There's a saying that I have heard in recent years. "If you can't figure out some kind of technology, just ask a teenager to show you." The reality truly does seem to be that the younger generation is more up to date on technological advances. After all, that is the world that they are growing up in. For kids, even as young as elementary school, computers, tablets, and the like are already in use when it comes to the education task, so it makes sense that they would know more about such things than those of us who don't have that extensive of a background in them.
Yet, one thing we also recognize is that, with age often comes wisdom. Those who have been there, done that, actually do have some wisdom and knowledge that they can pass down to the younger generations. Even as they may struggle to relate to those younger than them, the effect that they can have when they take a younger person or two under their wing can truly be a remarkable thing.
However, when you look at a typical Christian church in our day and age, you are more likely to find that the ages and stages get somewhat segregated from each other. There is Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, Single Adult Ministry, Family Ministry, Senior Ministry, and perhaps many other flavors. While the intent behind these is actually a good thing, the one side effect that they can have is to isolate one generation from another, and in doing that, actually increase the distance between people of faith.
Think of how these often come to light. One generation finds their worship life enhanced by traditional music and liturgy, while another generation finds their worship life ehanced by more contemporary expressions. Instead of working together to see how they can praise God with a new song, these often end up sitting in opposite corners, each saying that the other just simply doesn't get it.
What if these generations were to come together in a study of God's Word, actually listen to each other, and calmly discuss what they hear the other saying, and expressing what their thoughts are? Wouldn't that seem more conducive to building up the body of Christ, rather than having them cast their flaming arrows at each other from opposite corners? It's a worthwhile thing to consider.
As a pastoral leader of a congregation, this is the shape of some future ministry directions that we will be going. It will not be easy as we engage on this journey, but one thing I have noticed is that the most worthwhile things in life are not the easiest to do.
Yet, one thing we also recognize is that, with age often comes wisdom. Those who have been there, done that, actually do have some wisdom and knowledge that they can pass down to the younger generations. Even as they may struggle to relate to those younger than them, the effect that they can have when they take a younger person or two under their wing can truly be a remarkable thing.
However, when you look at a typical Christian church in our day and age, you are more likely to find that the ages and stages get somewhat segregated from each other. There is Children's Ministry, Youth Ministry, Single Adult Ministry, Family Ministry, Senior Ministry, and perhaps many other flavors. While the intent behind these is actually a good thing, the one side effect that they can have is to isolate one generation from another, and in doing that, actually increase the distance between people of faith.
Think of how these often come to light. One generation finds their worship life enhanced by traditional music and liturgy, while another generation finds their worship life ehanced by more contemporary expressions. Instead of working together to see how they can praise God with a new song, these often end up sitting in opposite corners, each saying that the other just simply doesn't get it.
What if these generations were to come together in a study of God's Word, actually listen to each other, and calmly discuss what they hear the other saying, and expressing what their thoughts are? Wouldn't that seem more conducive to building up the body of Christ, rather than having them cast their flaming arrows at each other from opposite corners? It's a worthwhile thing to consider.
As a pastoral leader of a congregation, this is the shape of some future ministry directions that we will be going. It will not be easy as we engage on this journey, but one thing I have noticed is that the most worthwhile things in life are not the easiest to do.
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