TX-NM Network Gathering: August 13–15, 2015 The GI and Silent Generations Bill Young MCC Austin Last updated: August 10, 2015 at 11:30 Bill Young: 1 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
The GI Generation (b. 1901–1924) Born 1901–1924. Formative years characterized by: Short life expectancy (47 years) High infant and childhood mortality No antibiotics Economic hardship worldwide Dust bowl in American heartland Conflict aboad Bill Young: 2 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
GI Generation Formed the manpower that tackled WWII and the Great Depression. Called by Tom Brokaw “The Greatest Generation.” Some defining characteristics: Very civic minded Clever and cooperative (scouts, youth groups, civic organizations) Like predictability and stability Bring discipline to homes, workplaces, schools, and churches Shared experiences and common enemies Bill Young: 3 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
Defining / Guiding Values Never give up Civic minded Conformity Stability and predictability Gallantry Hierarchical chains of command Frugality Male and female roles clearly defined Bill Young: 4 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
Current Situation of GI’s The GI Generation tended to take a traditional retirement where work stopped and then they pursued a life of rest and leisure. Surviving members of the GI generation are: of very advanced age (90+ years; often in failing health; probably not living independently; may be interested in leaving a legacy, financial or otherwise. Bill Young: 5 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
The Silent Generation (b. 1925–1942) Time magazine coined the name “The Silent Generation” in a 1951 article. Said that children of this generation were: unimaginative, withdrawn, unadventurous, cautious. “Children should be seen and not heard.” Many in this generation grew up in a tranquil era characterized by: suffocating conformity economic growth family togetherness green lawns of suburbia stratified gender roles Bill Young: 6 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
Influences But they also had to contend with: World War II Great depression Korean War Dust Bowl Loss of wealth from all blurred distinctions between the different social classes. Silents formed the majority of fighters in the Korean War. Bill Young: 7 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
The Silent Generation (b. 1925–1942) Younger members affected by: rock and roll beginnings of the civil rights movement This was a small generation due to the low birth rates in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It was the youngest marrying and first mass-divorcing generation in history. Bill Young: 8 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
Defining / Guiding Values “Playing by the rules always worked well for them.” –Neil Howe Members of the Silent Generation tend to: cherish the American dream value stability value conformity optimistic about the future generally respect institutions Bill Young: 9 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
Current Situation of Silents Some Silents, like the GIs, tended toward a traditional retirement. Others, more like Boomers, view retirement as a time for activity and feel a renewed sense of freedom—a time to travel, learn, and recreate. Today, Silents are: in their 70’s and 80’s the richest retirees in history enjoy relatively active retirements Why do you think that retirees of the Silent Generation have been so successful? Bill Young: 10 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
The Lucky Few Silents are sometimes called the “Lucky Few” because of their economic success: few in number, labor markets bid up their wages the large FICA-paying Boomer generation that followed made social security and Medicare benefits seem more affordable many locked in 3% fixed rate mortgages in the 1960’s, just before inflation hit during their working years, corporations offered defined-benefit pensions chief earning years coincided with a bull market in stocks and bonds many retired and cashed out before the crash of 2008 Bill Young: 11 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
What it Means for Your Church Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you. –Deuteronomy 32:7 We’re going to consider the GI and Silent generations together. 1 Do you have any GIs or Silents in your congregations? If not, why not? 2 What do they contribute to your church family? 3 Do you think they feel valued? 4 Do you have any programs for older people? 5 Do you consider older members when setting church priorities? Bill Young: 12 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
What Older Folks Contribute Older congregants often: are lifelong church members/supporters have available time to help out have skills that they’d love to put to use are known for getting things done have considerable disposable income enjoy participating in activities may need accommodation to participate fully Youth may be the “future of our church,” but are we neglecting the present of our church? Bill Young: 13 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
Using Generation Theory Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. –Psalm 71 What can Generations Theory tell us about reaching out to and ministering to members of the GI and Silent generations? What does the quote from Psalm 71 above say about the contributions of these older generations? How is this relevant to the church? Bill Young: 14 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
GI Generation: Civic/Hero Recall that the GI generation is a classic Civic generation. Sense of identity comes from belonging, not from within. Strong trust of institutions and collective action. Fitting in is more important than standing out. Often the needs of the group must supercede the needs of the individual. What does this suggest about how members of the GI generation viewed and supported the church? If the Strauss/Howe theory holds, Millennials will be another Civic generation? What does that mean for the church? Bill Young: 15 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
Silent Generation: Adaptive / Artist The Silent generation is an Adaptive generation. Generally smaller generation than parents Often seen as a “good” generation Characterized by commitment. Belong to a group, commit to it, make contributions Adopts and enlarges institutions inherited from their parents. What does this suggest about how members of the Silent generation viewed and supported the church? If the Strauss/Howe theory holds, Gen Y will be another Adaptive generation? What does that mean for the church? Bill Young: 16 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
Giving and the GI/Silent Generations Because of their life experiences: Money is security. Stewardship motivators are sacrifice and commitment Giving is part of social obligation and sense of belonging. Will sacrifice to build and maintain the institutions they love. Know it takes money to maintain institutions / churches. Don’t resent the institution relying on them for support. These generations will give money “to keep the lights on.” Trust the institution to do the right thing with their funds. Bill Young: 17 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
Exercise Gather again into groups at your table. Within your group compose a stewardship letter aimed at the GI and Silent members of your congregation. Assume you have some, even if you don’t. 1 What sorts of things are likely to motivate these givers? 2 What don’t they want to hear? 3 Do you think these differ significantly between GIs and Silents? 4 Suppose they found out that you are crafting a letter specifically for them. Do you think they’d feel that this is manipulative? Do you think so? Bill Young: 18 Generations Theory: GIs and Silents
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