As a follower of Christ, what exactly is my job?
We could give a number of different answers related to conformity to Christ, discipleship, and evangelism.
The most often cited and least followed is the Great Commission of Jesus found in Matthew 28:19-20. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Jesus has called us to make disciples wherever we go.
Today, I want to make us aware of a tremendous need to reach out to the people of our country.
We have five generations in America. Sometimes they are called by different names and the dates may vary slightly, but this analysis by the Pew Research Center is a popular way of looking at the generations.
The G.I. or Greatest Generation was born pre-1928. This is the generation that fought in WWII and preserved the freedom of the world. They now make up 3% of the U.S. adult population.
The Silent Generation (this label “refers to their conformist and civic instincts”) are those born 1928-1945 (my mother’s generation). They make up 14% of the adult population and 65% of this generation are Christians.
The Baby Boomers were born between 1946-1964 and are the largest generation in US history. They are one-third of the adult population. Thirty-five percent of this population claims faith in Christ. (This is my generation). The advent of the birth control pill signaled the end of the Baby Boom.
Generation X (also known as Baby Busters because they are smaller than the Boomers) was born between 1965 and 1980. They make up 28% of the adult population but only 24% of this generation are Christians. (This is my children’s generation).
The Millennials (born between 1980 and the new millennium) make up 22% of the adult population. These are people between 13 and 33 years old. Only 15% are Christians.
We must reach all of these generations. Every person counts to God, but it is imperative we particularly learn how to reach the Millennials and those being born since 2000). My grandchildren have all been born since 2001.
This may seem like a daunting task. But please remember the Great Commission ends with Jesus saying: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In some ways, reaching those born since 1980 may not be as difficult as we often think. In an article about the “unreligious” in America, the Wall Street Journal pointed out in surveys most of the unreligious pray and half believe in angels. I believe these surveys show us that even those who call themselves unreligious are open to genuine, sincere, credible Christians giving reasons for the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).
This is our job.
If you would like to receive my daily posts, you can subscribe at the top of the page. It’s easy and it’s free.
I would also appreciate your sending this to others as well. Waylonbailey.com is my ministry across the Internet. Thank you for reading and sharing.
One Response
Yes, the case for family, for relationship and freedom are all made in your observations as they all point to a falling away from The Call: Deuteronomy 6. Each generation has abdicated the teaching (by their actions) their children to Honor and Acknowledge the Blessings of God that come out of the Authority of God in the individual and corporate life.
At a time when connectivity has never been greater over distance, each generation is increasingly cut off from Him statistically. I am pleased to see this trend is being bucked at First Baptist Covington and the reports you bring from around the World of the Great Commission event unfolding. I am pleased the trend has been reversed in my children and grandchildren, as I am fearful I would do anything to hinder their growth in Our Lord.
I have never considered the life of service to God, Country, Family, Neighbor I have led as being a part of the “Me” generation. I pray I not start now.
Thank you for the reality check!
Blessings