The
‘Grey Tsunami’ is the economic, ecological and social effects that the baby
boom generation is creating as it gets older.
COLUMBIA, SC — Lt. Gov. Glenn
McConnell warned lawmakers Wednesday that a failure to prepare for South
Carolina’s oncoming “gray tsunami” will cause a budget crisis and human
tragedies.
RICHMOND, VA news - Gray and Howarth are part of a booming demographic colloquially dubbed the grey tsunami. According to Statistics Canada, in 2011 Richmond's seniors population - those over the age of 65 - was 26,000, representing about 14 per cent of the population. In 10 years, that rate should be about one quarter as baby boomers reach retirement age. By 2040, roughly half the population will be over age 55.
The
‘Grey Tsunami’ is a major factor in considering the health and future of the
local church. I am working with a church of 370 people. 47% of them are over
the age of 70. 15% of them are over the age of 90! Only 15% are 30 or under.
The
implications of this are obvious to anyone with even modest intelligence. But,
churches deny this reality with impunity. Entire States, yea entire nations are
alarmed and taking action to address the ramifications of this reality.
The
church – not so much. The Median Age of the population of the United States is
39. The Median Age of the church in the United States is 58. The church will be
swept away by the Grey Tsunami if they do not take immediate and significant
steps to reach young people.
After
all, isn’t that the mandate of the Great Commission in the first place?
The statistics are staggering to be sure. But, I am wondering at the focus of the Great Commission: So, we focus on young people to keep a balanced demographic picture in the church because...why? Please understand, I agree with the idea of evangelism, but it's like a church reaching out to Plumbers because they have plumbing problems. The gospel goes to every creature. The Elect don't have a dot painted on them so that we may reach only them. I am afraid this is starting to suggest "programmed" evangelism to meet a supposed need. There are also more women in church than men... so we needed promise keepers?? But I digress. Sadly, the way the church attempts to reach "young people" is by altering everything in the church to match cultural demands, of becoming "relevant" to them. Thus, the gospel gets a make over, as well as worship. Got to keep the pew full because, hey, we have a budget you know... this big church used to house 500, and now we can't keep the lights on, so reach the young people...I can't disagree more. Again, just a thought... you said on your email to me... all comments welcome... I hope you meant it.
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