--- # Generational Ministry --- - Over the last five years, my wife, Denise and I have traveled the US visiting hundreds of [[Church|churches]] in dozens of states. We feel God is calling us to [[Encourage]] and [[Strong|strengthen]] pastors. In particular, we feel led to encourage them to [[Be_Ready|be ready]] for [[Jesus]]' return and help their congregations be ready for Jesus return. - I have written several notes about our observations and this note is another. - This note will focus on [[Generation|generational]] [[Ministry|ministry]]. - In many of the churches we have visited, there is only one generation in [[Leader|leadership]]. I think that is a big mistake. However, I will admit that I am only 67 and perhaps in 20 years, I may have a different opinion. - I think God intended multi-generations to live in close proximity and the older generation teach the younger. For example, Moses commanded the Israelites: - [[Hear]], O Israel: The [[Lord_God|LORD our God]], the LORD is One. And you shall [[Love]] the LORD your God with all your [[Heart]] and with all your [[Soul]] and with all your [[Strong|strength]]. - {[[Deuteronomy_06|Deuteronomy 6.4-5]] (BSB)} - In the next two verses, [[Moses]] [[Command|commanded]] the [[Israelite|Israelites]]: - These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall [[Teach]] them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. {[[Deuteronomy_06|Deuteronomy 6.6-9]] (BSB)} - I have to admit that the first few times I read **Deuteronomy 6.6-9** this afternoon (and probably all the previous times) I thought of just two generations (mine and my kids'). However that is not what it says. Moses wasn't just addressing: - 30-somethings with their young children - 40-somethings with their teenagers - 50-somethings with their young adults - 60-somethings with their children raising their own families - 70+-something with ... (I'm not there yest and won't presuppose what I am supposed to do when I get there.) - Moses' command applies to each living generation. - Although the passage above is in **chapter 6**, two chapters prior Moses commanded the Israelites: - Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. {[[Deuteronomy_04|Deuteronomy 4.9]] (BSB)} - See [[1689971216_Generations_Adam_to_Abraham|Generations - Adam to Abraham]] for more Old Testament ramblings. - In the New Testament, [[Paul]] commanded [[Timothy]] to be generational minded: - And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well. {[[2_Timothy_02|2 Timothy 2.2]] (BSB)} - So it seems that each of us should not only concern ourselves with the generation after us, but also with the next one. - Although, I didn't quote passages from every book in the Bible, I think I have presented enough evidence to warrant considering the possibility that God whats us to be generational minded. - If my assertion is correct and since this note is about church leadership, here's a couple of questions to consider about your church: - Is your church (the people) multi-generational? - Is your church leadership multi-generational? - Some of the churches we have visited over the last five years are moving toward having ONLY the younger generation up front on stage. - I think this is a big mistake! - I do think there is merit in having young people in leadership. They bring energy and a perspective that is a distant memory to the older generations. On the other hand, having exclusively young leadership leaves a huge wisdom hole. For example: - How can a young pastor with very young children effectively minister to parents with teenagers or 20-somethings? - How can a young, unmarried or newly-married pastor effectively minister to a couple considering divorce after 20 years of marriage. - How can a pastor still with children at home effectively minister to empty-nesters? - How can a young or even a middle age pastor effectively minister to the elderly? - Every family, to include our church family needs several generations to actively participate in the life of the family. - Notwithstanding all of the above, I acknowledge that every church situation is different. The things I have discussed in this note may or may not apply to your church. - However, **every** church should be listening to God and doing what He says. - To all the churches who are obeying God, I say AMEN! - On the other hand, if you are not sure your church is 100% in alignment with God, then I encourage you to spend time in prayer and fasting. - Then ... obey what He told you to do! ---