I’ve been thinking about generational differences in the church. Not just the “how do we attract millennials” stuff that’s so popular these days, but more of “how do we best utilize the resources of all generations.”
I’m torn between two poles. One is seen in Paul’s advice to Timothy:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
We can’t dismiss people merely because they’re young.
The other pole is seen in the story of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12. After his father, Solomon, died, Rehoboam was made king. Solomon had taxed the people heavily, and the people asked Rehoboam for some relief. Rehoboam consulted the elders, and then he consulted his peers. As the Bible says, ““Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men…”, and Rehoboam destroyed the kingdom before he ever began to rule.
We can’t dismiss people merely because they’re old.
I want to talk a bit, but I’d love to hear your insight. How do you see things in your church? Is it youth-driven or youth-ignoring? Does experience count or is everything past irrelevant? I’m especially curious to see if you feel that your age group is empowered or not.
(I’m expecting a flood of commenters who don’t usually participate on this blog, what with all of the generational justice advocates out there)
Most of my favorite folks in my congregation are quite a bit older than me and I’m 57. In my experience there’s a world of difference between older Christians who seem mainly concerned about preserving their preferences in church and those who still see their role in church as reaching out to others and ministering to them with the love of Christ. The former often become a weight on not only the progress but also the spirit and morale of their congregations. The latter are usually delightful and uplifting to be around.