Generations: The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069 (Book)
William Strauss, Neil Howe, Authors.  New York, NY: William Morrow, 1991.

While we tend to assume that our own world view is the "norm," Strauss and Howe explain how generational differences color our experiences. They differentiate five current generations: G.I.'s (born 1901-1924), Silents (1925-1942), Boomers (1943-1960), Generation Xers (1961-1981), and Millenials (born after 1982). The authors further argue that these generational differences reflect a cyclical pattern that can be identified throughout American history from the time of the first European settlements.

The authors' insights enable us 1) to better understand the different world views that influence congregational life and 2) to identify persons whose perspectives are under-represented and who may consequently feel alienated from their faith community. Perhaps most thought-provoking is the book’s application of this cyclical pattern to the future. Strauss and Howe's proposal provides a model of the relationship between past, present, and future, and suggests the generational patterns that may affect the way faith is expressed and shaped in the years ahead.

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See also these resources:

Generations of Faith: A Congregational Atlas (Book)
Carl Eeman, Author.  Herndon, VA: Alban Institute, 2002.
Carl Eeman applies Strauss and Howe's theory of generational types to the church. This book will help congregational and denominational leaders understand changes in American culture and how those changes impact the church.