I’m 56 years old, so I’m not that old – but I am older than the majority of people in our church in Wake Forest. Our church doesn’t do this at all, but too many younger churches fail to recognize what older people bring to a congregation. At the risk of sounding like I’m trying to prove my own value, here are some things older people bring to a younger church:
- Life. We’ve walked through life in ways that most younger people have not. Few things teach you like life does.
- Experience. Most of us have learned what to do and what not to do via our own wise and dumb choices. We’ve also learned from previous church mistakes.
- Dollars. We’re not all rich, but we usually have a few more dollars to give to God’s work.
- Perspective. Life has taught us that not everything is an emergency. As long as the Lord wills, the sun will indeed come up tomorrow.
- Prayer. For some of us, poor health makes prayer our primary ministry. That’s okay, though, because it can be a powerful ministry.
- Grace. I know that some older folks can be legalistic and judgmental, but I’ve seen some older believers be much more gracious than younger ones.
- Balance. It seldom hurts a young generation to hear the perspective of those much older than they. Healthy churches work toward generational balance.
- Grandparents. Pam and I don’t have children, but we can be grandparents to children running around the church – particularly those kids whose mobile families live far from their biological grandparents.
- History. Sometimes we’ve been in the church long enough that we know some of the potholes to try to avoid.
- Mentors. We’re not all available for this ministry, but many of us are. We want to walk beside younger believers.
- Reminders. Older folks in the church are a reminder that there are still older folks to reach. A church that does no outreach to older folks may someday long for more experience and age in their congregation.
- Support. Some older folks can be thorns in the side (and so can younger people), but most older folks I know want their young pastors to succeed. Bring the Word of God to us, and we’ll watch your back.
What would you add to this list?
Perspective: Some older people are never married singles and we bring wisdom of a life in service to Christ.
Good point, Tracy. Thanks.
Grandparents. Many people don’t live near older relatives. Combining young families and older people gives opportunity for close relationships between young and old that they might otherwise miss out on.
I missed you already said that. Oops.
Thanks, Jeannette.
Perspective (the Long View): Older people have often lived long enough to realize that their gifts, experience, and wisdom can be applied to service in ways they never imagined.
Thanks, Donna.
We have patience and we will take time to listen.
Thanks!
Respect. One of my members pointed out the need to learn and show respect to others, and also to show respect to the Bible, by carrying it and knowing what it says.
Good thought, Brian. Thanks.
There is a common belief that we gradually become less useful as we grow older. That this world is made for the young. Perhaps that is so. But we are not of this world. When we live our lives for God, our journey here does not end until we take our final breath. Noah, Moses, Abraham-some of our greatest biblical examples-all went on some of their greatest adventures at a time when most would be settling into retirement. Should you be finding yourself feeling a little bit forgotten, overlooked, unappreciated…take care to remember that God will use you at any age, and any stage. There is no age limit to the way He works, and His is a love that never grows old.
Article by Jada Pryor
between your 12 points and the article jada,i have my sermon..thanks God Bless
Thanks for the input.