How Can the Church Bridge the Generation Gap Through the Use of New Technology?

Do you use technology (websites, email, social networking sites, texting, blogging, etc.) to connect with people for discipleship? If so, how? What does it look like for the church to engage people across generations to make disciples?

Almost a year ago, the Barna Group conducted a survey to explore how technology drives the generation gap.

In their research they divided people into four main groups:

• Mosaics (18-24)
• Busters (25-43)
• Boomers (44-62)
• Elders (63+)

Their findings, in one sense, aren’t too surprising. The younger generations tend to use new technology more than older generations. However, some of their observations are very telling.

For example, while Americans of all ages use new technology in various ways, older generations view them as a convenience. It’s easier and quicker to send an email than a letter.

Younger generations, on the other hand, “rely on technology to facilitate their search for meaning and connection.” That’s important.

If we are to connect in meaningful ways with younger generations, we will either use their technology to make points of entry into their world or we will fail.

This certainly does not mean that discipleship will now take place behind computer screens or on the other end of a text message, but it does mean that if we fail to connect with younger people in those ways, then our efforts at discipling people will die along with older generations and older forms of connection.

Here’s a chart they give showing how different generations use technology:

So I ask again, do you use technology (websites, email, social networking sites, texting, blogging, etc.) to connect with people for discipleship? If so, how? What does it look like for the church to engage people across generations to make disciples?

If you haven’t already done so, click here to participate in the poll on technology use.