The theme of generations is actually quite old, being a part of human experience for thousands of years. The Bible uses the words "generation" and "generations" 201 times. There are lists of entire families, such as found in Genesis 5:1, "This is the book of the generations of Adam" and in 6:9, "These are the records of the generations of Noah."

There are references to punishment being served on people to the fourth generation (see Exodus 20:5). Christ references a generational triad when expounding on the resurrection in Matthew 22:32. "I am the God of Abraham, and God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." References are made to evil generations (Deuteronomy 1:35) and righteous ones (Psalm 14:5).

It is inferred that individuals have responsibility to serve their own generation. In his message to the Antiochians, Paul refers to David's service to his own generation in Acts 13:36. "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, . . ."

There is also a responsibility to teach the next generations (see Psalm 48:13). Of course, each generation has an evangelistic mandate to communicate the good news to all generations. Psalm 145: 4 confirms, "One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts."

Scripture obviously takes the theme of generations seriously. It affirms the different nature of generations; particularly that some generations are more responsive to the gospel than others. What is more, the Bible affirms that there is a natural succession of generations, "A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever" (Ecclesiastes 1:4).

A similar theme is noted by Homer, who compares generations to leaves:

As the leaves

of the trees are born and perish,

thus pass the ages of man:

old leaves to earth are dashed

by autumn winds; other nurtured

by the flowering forest, proudly

grow in Spring's living breadth;

and the generations of man are so:

one is born and another passes away.

Life Span of Generations

When we think of ourselves as part of a generation, studies have found that we usually define ourselves within a 15 to 20 year range. For example, we usually think of those who were born about the same time as we were as "our" generation. The years that span "our" generation are normally not shorter than 15 years nor longer than 20. Thus, in 2002 we find four major generations: Builders, Boomers, Busters, and Bridgers.

The Builder Generation is comprised of two full generations - GIs and Silents. Due to the slower pace of life, as well as the major formative events of the time, they developed a similar perspective on life. Thus, they are viewed as a single generational whole.

The three succeeding generations each fit the normal 15-20 year generational span. Determining a generation, however, involves more than simply the span of years. The formative events must also come together to form a generational mindset. The clearest example of a generation that has both the required span of years and unified consciousness is the Boomers.

All researchers are in basic agreement that the Boomer Generation began in 1946 and ended in 1964. Disagreement arises when attempting to designate the Busters and Bridgers. The Busters are a true "bust" generation if they are defined by the years 1965 to 1976. The problem comes when we realize that 11 years is short of the normal 15 to 20 years needed to define a generation. Using the years 1965 to 1983 makes more sense, especially when looking at the events that formed them. Likewise, using the years 1984 to 2002 for the Bridgers fits the normal pattern of generations best.

Succession of Generations

Clearly, there has always been a succession of generations. In times when there is a short life span, there are normally only three generations alive at one time. Yet, in times of a longer life span there are typically four or more generations interacting. Thus, at the beginning of the 1900s, when life expectancy was under 50 years, only three generations were interacting together in most situations. As we enter the 21st century, life expectancy is approaching 80 years, which means at least four, and perhaps five generations are interacting today.

The struggle that has taken place in the last 50 years between generations is due in part to the intersection of two major trends: longer ages and rapid change. The pace of change created a generation gap and technology gap in knowledge and experience. The longer ages meant more generations were interacting, i.e., pushing their views and agendas. Conflict and misunderstandings between generations is not surprising in such an environment.

More importantly, we must understand the natural succession of generations in terms of their influence. Let us describe these generations as young, adult, mature, and senior. Historically the young generation is preparing to contribute as adults, i.e., they are studying, learning, and experiencing life. The Bridgers are filling this generational role today.

The adult generation is promoting its view of the world and life. The Busters are now in this phase and, although they are not in control of much, they are beginning to make headway in influencing life with their perspectives.

Today's mature generation is the Boomers. They are prevailing in the sense that it is their worldview that predominates society, business, and life. And, of course, the senior generation is the Builders who are exiting the arena of life, as far as their influence is concerned.

It is this natural progression of preparing, promoting, prevailing, and exiting that creates the tension between generations. When life's events are not dramatic or the pace of change is slow, the tension created in the succession of generations is mild. However, in times of rapid and climatic change, the generational progression creates lots of frustration and conflict, which is what has been taking place during the past half century.

Dr. Gary L. McIntosh is professor of Christian Ministry & Leadership at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, Calif. He is a nationally known author, speaker, and church growth consultant. He may be reached at e-mail: cgnet@mac.com.