The June 2018 issue of Christian Standard is The Generation Issue, a focused look at how churches can serve, lead, and disciple across multiple age groups in a time of rapid change. Anchored by Haydn Shaw’s feature, “5 Things You Need to Know About the 5-Generation Church,” this issue explores the challenges and opportunities that come when traditionalists, boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z share the same congregational life. The issue repeatedly returns to one pressing ministry question: how can churches build unity and effectiveness without ignoring real generational differences?
Readers will find practical guidance on leadership development, discipleship, intergenerational small groups, internships, and ministry to college students. Articles examine how churches can move from hero-centered leadership to hero making, how elders can lead through prayer, how missions work can benefit from multiple generations, and how older adults can continue to grow and serve meaningfully in the local church. The issue also includes a substantial church survey on large and medium churches, plus a Restoration Movement reflection in “Our Position Revisited.”
Taken together, The Generation Issue offers a thoughtful resource for pastors, elders, ministry teams, and church members who want to navigate generational change with wisdom and faithfulness. Rather than treating generations as a problem to solve, this Christian Standard issue presents them as people to understand, disciple, and love. For readers interested in The Generation Issue, this edition provides long-term insight into church leadership, discipleship, and intergenerational ministry.
