Essay On Baby Boom Generation

The Baby Boom generation numbers approximately 80 million Americans, which are more than the two previous generations, combined. This group was born between the end of World War II and 1964, with the majority of this group growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. While there are differences between those born early in this group and those born later, they share some common characteristics such as: being more self-centered, individualistic, suspicious of authority, and are focused on the present more than any other generations (Hawkins & Mothersbaugh, 2010). Six major American mainline denominations controlled Protestantism during the period Baby Boomers were born. However, in the last 60 years mainline churches have dropped from 80,000 to 72,000 churches. Mainline churches comprise 20 percent of Protestant churches today with membership dropping by 25 percent to approximately 20 million members. Research indicates today only 15 percent of American adults identify with a mainline church (Barna Group, 2009). Church leaders in mainline institutions should strive to understand these numbers not only for what they mean today but for the future of their denominations.

Religious institutions are in a predicament as for the first time in America non-Christians outnumber Christians (Considine, 1995). Since 2000, there has been a 22 percent drop in mainline congregations of adults who have children in their home. Single adults have risen to 39 percent of those who attend church. Mainline churches struggle in attracting young adults, Hispanics, and Asians. These churches also have a behavioral component helping in their membership decline. Less than one-third of adults in these churches feel they have a responsibility to share their fa...

... middle of paper ...

...n, while others may be made at any time, and some may need to be made over and over again. The distribution strategy cannot be over stated as this decides how the products and services of the church connect with the congregation and community.

Benefits for Marketing-Oriented Churches

While some may still debate if religious institutions should use marketing, if used properly, it does not contradict religious values. When churches use strategic planning and effective marketing, they experience greater growth in both finances and attendance (Shah, David, Surawski, & Iii, 2003). Religious marketing should take into account the uniqueness of religious institutions. Marketing must have a positive effect on the community, church, and should be used as a tool leading to the fulfillment of the mission of the church and a spiritually healthy congregation.