation and communications that suit their generational perspectives.

3. The Builders 1927-1945 (66-84)

5. The Boomers 1946-1964 (47-65)

8. Our churches are pretty good at reaching builders & boomers, but….

9. Who is in our mainline churches? 65% 35% 18% 4%

10. Gen-X 1965-1981 (30-46)

15. How do we engage GenX’rs through & with worship?

16. Clayfire

17. http://thehardestquestion.org FREE!

18. How do we help GenX’rs connect with their young children through church?

19. www.activatefaith.org

20. How do we help GenX’rs grow in faith through authentic, engaging small groups?

21. The Greatest Story Making Sense series’ by David Lose Innovative Small Group Bible Study Resources

22. Congregational book club using Foss: Power Surge via Facebook Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN www.zionbuffalo.org 1 of 4: info on their church website

23. Congregational book club using Foss: Power Surge via Facebook Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN 2 of 4: announcement on their Facebook page

24. Congregational book club using Foss: Power Surge via Facebook Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN 3 of 4: Separate Facebook page for the book club

25. http://twitter.com/zionbuffalo 4 of 4: Announced the Facebook-based book club via Twitter

26. Millennial 1982-2006 (5-29)

29. Millenials’ favorite communications tool: Texting USA Today Oct. 5, 2010

31. But, they also are on the Internet…a lot!

32. And, use of social media is ubiquitous

35. Core Confirmation Traditions Ancestors www.wearesparkhouse.org/reform

36. http://www.reformgallery.org Engages youth in affirming their faith through their confirmation experience

39. Let us know how we may assist you welcome people of all generations in your context! Beth Lewis [email_address] http://twitter.com/bethalewis www.augsburgfortress.org/blog