Selected responses to “Will the Boomers [ever] retire”

 

è I think there can be success when leadership is transferred.  When the Boomer leader names the successor, instead of a next generation coup.  This type of transfer of leadership could take place, when personalities match up and egos do not feel jeopardized.  Example sounds like the situation you stated at the end of your article.  I know of a situation where the pastor (a little older than a boomer) brought on an assistant pastor, for that very reason, transfer of leadership.  Senior Pastor is leaving sooner than was originally planned and the people seem to be drawing towards the new leadership.   "Coups and Force" lead me to think that the innocent bystanders (congregants, members) are going to be the ones who would suffer most. 

 

 

è My gut-level answers...

Simple answer = Most won't till way past prime

Emotional answer = I sure the *&%$ hope so

Spiritual answer = After years of exceptional competence this will finally test their character

Political answer = Nothing is more difficult than gaining power, except releasing it

Real answer = The ones that will let go shouldn't and the ones that won't should

It's not about having the right generation in power.  It's about having the right people.

 

è Who cares?  Boomers hold on to power and offices and free cars and travel accounts and the senior pastorates of the large churches thinking they have won the lottery.  Sorry.  We are not impressed. You can have those things Boomers—we don’t care.<span