Bridging Divided Worlds: Generational Cultures in Congregations (Book)
Jackson W. Carroll, Wade Clark Roof, Authors.  San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2002.

Can congregations appeal to different generations? Jackson Carroll and Wade Roof tackle this issue through detailed case studies of various congregations in California and North Carolina. After presenting historical and sociological portraits of pre-boomers, baby boomers, and Generation X—in societal and religious contexts—the authors divide the congregations studied into three types.

Congregations of inherited traditions seek to preserve their traditions and are least likely to alter their worship to appeal to younger generations. Blended congregations try to preserve tradition while making some concessions to current culture—a delicate balance that typically fails to please everyone. Generation-specific congregations target a specific generation, but as members age or their life circumstances change, these congregations may have trouble with retention or with appealing to new generations.

While easy answers to intergenerational conflicts do not exist, congregations that learn to understand their type (inherited, blended, or generation-specific) can discern their drawbacks and opportunities. From there, they may choose to continue on the same path or seek another. The appendix (with survey questions and results) and index enhance the book’s usability in a group study setting.

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