A common thought present in many Christian congregations is that we need to "raise up the next generation". In many congregations, you will hear of the need to reach the "younger generation". Ministers and pastors are often called to help reach "young families", and given that task. And yes, these are good and noble intentions. We want to reach out with the saving message of forgiveness and renewal in Jesus to the next generation, to families with children and the like.
At the same time, this mindset or approach can carry some unintended consequences. Imagine that you are a senior adult at a congregation who wants to reach "young families." Where does that put you? Are you not worth ministering to? And at the same time, we also have to ask the question, are there older people in our communities who need that saving message of forgiveness and renewal in Jesus delivered to them as well?
Do we take care of the present, or of the future? Actually, I would venture a different question. Why can't we do both? Why can't we show that God's grace is present for current believing and unbelieving seniors, and is also there for the younger people who both believe and do not yet believe? Sure, the approach to such varied groups may be far different, but I would suggest that, to do one at the expense of the other is actually a harmful thing.
Think about the wisdom that a more mature Christian can pass along to someone of the younger generation. Or, think of the smile that a young Christian can bring to even the most hardened of seniors, even if they simply tell that senior that Jesus loves them as they give them a hug. Sometimes we need the seniors to pass along wisdom and teach maturity to the younger generation, and at times we need the younger generation to remind the seniors that Jesus spoke of receiving the kingdom of God as a child, with a child-like faith.
Sure, nurturing those within a congregation who fit this whole span can be a balancing act at times, and working to reach out to those who do not yet know Jesus can be even more challenging. Yet, isn't that a challenge worth taking up? The kingdom of heaven will not be populated only by senior adults, or only by young people. It will be made up of all people who express their faith in what Jesus accomplished for them. A common message, even as it is one that is expressed and conveyed in a variety of ways to a variety of people.
At the same time, this mindset or approach can carry some unintended consequences. Imagine that you are a senior adult at a congregation who wants to reach "young families." Where does that put you? Are you not worth ministering to? And at the same time, we also have to ask the question, are there older people in our communities who need that saving message of forgiveness and renewal in Jesus delivered to them as well?
Do we take care of the present, or of the future? Actually, I would venture a different question. Why can't we do both? Why can't we show that God's grace is present for current believing and unbelieving seniors, and is also there for the younger people who both believe and do not yet believe? Sure, the approach to such varied groups may be far different, but I would suggest that, to do one at the expense of the other is actually a harmful thing.
Think about the wisdom that a more mature Christian can pass along to someone of the younger generation. Or, think of the smile that a young Christian can bring to even the most hardened of seniors, even if they simply tell that senior that Jesus loves them as they give them a hug. Sometimes we need the seniors to pass along wisdom and teach maturity to the younger generation, and at times we need the younger generation to remind the seniors that Jesus spoke of receiving the kingdom of God as a child, with a child-like faith.
Sure, nurturing those within a congregation who fit this whole span can be a balancing act at times, and working to reach out to those who do not yet know Jesus can be even more challenging. Yet, isn't that a challenge worth taking up? The kingdom of heaven will not be populated only by senior adults, or only by young people. It will be made up of all people who express their faith in what Jesus accomplished for them. A common message, even as it is one that is expressed and conveyed in a variety of ways to a variety of people.
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