Over the past several weeks, you’ve heard from several women writing about what they wish others knew about their generations. This week, you’ll hear from Kelly King (Baby Boomer)! Read Georgia Williams’ (Gen Z), Elizabeth Hyndman’s (Millennial), and Carol Pipes’ (Gen X) articles and stay tuned next week for an article written by a Silent.
I love Monday mornings. The beginning of a new week invites me to dream of tasks that lie ahead and consider all the ways I can be productive and accomplish the work God has entrusted me with.
This doesn’t resonate with every woman or every generation. As a woman who trends toward the youngest of the Boomer generation, it’s hard to think of myself in a generational “box.” Even so, the reality is work often gives me great pleasure, even to the point of my work being associated with my identity. As a Baby Boomer, I’m not alone. If you do a quick search on stereotypes of our generation, you’ll quickly find we often find joy in accomplishing tasks and personal fulfillment in work, even to the point of being workaholics.
This is only one of the things I want you to know about my generation—there’s a lot to understand about this large segment of the population. We were born between 1946 and 1964 and were raised during a time of economic prosperity, optimism, and social change following World War II. We represent a large group of people who are in various stages of life. Many are still working full time, some are grandparents, and some are enjoying retirement.
In fact, some people divide our generation with a subset called Generation Jones, those born between 1954 and 1965. As someone who would fall in this segment, we represent a group of people who grew up during the Watergate scandal, the oil crisis, and entered the workforce as the highest-educated population. We think we can embrace change and adapt to younger trends, but if I poll most of my peers, they neither knew who Kendrick Lamar was during the last Super Bowl halftime show nor did they appreciate his performance. It’s hard to admit we would rather listen to the Eagles or Fleetwood Mac.
Reflecting on other aspects of the Baby Boomer generation, here are a few other things you might want to know:
Baby Boomers have a strong work ethic.
As I’ve already mentioned, many people in my generation have a strong work ethic, which can be positive and negative. Our first full-time jobs required us to wear professional clothing, be at our desks before 8 a.m., and stay long after 5 p.m. We didn’t have the option of flexible hours or flexible workspaces. In my first seven years in the workforce, I went from using an electric typewriter to learning how to use my first Apple desktop—which definitely wasn’t a laptop I could take to a local coffee shop.
There was strong accountability and strong authority figures in the workplace. Benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, pensions, and 401k plans were a priority. We were motivated by cultural influences on Wall Street and climbing corporate ladders. Corporate takeovers and risky investments weren’t only displayed on the big screen. We wanted to live it. It was either that or flying as a Top Gun naval aviator—from the first Top Gun movie that premiered in 1986 with someone else my age, Tom Cruise. As a young marketing executive in the 80s, my wardrobe consisted of starched cotton shirts, formal suits, heels, and pantyhose. Lipstick and big hair were mandatory. I may not miss wearing heels and pantyhose, but I still appreciate someone who shows up to work on time and looks professional.
One of the downsides of working long hours and finding our identity in our jobs is that many in my generation are having a hard time letting go. We’ve invested our lives in our work, and we may fear a younger generation might not steward it well. Even so, it would behoove Baby Boomers to make pathways for a younger generation, mentor them in their work, and cheer them on when they make needed changes. My generation could stand to loosen up a bit and be more sympathetic to younger adults. We might bemoan millennials, but we also raised them.
Baby Boomers are caring for family members.
Many in my generation are in a season of caring for other family members. We find ourselves in the “sandwich generation,” taking care of elderly parents, but also navigating issues with young adult children, and attending ballgames of grandchildren. This can often lead to being pulled in various directions. You may think our generation should be the most faithful and committed to church activities, but between caring for others, visiting children in other states, or traveling with discretionary income, we are often non-committal when it comes to serving in ministry.
Baby Boomers Aren’t as Open About Talking About Mental Health.
Mental illness and therapy were not a common conversation for my generation. We often labeled counseling as a weakness. While we often tackle problems within small groups of peers and mentors, we also mask problems and avoid uncomfortable conversations. Even though I’ve been told many times that counseling is beneficial, I’ve yet to schedule an appointment. We are not against younger generations who seek professional help, but we sometimes have a hard time seeking it for our own needs.
Baby Boomers are the wealthiest generation.
We are also the wealthiest generation—and by a lot. Some Boomers who once wore bell bottoms and headbands in the 60s traded them for suits and investment portfolios. Boomers have benefited from economic prosperity, more affordable real estate, and inheriting assets from previous generations. The Boomer generation has twice the wealth as the next generation, Gen X, which in some circles is $80 trillion compared to $40 trillion. The bank of “Mom and Dad” now helps millennials and Gen Z children and grandchildren with houses, education, and other financial needs. My generation should learn to be generous, not only with their family but also in their churches.
Financial wealth isn’t the only thing Boomers can offer in ministry leadership. They have backgrounds in business, education, and technology. A wise church leader will harness the skills of retired Boomers and ask them for their expertise. Because we understand and value the importance of respect toward authorities, your respect toward us can go a long way.
Baby Boomers love technology.
A surprising observation of the Baby Boomer generation is our love for technology. Our generation was the first to use computers in the workforce and we have adapted to many technological advances during our adult years. We might complain about learning a new computer program, but we’ll adapt. Just give us a little time.
Baby Boomers are optimistic about the future.
Finally, many in my generation are optimistic about future generations. There is a sincere desire to disciple younger women and take on the role of spiritual mother. We may be intimidated by your knowledge of scripture and theology, but if you’ll give us the chance to love you and encourage you in your walk with Christ, we find great joy in being around younger women. It helps us believe we are younger than the reflection staring back at us in the mirror, but it also helps us fulfill the mandate of Titus 2. You are not a burden to bear but a blessing to know. Let us walk beside you and encourage you as we pass the baton—even at times begrudgingly.
Get a head start and sign up for our free You Lead Webinar in November 2025: Every Generation Asks: What Do I Have to Offer? Plus, listen to this episode of the MARKED Podcast to hear best practices for having a flourishing intergenerational women’s ministry.
ABOUT KELLY D. KING
Kelly D. King is the women’s minister at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. She is also a visiting professor of Christian Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has been married to her husband, Vic, for thirty-six years. They have two married young adult children and two grandchildren that call her KK—because Boomers like cool grandparent names.
