Exploring Generational Clashes in Ministry
Part 1: The Way It’s Always Been
It was supposed to be a quick planning meeting for the upcoming Christmas church outreach event, led by the Kids Ministry Team, but what unfolded felt more like a generational standoff. At the time, I served as the Kids Ministry Director, emboldened to ensure that this event would be planned and executed in excellence.
Serve Team member #1, which we can consider having the pseudonym of Barbara, a Baby Boomer and longtime serve team member within the ministry for over 20 years, who had seen her children matriculate through the baby room to graduate from the 5th grader classroom, she had unequivocally been faithfully running the kids ministry founder’s team for over 20 years. She’s organized, traditional, and fiercely loyal to “the way we’ve always done things.” Then there’s serve team member #2, whom we can call Jordan, 22 years old, creative, fresh out of college, and a Gen Z’er who recently joined the team, alongside her dedicated and enthusiastic mother, with bold ideas, Canva templates, novice but incredibly valuable graphic design skills, and a passion for mental health and flexibility. It was undeniable that both of them were committed. They both cared deeply. But somehow, they keep missing each other.
During the meeting, Jordan suggested rethinking the entire layout of the welcome table and family check in process: “What if we added a digital check-in kiosk and included gluten free candies and sensory-friendly options for neurodiverse guests?” Barbara, on the other hand, barely blinked before replying, “That sounds confusing. People want warmth, not machines. We’ve been greeting people at that spot with welcome bags filled with gummy candies and chocolates in addition to giving out hugs and handshakes since our pastor started this church. Let’s not complicate things.”
Cue the eye roll. Cue the sigh. Jordan felt unheard. Barbara felt disrespected. And the room, filled with 6 additional serve team members? Uncomfortably silent.
Essentially, what we witnessed wasn’t just a personality clash. It was a classic case of generational disconnect.
Let me break this down:
We first become aware of the Boomer Mindset:
Barbara grew up in a world that emphasized structure, hierarchy, and reverence for authority. Her “old-school” way of doing things comes from decades of experience, trial and error, and watching systems that work, stay working. Further, my experience has identified the value in Boomers in the fact that they bring an unwavering loyalty to a mission. The ycan be counted on because of their follow through to maintain the status quo/standard.
While we also become aware of the Gen Z Mindset:
Jordan is part of a generation that values freedom, mental wellness, inclusion, and transparency. To them, questioning systems aren’t rebellious, t’s responsible. Their tone can feel bold, but it’s rooted in a desire for authenticity and progress. And, based on my additional experience, their very brave to voice their opinions and perspectives no matter the cost because the stand ten toes down on their beliefs.
Let’s be very clear, when Barbara says, “We’ve always done it this way,” she’s not being stubborn, she’s protecting something sacred.
When Jordan replies, “That’s the problem,” she’s not being rebellious, she’s trying to make it better.
But in the absence of shared understanding among these two individuals, it all sounds like criticism towards their fellow sister in Christ.
Reflection Question:
Are we listening to understand or listening to defend?
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we unpack what happens next and how churches (and workplaces) can bridge the generational gap instead of deepening it.