BRIDGING GENERATION GAP IN CHURCH AND MINISTRY

Bringing the generation gap is very important topic important issue if the church will continue to thrive and grow.

God's divine purpose has continually been fulfilled within the scheme of many generations interacting with each other, rather than an isolated generation. Our God is God of all generations, He is "The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."

Throughout His word, the righteous declare that their purpose is to declare the glory of God to the next generation - Psalm 71:18, Psalm 145:4. From these, and many other scriptures, we can see clearly that each generation is called to build on the foundation left by the previous generation. Therefore, all generation are in great need of each other to complete the work that God has called His body to fulfil

While older generations often cling to tradition, younger generations are dynamic in nature. Differences of outlook between generations can create tension in churches. This can manifest itself in “disagreement” over the style if our worship, dressing/fashion and the music we employ in our meetings. Recent research has also shown that six (6) out to ten (10) youths who grew up in the church during their teen years are no longer spiritually active as young adults due to these differences. Sometimes, people leave churches over these issues, sometimes they cause church splits.

Therefore, it is very critical for the church today to look at how we can bridge this gap and equip our younger generation with solid biblical teachings.

Older generations are more likely to:

-          Attend worship services weekly

-          Prefer classical styles of music in worship services

-          Spend time in private devotional activity

-          Have a strong sense of loyalty to their denomination

-          Involve in church-based community service, justice or welfare activities

Younger generations are more likely to:

-          Be involved in small groups

-          Prefer contemporary styles of music in worship services

-          Feel that their gifts and skills need to be encouraged

-          Wield strong influence on their friends and are also easily influenced by peers

-          Actively use latest technology devices – emails, social media, smart phones etc

-          Be newcomers in church life, have switched denominations in the previous five years

Common Ground

Despite the differences in the characteristics of the generations, as Christians, we have a lot more in common which binds us together.

1.       The same savior to serve

As born again Christians, irrespective of our ages, we are serving the only living God. We must be willing to deny ourselves, take up the cross and follow the Lord (Mt. 10:38)

2.       The same standard to live by

Our Lord made it clear that the entire world will be judge by His word (Jn. 12:48). The word if God therefore is the standard for every citizen of the kingdom whether they are 19 or 91. The Lord expects us to live lives of purity (1Tim 5:22), holiness (1 Peter 1:16) and sobriety (1 Thes. 5:6)

3.       The same ultimate goal

Every Christian should have one goal in mind. It doesn’t matter if he is 19 or 91 to live in such a way to inherit everlasting life. Our goal is to live a life pleasing to the master, fight the good fight and to finish the race (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

HOW CAN WE BRIGDE THE GAP

An organization that fails to actively engage across the generations will fail to thrive. A church whose younger generations are engaged, focused and alive will continue to thrive until Jesus comes, to bridge the gap, the contemporary church needs to do the following among others:

1.       Keep an open mind; don’t judge – Col. 3:21-25, 2Tim. 2:19

2.       Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit – Eph. 4:3-7

3.       Be sensitive to the needs of a diverse church audience – Mk. 9:33-37

4.       Sound biblical teachings – Matt. 9:35, Col 1:28

5.       Raise more leaders among the younger generations – 2Tim. 1:13-14; 2:2

6.       Involve the younger generation in church activities & develop multi-generational small groups – Eccl 10:10

7.       Give attention to mentoring, discipleship, coaching and counselling – Mk 3:13-14, Titus 2:1-10

8.       Encourage the younger generation to study the bible and pray more – Acts 20:28; 1Thes. 5:17, 2Tim 2:15

9.       Encourage hard work, diligence and righteousness – Prov. 14:34, 22:29, 1Thes 4:11

1.   Revamp follow up and visitation strategies – Rom 1:11-13 3John 4

CONCLUSION

The vision of raising and equipping the next generation must be embraced by church leadership. The concern of the church today should be on raising and equipping the next generation. puriminternationalministry@gmail.com, Follow us on Facebook: PURIM International Ministry