Millennials (born from 1981-2001) are tied to their phones. Traditionalists (born before 1945) yearn for a time when social networking meant meeting face-to-face. These are just two examples of cultural norms that can be hardwired into one’s nature simply by being born at a particular time. In this book, generational guru, Shaw, presents his expertise through a lens of faith to guide readers through a survey of generational realities. Then he equips them for faithful responses that work with, not against, these givens. (Listen gently to others’ stories, for example.) Any congregation with Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) and Traditionalists will appreciate the “second adulthood” segment. Here, Shaw challenges them to help congregations figure out how to empower their cohort for an extended retirement characterized by renewed vocation. IQ is for anyone who wishes to build bridges to genuine relationships across the ages.

Reviewed by Marie F. Fleming