It might be very easy to dismiss the Baby Boomer generation from the work you do on the internet. You may be thinking that if they are over 50, they probably aren’t doing much on the internet. While that may have been true a few years ago, it’s not any more. The trend is revealing that more and more of the Boomers are finding their way to Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and all kinds of other sites that appeal to them. It’s more and more common now for grandparents to view videos and images of the grandkids on the net. So don’t discount their presence on the internet.
It’s worth considering what they are looking for and how you can engage them. So first, you might be that church that offers to train Baby Boomers on how to use the internet, set up a Facebook account, and learn how to use email. Seems crazy right? But if you spend a bit of time working with them, you can build advocates for your online ministry. Second, figure out how you can feed them information they can use. Prayer requests. Online sermons. Blog posts. Information on events. While first time guests are looking to find out about your church, use information to engage and empower the Ygens. Third, you might figure out which of these Boomers in your church could help you get some things done online. Be creative. They are willing to learn and will be super faithful.
Here is a related article for you to read that will provide some extra research for you.
Photo By: TooFarNorth
February 4th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
I think you have your generations wrong http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Y
February 4th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Eric. HAH. I was so engrossed in the content I totally botched the generation label. In fact, I have now been thoroughly laughed at because of this blatant mislabeling. So, this post will be fixed by a gen-x'er.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Haha – yes. This GenXer is just trying to make an example of the generational stigma… thanks for the thorough teaching measures.