We live at a unique point in history where at least five generations are living and working together. Each generation has been shaped by different formative experiences: for the Silent generation—World War 2 and the Great Depression; for Generation X and onwards—the advent of the internet. Because of this, the ways they view life and faith are different..

While it is wrong to overgeneralise the characteristics of each generation, and indeed each individual is in many ways unique, there are also common trends we see in the different generations. This has resulted in misunderstanding and conflict in our families, our organisations, and in the church as well, between those from different generations. One of the fallouts from this conflict is that young adults (millennials) are leaving our churches. This is a challenge the church has not faced before.

Guided by the Scriptures, we believe that the church of Christ is meant to be a body where her members are united, diverse, and interdependent. Therefore, it is critical that we work at understanding the different generations in churches today; to help the different generations understand themselves and each other, to minimise conflict between the generations, and to help each generation contribute their unique strengths so that the church can be healthy and whole for God’s purposes..