I am 58 years old (soon), and this morning I am speaking to my peers in my own age group because we have an important choice before us.
The old ways are no longer working. Church is no longer attractional: “If we put on a really good service and offer really good programs, people will come.” They won’t—that doesn’t work anymore. Things are changing, and we have a choice.
We can open ourselves to becoming a part of the change, facilitating it and helping. Or we can block it, insisting on our own ways of doing things, and become irrelevant.
Here is my challenge to you, 50-somethings and 60-somethings. Find a young leader and—instead of teaching him or her your ways—see what you can do to help support that young leader in finding their own ways. Sit down with that young leader and ask them questions—only questions—about their vision. When you feel disapproval or disagreement coming on, pray rather than criticizing. Try having that conversation this week—it’s much harder than it sounds.
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.” — Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)