The 4th Quarter- Who We Are

The concept for The 4th Quarter was originally developed to address the unique demographic event we are experiencing in our country’s history. The Baby Boom generation (those Americans born from 1946-1964) at one time numbered 80 million. Today, those still alive number 70 million and started turning 70 years old in 2016 and continue at a rate of 10,000 per day. This generation is, by far, the largest to reach retirement age in our country’s history. When we also consider they are living longer than any previous generation, it would be a terrible waste of experience, know-how and wisdom to push them out to pasture – as the contemporary world tends to do.

Men in particular struggle when facing retirement – mostly because of identity issues. The secular world around them says “well done, your time is over….enjoy your well-earned retirement”, but Boomers struggle with “what’s next”….particularly if their identity was grounded in their profession, achievements and recognition. We believe, however, that they have a higher purpose and identity and that their best may be yet to come. As in sports, where games are often won in the 4th quarter by the team with the most stamina, will and heart to push on to victory, we believe the first three quarters of a man’s life are merely preparing him for greater achievements in his 4th quarter. We challenge men to understand that God has a plan for them and to consider how their God-given strengths and talents can be used to make a real impact as they pursue their true identity and calling. We also provide a structure to give them support and encouragement from other like-minded men who are on the same journey.

This program was envisioned by one man in Houston, Texas and later started by a small group of men in Oklahoma City. It has now expanded exponentially with growth prospects in surrounding cities in the greater Oklahoma City area. The long-term vision is for this program to spread throughout the country and endure through generations that follow.  We believe this is God’s plan for men who are called to even greater impact as they honor God and His grace by finishing well.